City Councilmember Brian Calhoun Expresses Disappointment in Fresno County Supervisors' Rejection of the Joint Efficiency Resolution
05/22/2007
Fresno, CA (May 22, 2007) Fresno City
Councilmember Brian Calhoun expressed disappointment over the County Supervisors' rejection of the City Council Resolution which would have established a Blue Ribbon Commission to achieve consolidated government efficiencies. The Resolution was adopted by the City Council on April 24th and carried by
County Supervisor Perea to the Board of Supervisors today.
Perea, a long-time supporter of the concept, voted in favor of a similar resolution as a City Councilmember in 2002.
Councilmember Calhoun phoned his former colleague,
Supervisor Perea, to thank him for his efforts and commitment to regionalism.
"I am disappointed that while both the City and County face the challenges that we do, the County would reject the City Council's offer to dig deeper towards a regional solution. It's unfortunate that the majority of the Supervisors attempted to punt the problems of the region to the COG (Council of Governments) and the Grand Jury instead of facing them head on," said
Calhoun.
Calhoun has actively pursued regionalism and local government consolidation since he was first elected to office over six years ago. He has been persistent in his effort because he believes residents of Fresno County rely on their elected leaders to address the issues facing our region including growth, high unemployment, air and water quality, transportation and public safety services. A thorough evaluation of the current City of Fresno and County of Fresno government structures and delivery of services could provide an opportunity to critique and, if needed, make recommendations for improvements and change.
Calhoun believes that although both the City and County of Fresno have recently embarked on cooperative agreements and public safety efforts, there are numerous opportunities for additional improvements and further efficiencies.
Calhoun has long talked of the real victory in Greater Louisville, KY (Jefferson County) that resulted in enormous efficiencies and improved quality of life for the community. In their first year, Greater Louisville saved $10 million by eliminating 700 duplicated government jobs and, because they jumped to the 16th largest city in the nation from the previous rank of 67th, they have attracted a higher level of talent, increased economic development opportunities, created joint community housing strategies and developed a regional education plan. All of this was made possible in Greater Louisville by true regionalism.
In closing,
Calhoun remarked, "I envision a regional community that won't be narrowly aimed in the region. This approach succeeded in Greater Louisville and is currently being done in other communities throughout the nation. Only with regionalism will we leave behind out 19th Century local government structures and move forward as a competitive 21st Century regional government organization."
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