(Note: this story has been updated to reflect Councilmen Garry Bredefeld's decision about not supporting placing the Brand sales tax plan on the ballot.) November’s ballot in Fresno could bring a battle of competing sales tax hikes. Mayor Lee Brand announced his plan Monday for a half-cent sales tax, with...
Pot, Parks, & Race Relations Highlight District 3 Forum
Four candidates running for Fresno City Council, District 3 met in a forum Thursday (April 19) night, sharing their views and qualifications. GV Wire, in conjunction with CMAC and Fresno’s Young Leading Professionals, held the 90-minute forum in the district at the Westside Church of God. Miguel Arias, Tate Hill,...
Fresno Mayor Brand Endorses Public Safety Tax Ahead of Parks Tax
UPDATE: 5:32 p.m., Thursday, April 5 Fresno Mayor Lee Brand put his shoulder squarely behind a proposed sales-tax increase for public safety today in a statement emailed to GV Wire. "While the City of Fresno has many challenges, including parks and green space, my job as your Mayor is to...
With Baines' Endorsement, Hill Eyes District 3 Council Seat
Tate Hill was born and raised on the west side of Fresno. Now he wants to represent his neighborhood and beyond on the Fresno City Council. Running for the District 3 seat, Hill sits down with Take 5 to explain his stance on some of the issues facing affecting area residents....
Avoid the Collision Course. Try a Combined Parks & Public Safety Tax.
Thus far, Mayor Lee Brand and his two-term predecessor, Ashley Swearengin, have been on the same page. From cracking down on slumlords to downtown revitalization to attracting new business, Brand has carried on the Swearengin agenda. But now they're on a collision course. Swearengin very much wants to see Fresno...
Backers See a 'Green Light' for Fresno Parks Tax on November Ballot
Polling conducted by The Trust For Public Land shows "overwhelming support" for a sales tax aimed at improving and expanding the city of Fresno's park system, a California representative of the national nonprofit told GV Wire on Monday. "There's always a lot of work to be done before election day,"...