The successor to Mayor Alan Autry will inherit many challenges, and it will take a multi-talented person to move the city forward. In my Sunday column, I look back at a handful of Fresno mayors for guidance on how some of the city's most perplexing issues may be solved. You can read the column by clicking here.
The next mayor needs to get the basic things done in the city, and then target a handful of broader issues to improve Fresno's quality of life, Here's part of my road map for making a better Fresno:
These are the compulsory events for the next mayor:-- Keep the city safe. This city is too violent, even with the current aggressive police enforcement. Stay on the bad guys.
-- Fix the streets. For some reason, public works officials seem to think city roads are more attractive with potholes. Their other favorite street job is installing sinking left-turn lanes, such as at Fresno and Shaw.
-- Stay on graffiti patrol. This is where the Autry administration excels. Graffiti is a sure sign of a neglected city, and the city has a good abatement program.
-- Be an advocate for neighborhoods by going after homeowners and renters who treat their homes as garbage sites and banks that allow their foreclosed properties to deteriorate.
-- Upgrade the airport. Fresno Yosemite International is another Autry success story, but you must work every day to keep an airport operating efficiently.
-- Work well with surrounding agencies, especially Fresno County and the Fresno Unified School District. Many mayors have been too arrogant to get along with other elected officials.
-- Build good parks and make other quality-of-life issues a priority.
-- Be an advocate for good planning and not what's best for campaign contributors.
-- Make City Hall agencies operate efficiently.
-- Don't whine when things don't go your way.
If the next mayor is successful in those areas, then he or she can take on the next level of problems where cooperation with other government officials and civic leaders is needed. They include job creation, downtown revitalization, regional transportation and air quality.
Not one mention of the words change, hope or future?I know this is only your OPINION and your only doing your JOB but I still almost fainted(It's the new fad).Sounds like your advocating for a leader with substance not just words.Good idea...I mean OPINION.
Yes, I agree with Brian by implication he means "change, hope or future" have no room in politics.
We all know what needs to be done. It’s just a matter of common sense. Doing it is the problem. But getting it by the corrupt, unresponsive, out-of-touch, and unyielding bureaucrats (the real ruling class -- "a shadow government of unelected, unaccountable pseudo-legislators") -- that’s another thing.
Our form of government is hamstrung by needless bureaucratic regulations. Maybe term-limits should be extended to all bureaucrats.
Wouldn’t it be great if we could force all bureaucrats to leave whatever branch of government they are in after about 8 years? Of course, in the interest of benevolence, we might allow them to apply for another position in another branch of government, but without seniority. An obvious benefit to us is that it would transition government out of the pension business.
I agree we know what needs to be done however common sense doesn't exist in politics. If the politicians cared they would see it but they are just all about power. Zero common sense.
With comments like the above, I would wonder why anyone with common sense would want to get into politics. Maybe we're getting the leaders we deserve.