Fresno's next mayor will need an uncommon combination of organizational savvy, political persistence and toughness. We reiterate our belief that Ashley Swearengin is the candidate with the best chance to successfully address Fresno's daunting problems.

Swearengin's command of those issues is impressive. She understands that they are complex, and doesn't offer bumper-sticker solutions. Her experience with the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley and the Regional Jobs Initiative offer proof of her organizational talents, as well as evidence of an ability to bring sometimes contentious individuals together in an effective fashion.

That last quality will serve her well in dealing with the City Council, whose members often chafe at the power wielded by Fresno's "strong mayor."

Swearengin has a keen understanding of the importance of economic development, and is committed to improving the performance of city government in that arena. She puts the highest priority -- correctly -- on nurturing existing local businesses and helping them grow, adding employees and creating new wealth in the city and region. She is committed to a vibrant and prosperous downtown, and to relieving the stagnation that has enveloped Fresno's effort to create successful industrial parks.

Swearengin has a compelling optimism about Fresno, despite the long litany of problems we face, though her vision is backed by a realistic grasp of what we face: poverty, environmental concerns, fiscal dysfunction in government, growth issues and crumbling infrastructure.

Meeting those challenges won't be easy, but in Swearengin we believe Fresno voters have a candidate with the experience and the temperament to get the job done.

--------------------------------
http://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/story/623462.html