Some candidates for Fresno mayor used Monday's start of the filing period to step up their campaigns.
Former Fresno City Council Member Tom Boyajian used the filing day to hold a rally at his new campaign office at 1535 E. Olive Avenue. About 20 people showed up for snacks, live music, and to hear a frog-voiced Boyajian try to give a speech with a cold.
City Council Members Mike Dages, Jerry Duncan and Henry T. Perea also obtained papers to file for the mayor’s race, as did Henry M. Monreal, a Fresno police detective.
Ashley Swearengin, chief operating officer of the Regional Jobs Initiative, has declared her candidacy for Fresno mayor but has yet to file. Still, she plans to hold a rally Tuesday at noon in front of El Torito restaurant downtown.
"Over 100 supporters will be on hand on Tuesday afternoon as local executives, elected officials, colleagues, and friends offer their endorsement for Swearengin and her vision for Fresno’s future," according to a news release from her campaign. "The rally also marks the official kickoff of the campaign’s fundraising efforts."
Fresno Deputy Mayor Jeff Eben and business owner Jim Boswell also have announced plans to run for mayor.
Candidates have until early March to file.
Fresno Mayor Alan Autry has to leave office because of term limits.
--Brad Branan