Council candidate’s mailer says Fresno eviction protection in jeopardy. Is that true?
On Election Day, a Fresno city councilmember is calling out a colleague seeking re-election over what he claims is a campaign “lie.”
Brandon Vang is running in District 5 — which covers southeast Fresno — for his second term, and first full-time term. He won a special election last year.
In a campaign mailer, Vang says he will fight for renters. He does so by claiming that the city’s Eviction Protection Program is in trouble: “Fresno City Council is pushing to defund the Eviction Protection Program, leaving renters vulnerable to unfair evictions and skyrocketing rents.” He adds he will “fight for renters — not special interests.”
The program provides taxpayer-funded attorneys to help renters fight wrongful evictions.
Tyler Maxwell, one of the councilmembers who originally supported EPP, took exception to Vang’s mailer.
“Nobody on council has mentioned defunding EPP, not even by a dollar! Brandon also wasn’t even there when we created and passed this ordinance. It’s pure fearmongering. Why lie about it?” Maxwell told The Fresno Bee in a text message.
The city council passed EPP in 2021.
Vang on Tuesday referred The Bee to his staff, who asked that questions be submitted ahead of time. Vang then texted “we can discuss this after the election. My attention is on today.”
Eviction Protection Program appears safe
The city budget, released last month by Mayor Jerry Dyer, not only sustains the program, but it’s also listed in the budget “highlighted investments” for $1.5 million. The program is funded through a state Local Housing Trust Fund grant, and administered by the City Attorney’s Office.
The program appears safe, as the Fresno City Council begins budget deliberations next week.
Councilmember Mike Karbassi said: “The Eviction Protection Program is the one thing that has unanimous support on the Fresno City Council. I have not heard any discussion of a member wanting to cut such an important program. It is silly season. The campaign statement is not an official position.”
Others running for the District 5 seat include former Fresno County Director of Economic Development Jose Leon Barraza, State Center Community College District Trustee Danielle Parra and entrepreneur Nickolas Wildstar.
Voting concludes at 8 p.m. June 2 either in person or at drop boxes.
