Guiding Principles:

As I lead the City in addressing each of the priorities above, the following principles will guide my efforts: 

1. Collaborate – The only way we are going to make progress in the City of Fresno is if we learn to work together.  No one has more experience than I do in bringing a diverse group of people and organizations together to implement effective plans for progress.  As Mayor of Fresno, I will ensure that:
   • The Mayor’s office and the City Council are working well together;
   • City employees are encouraged to work across departmental lines to solve problems and do what’s best for the community;
   • The City of Fresno is working effectively with the County of Fresno and the other cities in our county; and
   • The City of Fresno is a leader in pulling together the entire San Joaquin Valley to address issues of regional concern, such as water, air quality and regional transportation.
2. Put Community Interests First – In today’s complex political environment, there are many special- and single-interest organizations that have been formed to advocate on behalf of their members.  While I respect these organizations’ rights and understand their purpose, I believe it is imperative that the Mayor of Fresno be completely neutral and free from influence of single-interest organizations.  No one will work harder than I will to gather all stakeholders and invite input from all community voices.  As the Mayor of Fresno, I will consider all input and act based on what is best for the entire community.  
3. Practice Fiscal Discipline – For the last nine years, I’ve led non-profit and community based organizations.  I know what it’s like to have limited funds and to make every dollar stretch.  I am adamant about being efficient and prudent with the money entrusted to City Hall by our citizens.  If there is a way to accomplish more for the citizens of Fresno with less, I will find it!  With difficult State budgets looming ahead, it is more important than ever to retain a commitment to fiscal discipline.
4. Get Results!  Fresno needs a “get it done” mayor.  Thanks to the hard work of a lot of people, the stage is beautifully set to make lasting progress on jobs, public safety and neighborhood revitalization, responsive government and major regional issues – but it’s going to take a leader who brings people together and gets things done.  As the director of the Fresno Regional Jobs Initiative and the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley, that’s exactly the experience I bring to the table.  We’ve got a very special window of opportunity in Fresno right now.  As Mayor of Fresno, I will ensure the work gets done to realize that opportunity for the people of Fresno.