Mayoral nominees, head to head

October 31, 2008


Illustration by Patrick Tran / The Collegian

While most Fresno State voters focus on the choice of their next president, a smaller but just as significant Nov. 4 race is going on, right in their backyard: the election of Fresno’s next mayor.

Henry T. Perea and Ashley Swearengin, who are both in their 30s, each would bring dynamic ideas to the job of leading the state’s sixth largest city.

Perea grew up in Fresno. He went to Fresno State and has been a Fresno City Council member for six years. Swearengin moved to Fresno while in high school. She, too, went to Fresno State and has been working on campus for 10 years.

In separate interviews with The Collegian, Perea and Swearengin explained their positions on some of the most important citywide issues that face student voters.

What issues are students and young adults showing concern for in this election, and how do you plan on addressing them locally?

PEREA: I have heard many students show concern for the economy. I’m going to [address] that in a couple of ways. Number one: I’m going to invest more in renewable energy; it creates green-collared jobs. The second thing I’m going to do is invest more in entrepreneurship, making sure that we are providing the resources that our future entrepreneurs need while they graduate. They may have a good idea but don’t have the money to take it out to the marketplace.

The other issue that I have heard young people show interest in, in terms of quality of life, is downtown revitalization. That means more mixed-use urban housing. Today, for example, if you wanted to live in the suburbs, you could do that in Fresno, but if you want to live in a more urban, higher-density area, where, say, you want to live in a loft or something, it’s a lot harder to do. I really want to attract and build that kind of housing and create more entertainment districts so that there are more places for people to go.

SWEARENGIN: The issues that I have heard students show concern on are jobs and things relating to their economic security. I’ve also heard a lot about mass transit and downtown revitalization. I would add air quality to college students’ concern. I think the intensity that college students have for these issues is greater than that of other folks.

How does your stand on these issues differ from your opponent?


Illustration by Patrick Tran / The Collegian

PEREA: I am different … from my opponent in my experience. I’ve been doing this for the last six years as a councilman. Should I be elected mayor, I would have authority to do more.

SWEARENGIN: I think the difference between Henry and me is our experience… These are the kinds of issues that I have been addressing, hands on, for the last 10 years in my field of economic development.

Where do you stand on Proposition 8, the marriage initiative? Do you think it has a big impact on students?

PEREA: I am opposed to Prop. 8 because I believe that when we look at history and what the Constitution is for, we see that it was meant to guarantee our rights as individuals, not take them away. Anytime you start messing with the basic philosophical function of the Constitution, I think it’s the wrong way to go. The government attaches certain rights to married couples, and if you’re not technically a married couple then there are a lot of things that you will not be able to share in. When I look at this issue, I see discrimination. Coming from a background where my grandparents were discriminated against when they first came to this country, I could never do that to somebody else.

SWEARENGIN: I think student views are much like that of the voting population. There are many people in my support base that agree with Prop. 8 and there are many people that don’t. It’s not a campaign issue for me, although I will let my personal views be known and say that I will be voting for Prop. 8.

The position of Fresno mayor is a non-partisan position. Do you think your stances on issues follow party lines and how might that affect how you guide Fresno?

PEREA: No, I don’t think it will have any effect at all. I’ve been on the City Council for six years and one of the things I’ve learned is that good ideas come from Democrats, Republicans and Independents. I think that at City Hall, the most important thing is to embrace good ideas no matter where they come from.

SWEARENGIN: It absolutely is a non-partisan position. If you look at the work that I’ve done over the last 15 years and if you look at the coalitions that I have pulled together and the teams of people that I have brought together to address the serious issues of Fresno and the Valley, [my work] is completely bi-partisan.

How do you think your time in Fresno and at Fresno State would influence how you run the city?

PEREA: Growing up in Fresno gives me a deeper understanding of the needs of our community. Having grown up here, I’ve seen Fresno change over the course of the last 30 years, some for the good and some not. I think having my roots and … going to Fresno State really gives me a unique perspective that I think my opponent doesn’t get.

SWEARENGIN: Fresno State really was the thing that anchored me in this community. I came here as a freshman in high school and I think that if I hadn’t had gone to Fresno State as a freshman in college, I probably wouldn’t have decided to put roots down in this area.
I just love this city. I think that Fresno has so many wonderful things to offer. We have gotten the short end of the stick time and time again from our leadership in Sacramento and Washington D.C. I think that Fresnans ourselves have had a negative view of our own city. I think all that that is changing is that Fresno has always had a little bit of an underdog kind of an image. But I think that our future is going to be one of vibrancy and of a high quality of life for the people who live here.

How important do you think Fresno State is to the community?

PEREA: I think Fresno State is extremely important. Anytime you have a university in a town you’ll find that those cities that thrive have a strong relationship with their universities. I think maintaining a strong relationship with Fresno State is critical to Fresno’s success.

SWEARENGIN: We can’t get to where we want to be without the university. Fresno State really is a cornerstone of this community. It is the major vehicle to provide college education for people in Fresno and the San Joaquin Valley. … There is not a thing in this community that isn’t positively influenced by Fresno State. Frankly, that is why I decided to go to work at Fresno State eight years ago; I am the director of economic development, and I realized that if we really wanted to move the needle on economic prosperity in Fresno and in the San Joaquin Valley, Fresno State would really have to be front and center on that.

How important do you think it is for students to vote? Do you think this election is different from past elections in that more students are showing a need and a want to vote?

PEREA: I think it’s vitally important. But what I have found is that most of our youth are pretty engaged and pretty active in what’s going on. We have even had a lot of students especially from Fresno State, that have volunteered for our campaign. I’ll tell you, there’s a real excitement in the air right now. Not only for what is happening locally, but also [for] what is happening nationally. I think that kind of excitement has really generated a lot of buzz on college campuses. Our campaign has certainly seen the benefit of that.

SWEARENGIN: I think it’s critically important for students to get out there and vote; people need to take ownership of their communities. That’s one thing that I learned from a very young age, something that my parents instilled in me — the sense of responsibility that we all have for our own community. I think it’s terrific that college students seem to be inspired in this election. There has been such a layer of cynicism over our country and I think the only way to break that is for the young people of our country to say it’s not so and make a conscious choice to reverse that cynicism with their civic actions. I think it’s time.

Candidate info

For more information on the candidates, visit their campaign Web sites:

• Henry T. Perea

• Ashley Swearengin

Written by Melissa Knopp · Filed Under News | 9 Comments 

I’m voting for McCain

March 26, 2008

YOU DIDN’T HEAR IT FROM ME.

Now, I heard — and believe me I only just heard it — that Barack Obama isn’t prepared to serve as president on day one.

Where did I hear it? I dunno. I don’t think Clinton said it. Did she? I don’t think so. I’m just pretty sure I just heard it somewhere. Read more

Written by Benjamin Baxter · Filed Under Opinion | 2 Comments 

Editorial: Election 2008

February 1, 2008

As we move toward Super Tuesday, both the Democratic and Republican fields of candidates have narrowed down to two frontrunners apiece. Here is The Collegian’s assessment of these candidates and our recommendations for voting this Tuesday.


Cartoon by Patrick Tran

Hillary Clinton
Pros: Regardless of her opponents’ criticisms, Clinton does have more experience, both with respect to the Oval Office and in the area of policymaking. She has also faced greater scrutiny than any of the other candidates.
Cons: Clinton would prove an extraordinarily divisive candidate for the Democrats in the general election, and her tenure in the White House would contribute to what critics see as a two-family hegemony.


Cartoon by Patrick Tran

Barack Obama
Pros: Obama’s appeal to bipartisanship is a big draw for a number of voters, including some of us at The Collegian. Some have criticized Obama for being too ambitious, but we believe that’s far better than aiming too low.
Cons: It’s true — Obama’s experience in Washington is dwarfed by Clinton’s. And while we love his speeches, lofty words don’t necessarily translate to action.

THE COLLEGIAN RECOMMENDS: BARACK OBAMA

Cartoon by Patrick Tran

John McCain
Pros: Besides the fact that McCain has more experience in Washington than any other serious candidate in either party, his “straight-talk express” has always proven popular with more independent-minded voters.
Cons: At 71, McCain is the oldest major candidate, and old enough that health could prove an issue. He’s traditionally stood apart from the Republican base, and may have trouble holding on to their support.


Cartoon by Patrick Tran

Mitt Romney
Pros: His supporters believe that his business acumen saved the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. In a primary season where many voters believe the nation’s failing economy is issue No. 1, Romney might resonate.
Cons: Romney’s campaign has been consistently negative, but the most troubling part is his shifting, opportunistic stances on core GOP social issues, particularly abortion.

THE COLLEGIAN RECOMMENDS: JOHN MCCAIN

Written by Staff Reports · Filed Under Opinion | 6 Comments 

Guide to presidential candidates

February 1, 2008


Photo illustration by Juan Villa / The Collegian

On Feb. 5, 24 states will decide whom they want to nominate for president. California is one of these states. While the presidential field has gotten a lot less crowded, we at The Collegian believe that it’s important for voters to make informed choices. Therefore we’ve dedicated our front page to the front-runners of each party – three Republicans, two Democrats and their stance on a variety of issues.

Barack Obama

Higher education: Plans to create a tax credit that will refund the first $4,000 of a student’s college expenses. Also plans to simplify the financial aid application process.

Economy: Supports a living wage, and plans to identify job opportunities and develop training programs for unemployed and low-income workers. He also plans to reduce taxes on small businesses and middle-class workers.

Health care: Wants a national health care plan that any American could purchase, even ones with pre-existing medical conditions. The plan would also allow young adults to stay on their parent’s coverage until 25. He also plans to decrease drug costs by allowing Americans to purchase their drugs from other countries for lower prices.

Immigration: Plans to increase the number of legal immigrants the United States accepts yearly. Plans to crack down on employers who hire illegal immigrants, and promote development in Mexico.

Foreign Policy: Plans to immediately begin removing troops from Iraq, while pressing Iraqi leaders to reconcile and expanding aid to Iraqi refugees. Plans to renew diplomatic talks with many nations, including Iran, and also plans to expand military personnel, equipment and training.

Environmental Policy: Plans to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency. Believes America should be independent from foreign oil and be a leader on climate change. Plans to support development of renewable energy and biofuels.

Hillary Clinton

Higher Education: Plans to create a tax credit that will refund the first $3,500 of a student’s college expenses, increase Pell Grant awards and simplify the student aid process.

Economy: Plans to lower taxes on middle-class families. Plans to balance the budget by funding new projects with new taxes or cuts in other areas. Also plans to strengthen unions.

Health Care: Offers a national plan that anyone can purchase, even people with pre-existing conditions. Plans to cut costs by stressing preventative medicine and streamlining the bureaucracy. Plans to offer small businesses and working families a tax credit for health care.

Immigration: Supports securing America’s borders while also providing a path to citizenship. Plans to rework the immigration system so families can stay together.

Foreign Policy: Plans to begin withdrawing troops from Iraq immediately. Then plans to focus on mediation and funding for reconstruction to stabilize the region. Plans to work with global coalitions to address problems like AIDs, poverty and terrorism.

Environmental Policy: Plans to create a National Energy Council that will work towards reducing electricity consumption and increasing fuel efficiency. Plans to tax oil companies to fund investments in alternative energy.

John McCain

Higher education: No plans stated for higher education.

Economy: Plans to cut taxes on the middle class, and ban taxes on Internet and cell phone services. Also plans to stop wasteful spending by Congress. Plans to change unemployment insurance to a retraining program for workers.

Health care: Plans to increase competition in the health care industry by allowing individuals to purchase their own plans from any provider in the nation. Plans to lower insurance rates by reforming the legal system to discourage frivolous lawsuits against doctors. Plans to lower drug costs by promoting cheaper, generic versions of drugs, including importing some from other countries.

Immigration: Believes that American borders should be more secure, but plans to increase opportunities for skilled immigrant workers.

Foreign Policy: Plans to increase troop levels in Iraq while training Iraqi police and rebuilding infrastructure. Plans to increase military size and implement new training procedures to help the military deal with changing strategies from terrorist groups.

Environmental Policy: Plans to limit carbon emissions, and reduce our dependency on foreign energy supplies, by promoting new technologies such as nuclear energy.

Mitt Romney

Higher education: Has no specific plans for higher education as president. As Massachusetts governor, he established a scholarship fund for high-achieving students that paid for four years of college.

Economy: Plans to establish strict spending limits in Congress and re-institute the line-item veto, which would give him the ability to stop individual elements of a bill without vetoing the whole thing.

Health care: Plans to deregulate state markets and encourage competitiveness for health insurance providers. Plans to make all health care expenses tax-deductible, instead of just the expenses from employer-provided plans that are deductible now.

Immigration: Plans to place emphasis on securing the border and rejecting amnesty for illegal immigrants already in the country. Plans to encourage immigration of skilled workers to the labor force, and high-achieving students to American universities.

Foreign policy: Plans to increase the size of the military and strengthen global alliances.

Environmental policy: Plans to reduce American dependence on foreign energy sources, invest in research and increase American production of energy. The last would include drilling in Alaska.

Mike Huckabee

Higher Education: No stated plan for higher education.

Economy: Supports the Fair Tax, which would shift income taxes, including money taken out for Social Security and Medicare, and replace them with a national sales tax. Plans to cut government spending and supports the line-item veto to help this.

Health care: Supports “consumer-based” health care, which relies on individuals to purchase their own plans rather than have employers cover them. Plans to focus on preventative medicine. Would keep costs down by adopting electronic record keeping and allowing individuals to deduct their health care expenses from their taxes.
Immigration: Supports increased security around borders and opposes amnesty. Plans to enact harsh fines for businesses that employee illegal immigrants.

Foreign policy: Believes setting a date for withdrawal from Iraq is a mistake. Does not plan to leave Iraq. Plans to expand the Army and increase the defense budget, and believes the U.S. is currently engaged in a “world war” against terrorism.

Environmental policy: Plans to achieve energy independence by exploring all avenues of alternative energy, including nuclear, hydrogen, biofuels and solar.

Edwards and Giuliani out

On Wednesday, two big names in the race dropped out: former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, and John Edwards, the vice-presidential nominee in 2004.

Supporters of both ex-candidates are expected to make a large difference in the tight race between the remaining candidates. Giuliani has already endorsed Arizona senator John McCain, while Edwards has not endorsed either Senator Barack Obama or Senator Hillary Clinton.

Giuliani chose not to campaign in several early-voting states, including Iowa and North Hampshire, which are both considered key states to win. Two lesser-known Republican candidates, Duncan Hunter and Fred Thompson, dropped out after losing those states.

Giuliani said in several interviews during the month of January that he was focusing on the Florida primary, which happened Tuesday. However, he finished third in Florida with only 15 percent of the vote. The winner, John McCain, got 36 percent, and second-place Mitt Romney got 31 percent.

Edwards has routinely placed third in the state primaries, except for Iowa, where he placed second.

Written by Megan Bakker · Filed Under News | 1 Comment 

The Sleaze-o-meter: Republican Edition

January 30, 2008

AMERICANS DON’T VOTE FOR candidates. Americans vote against candidates.

Unfortunately, the news media has reported little of this cynicism. Instead, headlines are awash with the idea that, for once, Americans might have something positive to look forward to this Election Day. A candidate they’re excited about.

History proves the networks wrong. Our post-Watergate age of high scandal and reality television has no place for optimism. We have no business cashing in the idea that a vote really makes that much of a difference, or that it could do anything but slow our country’s inevitable spiral to oblivion.

As such, I thought I’d do my readers the service of ranking the candidates in terms of how little you could trust them. Policy has no place in this ranking — only how not-respectable they are, and how dishonest.

I watch “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.” That said, it should come as no surprise that the Republican Sleaze-o-meter comes first.

1. Mitt Romney. There really isn’t any other way to characterize Romney as anything but a sleaze, someone who’d sell his grandmother for a nickel. He’d then invest his nickel in his own campaign, like the near-billion nickels preceding it.

More troubling is his tendency to switch sides on core Republican issues — abortion, for example — when it suits his campaign. Archive footage of his Massachusetts gubernatorial race might as well be of Rudy Giuliani.

He understands what’s really important, though. His hair still looks fabulous.

2. Rudy Giuliani. If you listen to him talk and actually believe what he says, ignoring his attorney-at-law mannerisms and frankly uncharismatic delivery, Giuliani has little that’s distinguishably Republican. Well, except for his attorney-at-law mannerisms and his frankly uncharismatic delivery.

Giuliani is the undisputed leader of distorting his record and those of his opponents, just to get them flustered and on the defensive. Flustered and defensive candidates, he must reason, lose support. That can only help him.

It really doesn’t help that he acts, looks, talks and philanders like a lawyer. Sleaze.

3. John McCain. Switching sides is nothing new to McCain, whose record on immigration — whatever your position — isn’t quite what he says he supports now. He’s been known for a moment or two of “political cowardice,” as he put it.

On other issues — the Iraq War troop “surge,” for one — he’s stayed remarkably adamant and stable. Of the current electable Republican candidates, readers would be well-advised to vote on behalf of McCain come Feb. 5. It’s a vote that counts twice — against Romney and against Giuliani.

4. Mike Huckabee. The Huckster is a dangerous political candidate for his own reasons, but flipping around isn’t one of them. Sure, he’ll distort his own political history as an Arkansas governor, but he’s done well to present his amiable jokester side in tandem with his evangelical ideologue side.

Unfortunately, that’s about as deep as the Huckster gets. He’d rank even lower on the sleaze-o-meter if he had all that much of a voting record to flip against.

5. Ron Paul. McCain is said to have once called this 10-term Texas congressman “the most honest man in Congress.” That’s according to the Paul campaign’s Web site.

If you’re voting on integrity, vote Paul. Of course, that also means you’re voting for the gold standard and the freest free-market economy Ayn Rand ever dreamed of. For most modern Republicans, adding in his largely isolationist, anti-Iraq-War foreign policy is just the icing of a poisoned cake.

Pragmatic Republicans should avoid Huckabee and Paul, as supporting those campaigns indirectly supports Romney’s and Giuliani’s campaigns. That’s the reason McCain stands the best shot of winning the nomination. Clear-thinking Republicans know the threat Romney and Giuliani pose.

Voting against them is the only vote that makes sense.

Democratic candidates will follow in the Monday, Feb. 4 edition of The Collegian.

Written by Benjamin Baxter · Filed Under Opinion | 6 Comments 

WEB-SPE@K: What’s your opinion on the presidential primaries and candidates?

January 24, 2008

California’s presidential primaries will be held on Feb. 5 this year, “Super Tuesday,” along with 24 other states. Have you been following the primaries and caucuses that have occurred already? Do you plan on voting? If so, whom do you plan on voting for?

Be sure to read the print edition of next Friday’s issue of The Collegian for featured comments.

The Collegian reserves the right to edit material for length, content, spelling and grammar, as well as the right to refuse publication of any material submitted. All material submitted to The Collegian becomes property of The Collegian. We would like to encourage readers to continue to submit their ideas and opinions. We look forward to lively and open discussion with our readers.

Written by Staff Reports · Filed Under Multimedia | 7 Comments 

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