'Yes on S' campaign launches ahead of November election in Fresno County
FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Supporters of Measure S officially launched their campaign Wednesday, urging voters to approve a countywide half-cent sales tax that they say would fund road repairs, public transit and other transportation improvements across Fresno County.
The campaign kickoff brought together students who rely on public transit, teachers concerned about getting children safely to school, and current and former mayors who voiced support for the measure ahead of the November election.
Veronica Garibay of the "Yes on S" campaign said, "No misuse of the law was going to keep our democratic right to vote on Measure S this November."
Among those backing the proposal is Clovis Mayor Vong Mouanoutoua.
"This group has been transparent. The measure is exactly right there. You know what you're voting for. That's why Clovis will get votes and support for this," Mayor Mouanoutoua said.
The campaign launch follows months of contention and uncertainty surrounding the measure. The city of Fresno even created a backup proposal, Measure D, in case Measure S did not make the ballot.
Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer said Measure D will remain on the ballot but encouraged voters to support Measure S.
"People can vote yes on D, yes on S; you're only going to get one measure. That measure will be Measure S, but we definitely want people to vote. Yes, on Measure S," Dyer said.
When asked, Mayor Dyer said he's not aware of any active campaign push for Measure D.
If approved, Measure S would remain in effect for 30 years. Supporters say 65% of revenue would be directed toward roads and 25% toward public transit.
Dyer warned that if the measure fails, road conditions would worsen, bus services would be reduced, and it could impact about 200 Fresno city workers.
"We can't afford to go backward in our community," Dyer said.
"The reality is, we will be reducing services, especially on the weekends and at night. Monday through Friday evenings. Our buses will not run after eight or 9 PM," said Mayor Dyer.
The measure has faced opposition from Fresno County Supervisor Garry Bredefeld since the beginning.
Bredefeld has been critical, saying it will invest too much in public transportation.
"It's a public transportation tax, funding buses that people don't ride and creating bike lanes that people don't use and don't want," said Bredefeld.
In the City of Fresno, close to 10 million people use the bus system, and if the measure passes, Mayor Dyer says fares will be free for students and veterans. He foresees the measure will boost ridership, arguing it is critical to invest in the city's FAX system.
While Bredefeld agrees roads need repairs, he did not specify how the county would fund infrastructure improvements if the measure is defeated.
When asked how the county would invest in road infrastructure without the measure, Bredefeld said, "We're going to have to get back to the drawing board and come up with a real plan to fix people's roads."
Meanwhile, the Fresno County Elections Office is finalizing ballot layouts and preparing to send them to printers.
Elections officials said voters will receive two ballot cards because of the number of measures appearing on the ballot.
"There are so many propositions and also two countywide measures, so 16 total that everyone will see. We have to do two cards again for this election, just like we did for the primary," Fresno County Clerk and Registrar of Voters James Kus said.
The "Yes on S" campaign said it plans to begin canvassing this weekend. Organizers said they have raised about $1 million so far and expect the campaign budget to reach approximately $2.2 million.
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