FRESNO (KMJ) — The Mayor of Fresno’s Parks and Public Safety Sales Tax initiative could be back for consideration in two years. That prediction from Councilmember Steve Brandau came following the sudden decision to withdraw the proposal the day it was scheduled to be heard.
“I think the Mayor was moving quickly to tackle some very severe needs we have in our city,” said Brandau.
“I don’t point the finger of blame at him. He was trying to put out some fires that we have in the public safety sector and also the parks. He was trying to address some major needs and he saw this as one solution.
“He was moving quickly to do that and I think moving quickly was the problem.”
The announcement that Mayor Brand’s initiative was being withdrawn from Fresno City Council’s Thursday agenda came less than an hour before the meeting was scheduled to start, and three days after it was first announced (click here to read more).
“It is with a mixture of both regret and hope that I am announcing the withdrawal of the parks and public safety ballot measure I introduced to Council,” wrote Brand in a statement.
“There are deep, wide and immediate needs throughout our City and while I completely believe that the people of Fresno deserve a chance to vote on what their City looks like and feels like over the next 15 years, I do not see any chance that five members of the City Council will vote to put this measure on the November ballot and give our voters that opportunity.”
Mayor Lee Brand’s proposal required the approval of Fresno City Council before it could go to the voters as part of the November ballot. It would have seen an extra half-cent added to sales tax, with the proceeds going towards police, fire, and parks.
“I don’t think he’s going to re-attack this for this November, but possibly in the future, two years from now,” suggested Brandau.
“He might begin to build a consensus with a lot of public groups, different groups across the community.”
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
