Fresno City Council District 2
Mike Karbassi
Candidate did not respond to our questions.
Matthew Gillian
Public employees have the right to their sincerely held religious beliefs. It is the challenge of the employer to find the balance when the overall operation might take on undue hardship due to one’s refusal to carry out their public duties due to their religious beliefs.
These bills restrict artistic expression and have been criticized as discriminatory and unconstitutional. Meanwhile, many of the same states often struggle to enact effective gun control measures despite the real harm caused by firearms. While some states invest time in regulating entertainment, they seem to lack the same determination when it comes to addressing pressing issues like gun violence. It raises questions about where our legislative focus truly lies and whether we’re effectively safeguarding our communities. Ultimately, finding a balance between artistic freedom and public safety requires thoughtful consideration and a commitment to addressing actual forms of suffering and harm.
Public libraries should offer diverse materials reflecting LGBTQ+ experiences, fostering understanding and challenging prejudice. Age-appropriate books provide safe spaces for all, validating identities and reducing isolation.
Every student deserves a safe and inclusive learning environment, free from discrimination and abuse. Protecting all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, is essential for fostering a positive and respectful learning environment for everyone. I firmly support including LGBTQ+ students in state-level anti-bullying and harassment protections.
At this time, as I haven’t dealt with CUSD, I don’t have direct views on the districts requirements.
I support and respect the diverse gender identities and expressions of young people, and believe we should provide them with age-appropriate information, services and means to achieve their well being and health.
Everyone deserves access to healthcare, and public funding promotes social justice and human rights for people living with or at risk of HIV. Early detection and treatment significantly reduce HIV transmission, protecting public health.
I propose a comprehensive approach to address transportation and housing challenges in our community. And if we can work to tackle these two issues with joint solutions I believe we can improve our air quality by significantly reducing vehicle miles traveled in single occupancy internal combustion vehicles. 1. Filling Public Transportation Gaps and Reducing Single-Occupancy Vehicles: Implement multimodal clean energy micro-transit solutions: * Utilize electric shuttles, bikes, and scooters integrated with existing public transportation. * Offer on-demand and scheduled services in underserved areas. * Leverage micro-transit for first-mile/last-mile connections to public transit hubs. * Encourage adoption through: * Affordable fares and passes. * User-friendly mobile app and real-time tracking. * Integrated ticketing with existing systems. 2. Sustainable Construction for Infill Housing: * Develop infill housing on underutilized land near existing infrastructure and services. * Employ sustainable construction techniques: * Partner with new development models to deliver higher-quality homes at speed and with more design freedom * Prioritize energy-efficient design and renewable energy integration. * Promote walking, cycling, and micro-transit through dedicated space and connections. This combined strategy fosters a resilient and inclusive community with equitable access to sustainable transportation and housing. In short, (renewable energy) Transit Oriented Developments.
It’s my perspective that bodily autonomy is the foundation of gender equality and human rights, and that it benefits not only women, but also their families, communities, and societies.
During my time as a board member of the Dakota Eco Garden, an eco village project where we champion the exploration of utilizing tiny homes as a model for infill development, offering transitional housing solutions for unhoused individuals within our district. While the compact footprint of tiny homes offers undeniable advantages, I firmly believe that a successful initiative cannot solely rely on housing units. Access to comprehensive wraparound services is equally crucial in facilitating a genuine pathway to permanent stability. We would need to look at appropriate potential locations within the east and west side of District 2 that possess promising attributes for infill development. These areas not only hold suitable land opportunities but also boast proximity to existing medical facilities or clinics, a vital consideration for ensuring residents’ well-being.
I believe that the Central Valley deserves more economic opportunities and support from the state and the private sector. The region has been struggling with high poverty, low wages, and high rent burden, which make it hard for many families to afford a decent quality of life. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened these inequalities and exposed the vulnerability of many workers and communities in the region. I support policies and programs that would increase the income and opportunities for Central Valley residents, such as investing in education, health care, infrastructure, and clean energy. I also support the diversification of the economy and the attraction of more businesses and industries from the other regions, which would create more jobs and boost the local income. I think that the Central Valley has a lot of potential and talent, and it needs more diverse levels of jobs from new industries that work to employ community members with differing levels of education. I also think that corporations should subsidize travel for their employees who commute from far distances, as this would reduce the financial and environmental costs of transportation and improve the quality of life for workers.
Born and raised in Fresno to two hard working parents, Matthew attended college in New York City and Los Angeles County. After completing his education in business at Cal State University Northridge, Matthew ventured into the music industry in Los Angeles immersing himself in the diverse fast paced culture of the city. He soon felt a strong pull back to his roots, realizing that the values instilled in him were deeply rooted in Fresno. Returning to his hometown, Matthew reconnected with the community that had always held a special place in his heart. He supported his father through the difficult ordeal of dialysis and a kidney transplant. This experience strengthened Matthew’s resolve, pushing him to advocate for improved healthcare access. The experience of transporting his father to dialysis appointments while witnessing the birth of his son were pivotal moments in his life. It was through these personal experiences that he recognized the need to establish a non-profit organization that leverages electric vehicles for social service transportation. Matthew’s love for his family has fueled his drive to advocate for comprehensive healthcare policies that prioritize the needs of every individual in the Fresno community. Matthew Gillian’s story is one of personal growth and unwavering commitment to Fresno. His profound experiences, from childhood to adulthood, have shaped his perspective and molded him into a candidate who truly understands the needs and aspirations of the community. With a focus on compassionate leadership and effective advocacy, Matthew is poised to make a significant positive impact on the lives of Fresno residents. Working tirelessly to create needed change for the place he proudly calls home.
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.