I chose to serve on the Clovis City Council because of our community’s promising future – and our rich past.
That’s because my family’s roots in Clovis go back four generations, when my great-grandparents moved here to farm peaches and raise chickens. They worked hard, respected the land, and expected much from their children.
So when talk turns to growth and the future of Clovis, I want to make certain we don’t lose sight of the traditions that have helped make Clovis such a great place. When I decided to run for City Council, in fact, I borrowed a line from C.S. Lewis to guide my campaign: “Change is not progress if you lose your core values.”
That’s one of the reasons I’m excited about the Southeast Urban Center, a new neighborhood village we are planning for Clovis. With our great weather, wide-open spaces and bright opportunities, growth here is inevitable. This plan will guarantee our growth will be smart and well thought out.
In an impressive meeting of the minds, the Fresno County Farm Bureau, the Building Industry Association and Fresno County, all have endorsed our Southeast Urban Center plan. They applaud it because, while allowing for growth, it also encourages the preservation of farmland. With pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly pathways, shared open spaces, and activity-filled core areas, the design will encourage community interaction, which, in turn, will foster safer neighborhoods.
As a deputy district attorney for Fresno County, the Clovis I envision for the future puts a high priority on public safety, despite lean budgets. It’s important to both my wife, Nancy, and me. As young parents, we care about Clovis’ past – and its future.
