FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	Contact: David Schecter
Wednesday, November 14, 2007	559-307-7250

ASHLEY SWEARENGIN ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR MAYOR

Local Community Leader and Businesswoman Offers Vision for Fresno

Fresno – Surrounded by more than a hundred supporters in downtown Fresno, community leader and businesswoman Ashley Swearengin announced her candidacy for Mayor.
 
“Fresno needs a trusted leader who gets things done and puts the people of Fresno first before politics.  I will be that Mayor,” said Swearengin.  “My administration will be focused on good jobs, safe neighborhoods, effective and responsive government, and building a quality of life that is second to none. That is what the people of Fresno expect and deserve.”
 
Swearengin has been an advocate for jobs and economic development in Fresno and the San Joaquin Valley for the last decade.  As the Community and Economic Development Director at Fresno State, Ashley’s department serves as the lead agency for the Regional Jobs Initiative and the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley.
 
“Ashley has the ability to bring people together in order to get things done for our community.  She will bring energy and vision to City Hall.  She is the obvious choice to lead our community as the next Mayor,” said community leader, Dick Johanson, one of the co-chairs of the Swearengin campaign. “Her focus on jobs and public safety are what the people of Fresno are looking for in their next Mayor.  She has my full support.”
 
Swearengin starts the campaign with an impressive list of supporters from every sector of the community. This broad base of support will continue to grow over the course of the campaign as voters hear about Ashley’s vision for the City.
 
“I’m not running for Mayor to hold a title.  I’m running for Mayor to get things done for the community we call home,” said Swearengin.

Swearengin’s long list of accomplishments demonstrates her passion for the City of Fresno. Leadership Fresno named her 2007 Alumnus of the Year, and the Marjaree Mason Center declared her to be one of the Top Ten Business and Professional Women in 2006.  Governor Schwarzenegger appointed her to the California Commission on Economic Development for her innovative work in job creation and economic growth. Mayor Autry appointed Ashley to the Fresno Utility Commission.  Her community service also includes serving on the boards of directors for Fresno Citizens for Good Government and the Fresno Business Council. 
 
Ashley earned bachelors and masters degrees with honors in Business Administration from Fresno State.  Her husband, Paul Swearengin, is also a Fresno State graduate and serves as the general manager of a local sports radio station. They have been happily married for 13 years and have two children.
 
For more information on the Ashley and her campaign please go to www.ashley4mayor.com.  The site will be updated daily.

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