Pedro Ramirez isn't a Pacific Islander, but he came to Sunday's town hall meeting anyway to ask questions and get answers.

"I like to get involved and learn more about all the candidates that are affecting our valley, that are running," Ramirez said.

From mayoral candidates to congressional hopefuls, platforms were shared and views discussed.

"I know what it's like to be a paycheck away from losing your home," Republican Mayoral Candidate Ashley Swearengin said to the crowd.

"I made a commitment many years ago to enter into public service," Democrat Mayoral Candidate Henry T. Perea said later.

In a rarely-done shared public appearance, Swearengin and Perea listened to constituents talk about issues important to them.

"Hear a lot about jobs and the economy. People want to know that if they live in Fresno, they're going to have economic opportunity," Swearengin said.

"Everybody wants the same things; they want to breathe clean air, they want a good job and they want to live in a safe neighborhood," Perea said.

Organizers say they're making sure that come November, someone has their best interests in mind.

"This is a decision year that we have an economic crisis and we want to know who's gonna stand for us. There's no one to stand for us. That's why we call a town hall meeting," Dr. Charlie Chan with APAPA said.

As for Pedro Ramirez, he left Sunday a little more informed.

"I wasn't really knowledgeable about the water crisis. Now I got more information on it. And I learned more about all the candidates," he said.

And he's hoping the candidates learned more about him and will take that with them into city hall.

The candidates say this kind of town hall meeting also gives them a chance to hold each other accountable.

And they hope more organizations will consider something similar in the future.

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