Fresno City Council District 6
Roger Bonakdar
Candidate did not respond to our questions.
Molly Fagundes-Johnston
Candidate did not respond to our questions.
Raj Sodhi-Layne
Candidate did not respond to our questions.
Nick Richardson
We don’t have a campaign staff yet, but at the time that occurs, you’ll be impressed with the policy. *** I wanted to add that I was the (highly successful) director of two different military units’ Equal Opportunity programs, and was recognized and commended for my program that stemmed the tide of bullying, sexual harassment, discrimination, ostracization, and prohibited activities based on sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, ethinicity, or national origin. None of my opponents have any experience close to that.
In the military, where I’m from, we take an oath saying that we “swear to uphold the Constitution of the United States… and [we] take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion”. Anyone who does otherwise has violated their oath to serve, and should be removed from their office. So if a public employee refuses to do their job, they should be removed.
I, for one, actively seek out a good drag brunch from time to time. As a conservative with a Libertarian streak to me, I believe people should be able to enjoy any type of legal entertainment they like in the appropriate time, place, and context. That goes for entertainment of an LGBTQ nature or otherwise.
I think that any library has a responsibility to provide age-appropriate material to all readers it serves. What age is appropriate for what type of material is closer to the center of certain debates, but age-appropriate material should always be available to an American who wants to chase the soon-lost art of recreational reading. When I was in 4th grade, my parents gave me a book about the human body which explained puberty, attraction, bodies of both sexes, and what things were appropriate and inappropriate to do at certain points of a relationship. I think any book along those lines, or one that teaches a child that being attracted to a peer regardless of their sex is okay with consent and respect is “age-appropriate” as soon as the kid can ask.
It doesn’t need to be specific. No student deserves any more or less protection from bullying than any other. I served as a subsititute teacher last semester in high schools and junior highs, and bullying was the quickest way to trigger the ire of this Marine. Teasing a child for being gender-queer, Muslim, poor, obese, or academically challenged all fall under the category of maximum punishment I could issue, immediately. I fought bullies in high school (and won), and it’s a reputation I’ve proudly kept up throughout my life.
This question’s a little vague. I likely disagree with it, but I’d need more specificity on what “services” means. I think that using a kid’s preferred pronouns, nickname, or whatever will allow them to say “here” during attendance isn’t really in the school’s jurisdiction. I’ve had students prefer to be called “he”, “she”, “justice”, and “cricket” and it didn’t ruin anyone’s day.
This, like the library question, comes down to the application of the term “age-appropriate”. If someone is old enough to enlist in the military, I think they’re old enough to drink a beer, smoke a cigarette, and modify their body however they would like without the government intervening in that person’s private business.
Even as a fiscal conservative, I support public funding for the testing, treatment, and prevention of all communicable diseases, as is the entire funtion of the CDC. STIs are not separate from that concept. Especially those which cause epidemics.
Better maintenance of roads and transportation infrastructure to reduce emissions, and a galvanization of our public transport capabilities through FAX and the ATU (Amalgamated Transportation Union).
I don’t think legislating what a woman does with her body actually has any effect on her decisions, but rather drives her options underground. America made a half-assed attempt at banning alcohol, and we ended up with moonshine, speak-easies, and NASCAR. I would rather put that money into neo-natal care, contraceptives, pre-natal care, and reinforcing our foster system rather than making it illegal for a woman to make the biggest choice of her life.
Yes. I plan to get rid of the Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) that force local builders to pay unions higher rates to work, driving the cost of housing up. I plan to enstate a new (fair) tax-sharing agreement that keeps affordable housing builders in the area, instead of leaving due to a lack of such deal between the city and county. I plan to loosen the requirements imposed on landlords via Fresno Housing to provide Section 8 housing for Fresnans in need. I plan to continue my work with local skilled labor organizations to train and equip more skilled workers in the Valley. In addition, I plan to add more mental health professionals to our police force (who can attest to their value) when dealing with those in need.
The economy need to get back to its roots of skilled labor careers, local training for local jobs, and local education. The average income in the city of Fresno is in the mid-50,000 range, (not even half of what City Council voted to be paid in 2022). I am not owned by big developers or investors (look at my donor list), so I will bring down the price of homes. I will encourage apartment developers to return to Fresno to allow housing opportunities. I will put City Council in check and remind them that the dais doesn’t give them special privilege, but rather a duty to those they represent.
From Fresno kid, to Marine officer, to helicopter pilot, to reservist, I have lived a life of service: to my country, to my community, to my family, and to you. This election cycle threatens to bring an end to rational, veteran leadership on City Council. I am here to stop that from happening. I took an oath to support and defend our Constitution against all enemies, both foreign and domestic, and that’s not an obligation I take lightly. With your support, I will be able to continue that service by tackling our city’s biggest issues, such as rampant homelessness, increases in violence and property crime, disrespect to our first responders and veterans, and an appalling lack of accountability in some of those elected to lead us. Fresno needs more leaders, not more lawyers. We need accountability, not accountants. My service to you began over a decade ago, and with your help, I will continue to serve you honorably, honestly, and with a heart for duty.
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.