I think [the new courthouse] will give birth to many more of these sidewalk cafes and homegrown businesses that make up the fabric of a downtown,

We can no longer let the threat of an early frost send a chill of fear throughout a large portion of our workforce. Diversification is the only answer.

It was supposed to be Urban Growth Management fees, but all it did was fuel sprawl, … It didn’t control anything because it was uncontrolled at City Hall. It was a mess.

We need innovation in education and dedication to the task before us.

[Autry also directly criticized Parks. He said the FPOA] has had some good leaders who put the community first. … we are seeing a big departure from that … Parks would rather operate behind a...

I can’t tell you I’m satisfied with the results of the whole camera situation, because I’m not.

While it is true that we must seek value added industries like food processing plants and call center operations, we must do what is necessary to expand and develop our economic profile.

I can’t in good conscience be a member of a board that is so blatantly politically driven by special-interest groups,

You don’t need a city charter to know that education is the foundation of any community.

I’m pleased to say our parks are safe, … but they’re going to get even safer.

We knew it. We didn’t need a study to show us what was happening in our city,

We must do more to protect our neighborhoods and give integrity to our community plans.

It was the factors involved and the politics from the outside that were driving this process that is something that deeply troubles me,

Your Mayor must seek new ways to bring jobs and industry to our community.

I’m encouraged by what I heard today, that he’s going to run again, … He’s been known to surprise us, but I think in this instance, he knows what’s at stake. He knows what he’s...

It’s all about moving this state forward to get this state fiscally sound.

All of the factors that make up a quality city – safe streets, high paying jobs, strong neighborhoods, etc. – emanate from a strong educational premise.

A natural disaster in one American city is a natural disaster in every American city,

High tech companies that focus on research, development and production will learn that they can be the perfect complement to our world-renowned agriculture heritage.

Fresno is an All America city and deserves real, honest, strong leadership and I pledge to the people of Fresno to be that kind of leader.

We will never have quotas in this city as long as I am mayor, but we will darn sure have goals,

A multi-purpose stadium is an absolute must in order to invigorate our downtown and, simultaneously, let the rest of the country witness that we can get things done.

Almost every mayor knows in their heart of hearts that Prop. 76 is the right thing…The thing is, it’s subordinate to union approval, … When they control, and you have to ask permission to do...

I do not believe that defending traditional marriage between one man and one woman excludes anybody or usurps anybody’s civil rights and denies anybody their civil rights.

Other cities such as Indianapolis, Cleveland, San Jose, etc. understood that they must make a considerable investment in their downtown regions.

We understand that there is a certain amount of risk in this, … But, it’s a risk that, morally speaking, it’s riskier not to take.

I will lobby tirelessly in cooperation with other mayors around the country to insure that federal funding for our recently added police officers continues.

This is from my heart. I believe this represents what most Fresnans in Fresno County would want us to do. We’ve got a number that we can handle physically. It is not a drain,

I’ll continue to work to ensure that safety and I am honored to have earned the endorsement of the men and women who provide public safety in our city.

The Landscape of Choice addresses those concerns and we should create a plan based on it, adopt it, have faith in it, implement it and stick to it.

Leadership requires the courage to make decisions that will benefit the next generation.

but the continued overspending and mismanagement of our tax dollars by the state.

I am convinced that your Mayor must take the leadership role in education too.

We are expecting that, come tomorrow, they’ll be arriving.

In fact, even the perception of a resurgence in crime can be enough to paralyze business momentum and destroy the sense of security that a vibrant and progressive city requires.

Your mayor, more than anyone, is the person responsible for forging the absolutely essential connection between our city and our children’s future.

Leadership demands that we make tough choices.

You look at it, you’re stuck with 400 or you look at it as we have an opportunity to help 400 fellow Americans in desperate need,

I support public and private partnerships whenever appropriate in order to achieve our goal of a prosperous and vibrant downtown.

We’re assuming that these folks will be coming here and staying here.

There has been much talk referencing what I consider conceptual reports like the Landscape of Choice and documents created as a result of the Great Valley Center.

Every city across the country that has successfully renewed and revitalized itself points to a robust education system as its fundamental key to success.

long, hard and arduous battle.

It cannot take decades to resurrect, we must act immediately with purpose and enthusiasm to rebuild.

I’d like to ask the folks who did the analysis to come forward with the report that we can’t afford to be compassionate anymore, … Where is the report from Supervisor Waterston and Perea that...

If we don’t have a policy that allows an immigrant to come across with their dignity and their respect as well as their work ethic, we’re going to pay an awful price. We already are.

I’ll work overtime to open the doors of opportunity to industry and commerce.

We’ll do it with open arms, with a big heart [and] with a full understanding of the pragmatic challenges that are there,

Nothing is more devastating to a community than out-of-control crime.

We want them to be productive in the community,