Board of Supervisors District 2
Paul Dictos
I am one man operation. I have no written policy on my campaign. And although unwritten, it is in effect. In my office as the elected Assessor-Recorder of Fresno County, I supervise staff of 150 and have adopted and I adhere to all of the non-discrimination policies as adopted by the Board of Supervisors
Public employees should not be cheating the public. The public is paying, they deserve an honest day’s work.
As a born-again Christian, I am against drag shows and performances that offend the general public.
The internet provides all these materials to those that want to access them. Public libraries should do the same but there should be certain controls in place. The librarians are well trained to handle this.
The Bible tells us that we are all created in the image of God. Nobody should be bullied and/or harassed for who he/she is.
I support CUSD’s Administration. All three of my children graduated from CUSD and one of my daughters teaches there.
Parent consent is a must always be in such cases.
Absolutely. It is in the public’s interest to do so.
I am a firm believer of building up to control and eventually limit urban sprawl. Our air quality is the worst in the country. We should adapt the European way of life. Build ten and twenty story condominiums with adequate shopping and close to downtown where people can walk to work. I will buy the first condo-please reserve the top floor for me.
I believe in the sanctity of life. When my adopted daughter met her birth mother she hugged and kissed her and thanked her for not aborting her. I was there to witness their first meeting. My wife and I also thanked the birth mother for giving us the gift of life.
California has 12% of the US population but has 35% of the homeless. Studies show that 60% s are suffering from some kind of mental illness. Fresno county is unprepared to meet the challenge. First, we lack adequately trained medical staff and second, we have a scarcity of mental illness beds. It’s a tough road ahead as California expects multiple year-deficits.
Fresno has a housing crisis. Read my Fresno Bee article 10/15/23. Unfortunately, the prices are controlled by the Market i.e. supply and demand and while the demand is growing the supply is diminishing. Developers are hampered by sky-high impact fees. Scarcity of industrial land prevents National companies from moving here. High-paying jobs are lost to neighboring counties. Increase availability of Industrial land.
I am an American of Greek descent and came here with only $23 in my pocket. I lived in the Projects in West Fresno on South Lee Avenue. I bought groceries with food stamps. I got student loans to attend Fresno State. Paid them all back with interest. God has been good to me and my family. I lost my wife of 51 years to Alzheimer’s in 2017. I have three children and eight grandchildren. I am a California licensed CPA and have been elected to the office of Fresno County Assessor-Recorder since 2010. As your elected Assessor I manage a tax roll of $110 Billion, supervise a staff of 150 with a $21 million budget. As your elected Recorder I issue Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates, process all real estate transactions in the county and archive all documents from 1856 to present. And since 2022 I started redacting the thousands of racially offensive documents in the County’s archives. My efforts helped the county move the Recorder’s office to a location outside the Hall of Records with free downtown parking and a drive-through window for those in hurry. My efforts as Assessor continue to provide financial support to public schools.
Bryce Herrera
No, but I am willing to adopt such a policy to ensure that our campaign maintains our commitment to the values of inclusivity for all groups.
Public officials are elected to represent our interests in government. We can be tolerant while performing the duties, responsibilities, and functions of democracy and government. However, when an elected official is unwilling to perform their duty, they should be recalled. I believe that individuals have the right to marry whoever they want. The defeat California’s Prop 8 (2008) and Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) led to the landmark Supreme Court decision that held that marriage equality is protected under the 14th amendment and states must license and recognize same-sex marriage. I respect the Constitution.
I believe in fostering inclusive and spaces for all groups. We should not exclude any group in policymaking. The LGBTQ+ community should be free to exercise their right to free expression and equal protection under the constitution and the law. This type of rhetoric has no place in our communities.
There is an alarming trend across the country which is leading to conservative governments and legislative bodies passing book bans. We are witnessing Fresno County attempt this with the passage of the “Parents Matter Act.” This resolution is a repudiation to Democratic and American values which we hold near and dear to our hearts. Every individual should have unabridged right to freedom, the right to self-determination, learn about themselves, and grow as an individual. Education is a key and integral component of any society. Individuals should be able to live in a society that does not discriminate against protected classes. Book bans are a slippery slope that lead to revisionist history! This should not be a subject of conversation in the United States of America – but we cannot allow this to become the norm!
Yes, I will support and defend LGBTQ+ students from discrimination in all forms.
Clovis Unified School District should strive to serve transgender students and their families by supporting their stated needs. I respect the autonomy of governing bodies to establish policies and procedures amenable to needs of their their constituencies. If this were a related issue brought before the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, I would allow for proper discussion and respect the community input process.
I support the transgender and gender nonconforming community. Individuals seeking gender-affirming care should be provided the care they deserve.
Yes, we must direct HIV-related resources from the public sector to provide resources to the public. If there is an opportunity to allocate resources towards funding such programs, then we should advance appropriation to accommodate those requests. We have an obligation to leverage the power of our county government.
Under current leadership, the Board of Supervisors has refused to study our poor air quality. I believe in facts-based leadership and science. We need to be considerate of those who live in the Central Valley who suffer from effects stemming from the worsening air quality. As a county supervisor, I will advocate for our community and be supportive of development and infrastructure projects that will promote goals of reducing carbon emissions, industrial pollution, and transitioning to a clean, green, and renewable energy future.
I believe in upholding the principles laid out in Roe v. Wade “Roe”(1973). Decisions related to women’s reproductive healthcare are private ones determined between a woman, her doctor and her loved ones. As a county supervisor, I will defend Roe, provide financial support to Planned Parenthood, and be a welcoming ally to any woman who comes to California to receive reproductive care. The Republican Party bears blame for the overturning of Roe and 50 years of legal constitutional precedent.
Our society has failed our homeless population, especially those in our most vulnerable and historically marginalized groups, like the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. I will advocate for our unhoused residents through championing a housing-first approach, investing in wrap-around services with provisional oversight and community advisory processes in place, and work towards reducing the average placement in temporary and supportive housing. I believe that any plan that we propose for implementation must be established on the principle of treating the unhoused and homeless population with dignity, decency, humanity, and respect. There are more than 4,700 in the Fresno homeless population, we are 1,500 beds short, and the FMCOC has concluded that there was 10-year high in terms of homelessness last year. The County has resources in the form of a social service dollars, but the conservative-majority BOS refuses to utilize those resources for fear of supporting the state and federal government. More than this, I do not believe in criminalizing or penalizing the unhoused and unsheltered as a way of “policing” or “sweeping away the problem.” I believe that it is neither a City of Fresno nor is it a Fresno County problem. I believe that it is our responsibility as a community to put forward solutions like ensuring access to shelter beds, filling more than 1,300 vacancies at the county, including those related to the Department of Social Services, and actively managing the situation. We cannot continue to trend in this direction. The public is tired of excuses and wants the situation to be managed and eliminated. This will require a focused approach that includes collaboration between public, private, and non-profit sector. But I want the public to continue to hold every department and agency accountable to their role in ending this epidemic.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national unemployment rate is less than 3.4% ; however, in Fresno County we are experiencing nearly 7.6% unemployment. This is not a job-friendly labor market, and we should invest in retraining workers to prepare to work in industries that will propel our economy. We should also look I do not believe that rent, which is $1,500 for a 2-bedroom apartment, is attainable to the average Fresnan. Since 2020, fair-market rents increased by 43% (30% between 2022 and 2023) as inflation and the cost of living have increased. The average earner should be making $23.5 per hour in order to make their month’s rent. And therefore, in addition to building more affordable housing, I will support rent stabilization policy of 3%-5%, which meets the state of California’s Tenant Protection Act “up to but not more than 10% or 5% plus the change in the cost of living” policy. I will prioritize short-term needs to prevent further losses to the tax base and prevent more from becoming unhoused.
– Raised in Fresno, CA – graduating from Hoover High School – Graduated from Fresno State University with a B.S. in Business Administration – Entrepreneurship – Has helped to raise over $160,000 for Fresno State University, resulting in a half million dollar community impact – Serves on the Board of Directors for the El Dorado Park Community Development Corporation, working to assist impoverished neighborhoods using asset based community development, and achieving a million pounds in perishable and non-perishable donations – Owns and operates a catering business, consistently maintaining company budget and paying bills – Provides business development consultancy services and has helped secure SBA, COVID-19, and emergency funding for business clients
Dion Bourdase
While we haven’t established a written non-discrimination policy for our campaign yet, I am committed to inclusivity and believe in inclusivity and non-discrimination. I plan to implement such a written policy after the primary election, ensuring protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity for all staff and volunteers.
Respecting religious freedom, public employees should have the right to refuse duties conflicting with sincere beliefs, provided it doesn’t impede public welfare or discriminate. However, this must be balanced with their duty to serve all citizens equally. Reasonable accommodations and respectful dialogue are essential to navigate this complex issue fairly.
Legislation banning drag shows and LGBTQ+ performances is regressive and discriminatory, infringing on freedom of expression and targeting marginalized communities. Such laws fuel intolerance and harm LGBTQ individuals, perpetuating inequality. Protecting diversity and inclusivity is crucial in fostering a society where everyone can live authentically and without fear of persecution.
Censorship limits access to diverse perspectives and stifles understanding. Public Libraries should offer comprehensive, age-appropriate materials inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity. Providing resources that reflect the diversity of the human experience fosters empathy, acceptance, increases informed dialogue, enriches communities and promotes inclusivity for all.
Absolutely. Explicitly protecting LGBTQ+ students from bullying and harassment in school is essential for fostering safe and inclusive learning environments. Everyone deserves to feel valued and respected regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Such protections are a crucial step toward creating equitable, supportive school environments for all students.
While parental involvement is important, requiring transgender students to obtain permission for affirming services can pose challenges for those in unsupportive environments. Balancing parental rights with the well-being and autonomy of transgender students is crucial. Schools should ensure access to affirming services while also considering individual circumstances sensitively and responsibly.
Age- appropriate gender-affirming care for transgender and gender nonconforming individuals is crucial for their well-being. Providing support, including counseling, hormone therapy, and medical interventions when appropriate, helps alleviate dysphoria and fosters positive mental health outcomes. Access to affirming care empowers individuals to live authentically and improves their quality of life.
Yes, I support public funding for HIV testing, treatment, and prevention. Accessible healthcare is essential for combating the spread of HIV and supporting those living with the virus. Public funding ensures that everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, can access vital services, reducing transmission rates and improving public health outcomes.
Implementing stricter emissions standards for industries and promoting cleaner energy sources are crucial steps to improve air quality in the Central Valley. Investing in public transportation, decreasing urban sprawl, promoting green initiatives, and community collaboration are essential in reducing pollution while safeguarding residents’ health and mitigating environmental harm.
Women should have complete bodily autonomy, including the right to make decisions about their own healthcare, reproduction, and bodies without interference from the government or others. This fundamental right ensures women’s freedom, dignity, and equality, empowering them to control their own lives and destinies.
To address homelessness effectively we must address the root causes of homelessness. If elected, I plan on implementing comprehensive programs that provide mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and supportive housing. We all benefit by providing individuals with the support they need to build their lives and integrate into society.
Reinvesting in our community is the only way to boost job availability, wages, and improve housing outcomes. To address economic challenges in the Central Valley, lets invest in job creation programs, vocational training, and infrastructure projects. Implementing affordable housing initiatives and paying living wages can alleviate financial strains most experience.
Third generation Fresnan, born in Clovis 1985. A lifelong resident, product of District 2, and lifelong learner educated at Buchanan High, FCC and Fresno State. For the last decade employed exclusively by Fresno County which has provided unique insight into the issues we face. For better days – Vote Bourdase.
Steve Brandau
Candidate did not respond to our questions.
Garry Bredefeld
Candidate did not respond to our questions.
All candidates above responded to questions from The Fresno Bee regarding homelessness, poverty and housing.
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This guide was produced from candidates voluntarily completion of a questionnaire provided by LGBTQ Fresno.