FRESNO (KMJ) — The ‘Fresno for Parks’ initiative, now known as Measure P, does not have the support of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber announced on Friday that not including funds for public safety meant it could not back the proposal.
“Our organization wanted and hoped that all sides would come together and put together a joint initiative that helped address what really are two big issues in our community: that’s parks, trails and amenities but also something that we think is extremely important which is public safety, police and fire,” explained Vice President of Government Affairs Nathan Alonzo.
“So we wanted them to be able to come together and form a compromised deal that would address both of these issues that are extremely important to our community.
“When we saw that wasn’t going to happen, and it would just be parks going forward, we couldn’t support that.”
The move comes after Fresno City Council voted to approve the measure for the November ballot earlier this month (click here to read more).
If the proposal is passed it would increase Fresno’s sales and use tax by 3/8%, to raise an estimated $37.5 million annually over 30 years. That money would be used for areas such as park safety, updating playgrounds, and creating trails.
“This specific issue, parks/public safety, it really comes down to quality of life in our community and business can best operate when we have a balance and when we have all of the conditions in place in order to grow our economy.”
Mayor Lee Brand publicly backed another plan to improve Fresno’s parks in June. It would have also benefited Fresno Police and Fresno Fire. It was withdrawn the day it was scheduled to be heard by Fresno City Council after waning support from council members (click here to read more).
The voters will make the final decision on Measure P in November.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
