FresnoBee.com: Opinion

EDITORIAL: Measure G passage is right choice for Fresno's finances

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:20:23 PDT

Ashley Swearengin took on a tough job when she became Fresno mayor. With the real-estate bubble bursting, municipal revenues plummeting and bond debt piled high, she has been forced to make deep and painful cuts in City Hall services and personnel. Read comments

EDITORIAL: Castro appears to be perfect fit as Fresno State president

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:07:56 PDT

Joseph Isaac Castro appears to be exactly what Fresno State needs in a president. He has the academic pedigree, life experiences and, at 46, the youthful optimism and energy to build upon the successes of outgoing president John D. Welty. Read comments

EDITORIAL: Time to get the lead out of ammo and wildlife

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:44 PDT

Former Fish and Game Commission President Dan Richards denounces what he calls a "perverted agenda" being advanced through the Legislature by "enviro-terrorist groups." Read comments

EDITORIAL: Big penalty for San Bruno blast is appropriate

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:23 PDT

If it wins final approval, the eye-popping $2.25 billion penalty that the California Public Utility Commission's Safety and Enforcement Division has recommended against Pacific Gas & Electric Co. will be the largest imposed against a utility in the United States. Read comments

EDITORIAL: Enterprise zones need to produce bigger jolt

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:32:09 PDT

Gov. Jerry Brown has renewed his push to eliminate the $700 million to $750 million a year business tax break known as enterprise zones, this time with the goal of using that money in ways that actually would stimulate economic development. Read comments

EDITORIAL: Lesson in grassroots politics

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:00:28 PDT

In the nation's socially conservative heartland, Minnesota voters were the first to reject a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, which had passed in 30 states. Opponents of same-sex marriage had won every popular vote until then, including in California. Read comments

EDITORIAL: Skilled workers are vital

Sat, 18 May 2013 00:01:53 PDT

Unable to match the salaries of private and some public utilities, California cannot retain skilled employees to maintain and operate its complex and vital water delivery system. Read comments

Thumbs up, thumbs down

Sat, 18 May 2013 00:00:40 PDT

Thumbs down to Fresno County Supervisors Andreas Borgeas, Judy Case and Debbie Poochigian for nitpicking a symbolic resolution supporting children's programs. What should have been a five-minute item became a debate spanning two meetings and consuming three hours. Rest assured, if the agenda item had been a symbolic resolution supporting farmers, Borgeas, Case and Poochigian would have said "aye" in a heartbeat. Read comments

EDITORIAL: There's a sensible way to close Proposition 13 tax loophole

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:59 PDT

Under Proposition 13, the 1978 initiative that slashed property taxes in California, the sale of property is supposed to trigger a reassessment for tax purposes. Because residential property turns over more frequently than businesses, home property values are reassessed more frequently. But even when a business is sold, new owners often avoid higher taxes. Read comments

EDITORIAL: Perez has skills, knowledge to help 16th district prosper

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:49:29 PDT

The passage of Proposition 28 last June has increased the importance of Tuesday's special election for the state's 16th District Senate seat. Read comments