Former state Sen. Chuck Poochigian has been rumored as a possible candidate for Fresno mayor next year. When Poochigian was in Visalia recently for a Rotary Club speech, The Bee's Lewis Griswold asked him about his political plans.
"I have a very open mind about my future. I'm exploring any number of opportunities," Poochigian said. "It'll take another month or two to decide what to do next. I'm flattered by the encouragement I've received and I'm not foreclosing any opportunities."
He added that "It's really not a high probability" that he'll run for mayor.
One hurdle: He'd have to move into the city to run.
If Poochigian decides to run for mayor to succeed Alan Autry, who is term-limited, he would be the big favorite. That would likely persuade other mayoral candidates to re-think their plans.
Chuck Poochigian is a superb candidate for any office. As an attorney and public official he has been dedicated, honest, available. He would serve the city well, and I hope he runs.
Poochigian is well to the right of me politically, but he is a decent man, and might make a good mayor. I hope he doesn't scare off any qualified candidates, though. A robust debate between two or more strong candidates about the direction of city government is a good thing to have every now and then.