This is a rare year for turnover in Fresno County elections. In our neck of the woods, those elected countywide don’t ever lose o it can get quite boring around here at times in local politics. But over the last two local election cycles most of the county administrative offices have turned over after retirements by long term officeholders. This year presents two major announcements. First, Sheriff Richard Pierce if retiring after serving two terms. He followed longtime Sheriff Steve Magarian, who was Sheriff for over a decade. Announced candidates thus far are few, but a well known Clovis City Councilman and former Mayor, Jose Flores, has announced his intention to succeed Pierce. Councilman Flores is also a captain in the Sheriff’s department and appears to be the early frontrunner. If elected, he would become one of the only Hispanic countywide officeholders in Fresno County history. And, yes, he is a recent convert to Republicanism.
The next major retirement announcement came from longtime County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Pete Mehas. A lifelong Republican, he has an educational and political resume too voluminous to reprint here. He’s been active in Presidential and Statewide politics, served at the pleasure of several Governors, and been very supportive of the local Party and Lincoln Club. He has stood up to the unions and generally leave his post with the affairs of his office in good order. We will miss Pete greatly. Running to succeed him so far are two Republicans, Larry Wilder, and Larry Powell. Mr. Wilder is a fairly well known commodity have run for elected office before. He’s been around Party circles for years. Mr. Powell is one of Mehas’ Deputy Superintendents and appears to be favored by Mehas, giving him a strong presence in this race. Both men are real gentlemen and it should be a very civilized contest. Powell is also a recent Republican convert.
There should be some good action around here this year and its about time. The local Lincoln Club figures to play a prominent role in these matters. It is also a big statement that most, if not all candidates change their registration to Republican prior to running countywide. The handwriting is on the wall – for countywide elections – Democrats need not apply.