![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.gvwire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/21094549\/Politics-101-logo.jpg\"){kind=logo}
<\/a><\/p>\nCandidates running for Fresno County supervisor in districts 1 and 4 and for Fresno County superintendent had four minutes each to make their pitch. Most spent their time giving a brief biography.<\/p>\n
One theme was common among most candidates \u2014 they came from immigrant families or had ties to agriculture.<\/p>\n
Michele Cantwell-Copher is running for re-election as Fresno County superintendent. She talked about the importance of safety in schools.<\/p>\n \u201cThat means physical barriers and management systems for visitors, as well as psychological safety. We need our children to feel safe, seen and welcome. We need anti-bullying programs and things like that,\u201d Cantwell-Copher said.<\/p>\n Eimear O\u2019Brien, the former Clovis Unified superintendent, said she was encouraged by colleagues and friends to enter the race.<\/p>\n \u201cI have been making no apologies for having one major priority, and that is to get our kids reading,\u201d O\u2019Brien said.<\/p>\n Longtime educator Johnny Alvarado also talked about the importance of increasing reading scores, saying the results have been \u201cfaulty.\u201d<\/p>\n Superintendents Punt on SEDA<\/p>\n Wednesday night, the Fresno Unified school district will consider opposing the city of Fresno\u2019s plan<\/a> to expand the city through the Southeast Development Area. The district is concerned the expansion would decrease FUSD enrollment.<\/p>\n After the forum, GV Wire asked the superintendent candidates about their positions. All three punted, declining to take a yes-or-no stance on SEDA.<\/p>\n Alvarado said getting \u201cinto a political campaign about this would not serve our students well.\u201d He said he needs more time to research the issue.<\/p>\n Cantwell-Copher said her role is to educate.<\/p>\n \u201cLand use and building design are not in my wheelhouse,\u201d Cantwell-Copher said.<\/p>\n O\u2019Brien said the superintendent\u2019s office \u201cneeds to stay in our lane.\u201d As Clovis Unified superintendent, she helped develop the Bradley Education Center, which would be in the heart of SEDA.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not seated, nor are any of the superintendents, at the city planning table,\u201d O\u2019Brien said.<\/p>\n Supervisor District 4<\/p>\n Incumbent Buddy Mendes is not running for re-election in the district that includes the southern end of the county. He is endorsing former Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims.<\/p>\n Mims talked about picking crops in the fields as a child and her motivation to return to politics. She served 16 years as sheriff and did not run for re-election in 2022.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s nothing more rewarding than public service. I get so much more than I give, and I miss that. I miss people. I miss serving people and problem-solving,\u201d Mims said.<\/p>\n Parlier Mayor Alma Beltran talked about her accomplishments leading her community. She also expressed frustration over a lack of county support.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s time for change. We have been left behind for far too long,\u201d Beltran said.<\/p>\n Huron Mayor Ray Leon talked about his love for the community and his background in organizing. His city is becoming the county\u2019s leader in solar farming, he said.<\/p>\n Selma Unified Trustee Nick Sahota talked about immigrating to America and his pride in being a citizen. As a farmer, water is important, he said.<\/p>\n \u201cWater is not a political issue in the Central Valley; it\u2019s a survival issue. Without water, we lose farming. When farms disappear, jobs disappear. When jobs disappear, families leave. And when families leave, communities suffer,\u201d Sahota said.<\/p>\n<\/a>About 200 people attended a Feb. 24, 2026, candidates forum at the Fort Washington Golf and Country Club organized by the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation. (GV Wire\/Jahz Tello)
\nCounty Superintendent<\/p>\n