Sal Quintero, Luis Chavez seek Fresno County District 3 board seat. What are their goals?
Longtime Fresno-area politician Sal Quintero is seeking re-election to a third four-year term as a county supervisor representing District 3, which includes central and southern portions of the city of Fresno. But the incumbent is facing a stiff challenge in the November general election..
Luis Chavez, a Fresno City Council member who is barred by term limits from seeking a third four-year term, is running against Quintero, his former boss. Chavez worked for Quintero when Quintero was on the City Council.
Quintero and Chavez were the two top vote-getters from a field of four candidates in the March primary to earn a spot in the November runoff.
Earlier this year, The Fresno Bee submitted questions to each of the candidates and asked each to respond with answers of in the neighborhood of 200 words if possible. Their responses are offered here, and presented in alphabetical order by last name.
Luis Chavez
- Age: 45
- Occupation: City Council member, foster parent
- Education: Associate of arts degree, business administration, Fresno City College; bachelor of arts degree, bilingual education, California State University, Fresno; master’s of public administration, California State University, Fresno.
- Other offices held: Fresno Unified School District board member
- Campaign website: luischavezfresno.com
Q: About one out of every five residents in Fresno County has income that falls below the poverty level. However, the average market-rate apartment rent rose by almost 43% in the Fresno metro area since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. How would you promote greater housing affordability?
A: This housing crisis is a problem we can literally build our way out of. We need to fast-track all housing projects: market rate, affordable, single home residences, condominium, tiny homes, apartments and pre-fab homes. These project need to be located across the county, Fresno, Clovis, and every city across our region. Tenant protection programs, like the ones we have at the city for county residents as well, expand the section 8 housing voucher programs and prioritize seniors and foster children families.
Q: The average condition of roads in Fresno County is considered at “higher risk,” and in many cases is deemed “poor.” What steps would you take to work toward improving the county’s roads?
A: Prioritize repaving projects, especially in older neighborhoods that have been neglected for decades, in the city and county islands, implement a county pothole elimination team like we have at the city. Ensure the federal and state government gives us our fair share of road dollars. California currently only receives 80 cents for every dollar we pay in federal taxes back. Apply for all federal and state road repaving and reconstruction dollars!
Q: How would you work toward bringing higher-paying job opportunities that are accessible to a wide array of Fresno County residents?
A: By expanding vocational training programs for welders, plumbers electricians, carpenters, ironworkers and all trades. Also, construction a technological hub in the county and incentivizing tech companies to relocate to Fresno. Expand the apprentice programs for all trades and help our existing small businesses expand and add employees, by providing tax breaks for them in exchange for hiring local employees.
Sal Quintero
- Age: 76
- Occupation: Full-time member, Fresno County Board of Supervisors
- Education: Attended local Fresno schools and Fresno City College
- Other offices held: Fresno City Council member, District 5
- Campaign website: quintero4supervisor.com
Q: About one out of every five residents in Fresno County has income that falls below the poverty level. However, the average market-rate apartment rent rose by almost 43% in the Fresno metro area since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. How would you promote greater housing affordability?
A: Fresno County currently works with local non-profit organizations like the Fresno Housing Authority, RH Community Builders, Habitat for Humanities and Self-Help Enterprises to build affordable housing in our community. For example: we are currently under remodel construction to provide housing for clients with behavioral health needs.
Q: The average condition of roads in Fresno County is considered at “higher risk,” and in many cases is deemed “poor.” What steps would you take to work toward improving the county’s roads?
A: We are continuing to provide additional funding in each budget year and expanding our road repair and development by applying for state and federal grant funding.
Q: How would you work toward bringing higher-paying job opportunities that are accessible to a wide array of Fresno County residents?
A: By working with existing businesses to help them expand and employ additional residents. As businesses and industry consider Fresno County we are working to provide “shovel ready” business parks for their companies. Additionally, by working with local non-profit job training programs like the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board, we are preparing the youth for future job opportunities.
This story was originally published October 7, 2024 at 10:40 AM with the headline "Sal Quintero, Luis Chavez seek Fresno County District 3 board seat. What are their goals?."
