In a race with 11 candidates battling for two runoff spots, Henry T. Perea seems happy, but not surprised, when he hears that even polls by some of his opponents show him at the top.
Six weeks before the June 3 primary election, Perea said he is ready to be the next mayor of Fresno. No one is expected to win outright in June, so the top two vote-getters will face off in November.
"I'm excited about this opportunity," Perea said. "And I'm committed to it. I'm committed to being mayor for eight years."
Perea, in his fifth year on the City Council, has to his name a year as council president.
Perea's age and his quick transition from college to elected life have brought criticism that he has never worked in a real job. Perea said he has shown his ability to get things done, and to get results for the people he represents in District 7, which encompasses central Fresno.
Now, Perea said, he's ready to widen his constituency.
"I decided to run for mayor because Fresno is at a defining moment in its history," Perea said. "Now, more than ever, we need leadership that can bring our community together."
Tom Holyoke, an assistant professor of political science at California State University, Fresno, said Perea is well-positioned for the primary election.
"Henry's the one to beat," Holyoke said. "He's got the organization, the name recognition, and the backing from unions and other groups that he will need to win."
Perea's campaign platform is extensive. His focus includes public safety, air quality and economic development. As a council member he has worked to increase awareness of solar power, and to increase interest and excitement about downtown.
"Over the last six years, Mayor Autry and the City Council have accomplished Fresno's first sustainability plan," Perea said. "[We've] increased police officers and firefighters, developed mixed-use housing in downtown, expanded open space and after-school programs and are working to diversify our economy."
As mayor, Perea said he would continue those efforts, and find new solutions to problems such as crime and pollution.
"We must turn this air-quality crisis into a moment of opportunity to drive innovation and entrepreneurship that will create jobs," Perea said. "We must also do more to ensure access to greater educational opportunities for a well-trained work force to meet the demands of a 21st century economy."
Perea said that as mayor he would be inclusive, bring all sides of any issue to the table to talk. He also would not be afraid to take a few chances, and wants to help City Hall catch up with the evolving politics of the city.
"People want progressive leadership," Perea said. "Not a liberal leader, but someone who is willing to take more calculated risks. We've talked about making changes to the city for a long time. Now we've got to get off the dime and get the job done."
After five years of working with Autry, Perea said he respects the mayor but will do things differently. He'll attend council meetings and talk regularly with the council members -- things Autry has been criticized for not doing.
"We've got to get past the political rhetoric and work together," Perea said. "There's a time for yelling, but it needs to be done behind closed doors."
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Fresno mayoral hopefuls chart first 100 days
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