Coronavirus crisis separates real leaders among Fresno politicians from the phonies
The way elected officials conduct themselves during a crisis tells us a lot about them.
While some Fresno-area politicians use the coronavirus pandemic to spread mistrust in government or push their own agenda, others rise above the nonsense. They see their role as being a conduit between state and local agencies and their constituents, and use their platforms to share the best possible information.
These are the electeds who deserve mention. So rather than waste more breath on the antics of Fresno County Supervisor Steve Brandau or Fresno City Councilmember Garry Bredefeld, I’d rather recognize those who are showing leadership in scary, uncharted times.
Prominent on that list is state Sen. Andreas Borgeas, whose feeds on Twitter and Facebook are a constant stream of updates from government agencies and news from trusted sources. The Fresno Republican also launched a COVID-19 website packed with dozens of useful links.
“After the initial shock and awe of the emerging pandemic and the closure of schools, we knew that people were going to want information,” Borgeas told me by phone while in the Starbucks drive-thru near his home. (He drinks caffè Americanos, in case you’re wondering.)
“That is going to be the most important aspect of my job for a while.”
Borgeas’ social media pages are also notable for what they lack. You won’t find any political spin, second-guessing of fellow politicians or pretending to be a public health expert.
Which is a purposeful decision, as well.
“Primary sources are what we’re trying to deliver,” Borgeas said. “We’re not asking for opinions. We’re not asking for speculation. We’re not asking for soft science. We’re asking for hard science from reliable sources by individuals who are schooled and skilled in the appropriate discipline to provide it.”
Kind of refreshing to hear, don’t you think?
A ‘moral obligation’ for Arambula
Borgeas isn’t the only Fresno-area elected showing leadership in a crisis. That description also includes Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula and Congressman T.J. Cox, both Democrats, as well as Fresno Mayor Lee Brand.
Before entering politics, Arambula attended medical school and worked as an emergency room physician in Selma. Which gives him what he called “a moral obligation” to both provide regular coronavirus updates on social media and advocate for health professionals.
“There’s not enough appreciation for the people on the front lines, the doctors and nurses that are dealing with this pandemic every day,” said Arambula, who is also donating $50,000 from his campaign funds to local organizations that provide services to those impacted.
Even though his Twitter feed contains some political jockeying, Cox also tweets useful health information. On March 16, the first-term congressman hosted a “tele town hall” with a local ER doctor that included a question-and-answer session.
I’d like to see more local pols do that.
Brand took the proactive step of issuing a citywide “shelter in place” order the day before California Gov. Gavin Newsom did so for the entire state. The 70-year-old also set a good example for seniors by working from home, even filming a video from his living room.
Questions from across the street
Borgeas, a Fresno City councilmember and Fresno County supervisor before being elected to the state Senate in 2018, told me he’s never been so inundated with questions during his time in public office as he and his staff have over the last couple weeks.
That includes feedback on social media, phone calls and emails to his four district offices spread over 11 counties, as well as random encounters while out in public.
“Every method of exchange and interaction is being utilized as never before,” Borgeas said. “When I take my kids on a walk, I’ll have folks walking down the street recognize me. They’re asking me questions from across the street while keeping their social distance.”
The way elected officials conduct themselves during a crisis tells us a lot about them.
The good ones reveal themselves, and so do the other types.
This story was originally published March 26, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
