(KMJ) Republican Fresno County Supervisor Debbie Poochigian is breaking from the GOP by announcing Thursday her support and endorsement of democratic Supervisor Henry Perea for Fresno Mayor rather than republican Councilman Lee Brand.
In a news release, Poochigian says she’s worked closely with Perea over the years “maintaining core services, and balancing the county budget during the recession.”
She says Perea earned her respect and support for his bipartisan collaboration and leadership.
In an interview with KMJ, Poochigian said “This is not about being a republican or a democrat. This is about the future of the city. And I do believe that over the last few years the city of Fresno has been moving in the wrong direction.”
Poochigian cites the tripling of water rates, bonuses to city employees behind closed doors, extra taxes assessed to downtown businesses and moving the homeless out of downtown and spreading them around the city as a few of the reasons why she thinks Fresno has been moving in the wrong direction. She said Perea’s vision for Fresno is why she chooses to endorse him.
Brand responded to Poochigian’s endorsement of Perea – after getting an endorsement of his own from current Mayor Ashley Swearengin (click here for more).
“Some would say there’s a political vendetta here. And so you’ve got her and the candidate she’s endorsing also know for politicial vendettas. I’m about teamwork and cooperation and collaboration – and I think that’s how we solve problems. I’m not surprised. I move on.”
