FRESNO (KMJ) — Accomplishments, challenges, recommendations, and thanks – all featured in the State of the County speech delivered in Downtown Fresno.
Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Buddy Mendes spoke to the crowd, made up of many of Fresno County’s big-names, to share the County’s plans and upcoming opportunities.
Water was the prime focus of the Wednesday morning speech, with emphasis made on the upcoming ‘Groundwater Stabilization Act’.
“It will affect growth like you’d never believe”.
Chairman Mendes added that he felt regime change in Washington DC was necessary in order to secure a reliable water supply. That comment was followed by a round of applause.
“We need to fix the problems in the Delta. They are critical, very critical to this area”.
After the speech, he continued to emphasize the need for water.
“No ones paying attention to it. It’s the biggest thing that’s facing everybody. It’s the 1500 lb gorilla in the room that everybody wants to pretend isn’t there”.
He also highlighted the need for government to be about the collective need, instead of being about the needs of individuals.
“The governing board has to first be loyal to the county, and second to their political career or anything they’re going to do in politics. They have to be loyal to the county first”.
Buddy Mendes concluded his time on stage expressing how much of a pleasure it was being Chairman of Fresno County Board of Supervisors.
“And I came here today without my gavel, thank you”.
The event ended with a sideshow good-bye to outgoing Supervisors Henry Perea and Debbie Poochigian.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
