FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	Contact: David Schecter
Wednesday, September 03, 2008	559-307-7250

Ashley Swearengin Shines in Mayoral Debate

Swearengin Displays a Broad Understanding of City Issues While
Opponent Perea Avoids Answering Tough Questions

(Fresno) - At today's Fresno Bee debate, Ashley Swearengin demonstrated her depth of knowledge on a wide array of pressing issues, while also displaying the same angst at city inaction that is shared by the majority of Fresno's citizens.
 
On issue after issue, such as economic growth, downtown redevelopment, conditions of city parks, and overall leadership style, Swearengin turned in a strong series of answers that captured the essence of the city's needs.
 
Ashley's strongest responses were on job creation and economic growth, where she cited examples of growth among local companies such as Wawona Frozen Foods, Decipher Software, Click Beverages and Bouquet of Fruits - some of whom have received contracts with national retailers in part because of the work of the Regional Jobs Initiative, which Swearengin directs.
 
In contrast, Henry Perea had difficulty getting through a variety of issues, including his opposition to an independent police auditor and his contributors' influence on his decisions.
 
"Don't follow the money," Henry declared when asked about the influence campaign contributors might have over his votes.  Swearengin then responded that following the money was essential, and she pointed out that over half of Perea's money has come from outside the Fresno/Clovis area.
 
Perea also didn't join Swearengin in condemning independent expenditure activities in the Mayor's race from outside groups.  During the primary, Perea was the beneficiary of a large "Service Employees International Union" independent expenditure effort.  SEIU is again expected to spend heavily on behalf of Perea this fall.
 
Additionally, Perea sidestepped the issue of an Independent Police Auditor, ducking the direct question about why he opposes this move.  Perea quickly diverted the discussion until Swearengin took him to task on his inaction on the issue.  Forced to respond, Perea retorted with personal attacks against Ashley instead of answering the question.
 
"Ashley looked very much like the fresh leadership that Fresno needs, and she handily won the debate." 

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