Calhoun, formerly a county supervisor in Wisconsin, said he has a platform for change, while with Anderson, "it's business as usual."

In part, Calhoun said, he wants to create a commission to study and suggest improvements in county government and convert the county's top administrative post to an elected position -- providing more independence.

He also wants to pass term limits, cap annual salary increases and stop year-round fundraising for county supervisors.

Calhoun said he could have chosen to run for mayor in Fresno -- another job on the June 3 ballot -- but said he preferred to work for change in the county: "You need somebody to challenge the status quo."

Dictos has focused his campaign on financial concerns, saying the county is in a fiscal crisis that isn't being addressed by the current leadership.

In part, Dictos said, the county faces massive debt and deficits tied partly to its retirement system and overspending. He noted that ratings on two of the county's big pension bonds recently were downgraded.

County officials say ratings dropped because bond agencies downgraded the company insuring the bonds; they also say the change doesn't affect the county.

Dictos said the county is in trouble partly because it has departed from conservative roots. He said the board has been "out of control" with salary increases for employees.

County leaders also don't understand the depth of the money problem, he said. The board "needs someone with a real financial background."

He said the county must tighten its belt, freeze hiring and salary increases and hire competent administrators -- and fire them if they don't do the job. It also should perform management audits to ensure departments are running properly and efficiently, he said.

In recent years, Dictos has run for several elected offices, including county auditor and the State Center Community College District board. Dictos said he was recruited for one race and has contended for other offices where he could apply his financial expertise.

Dictos' campaign is self-financed.

Campaign statements show Anderson has the most support from public employee unions, according to an analysis by The Bee. More than a quarter of her fundraising comes from county unions; business and building industry sectors run close behind.

Calhoun's political bank account is dominated by the building industry, which represents about 55% of his contributions, according to the analysis.