The state Assembly race between Esmeralda Soria and Mark Pazin could also be considered one of the closer contests within the Central Valley.
David Taub
Politics 101
While Soria, a Democrat and Fresno City Councilwoman, can have the party registration (16% Democrats) and fundraising advantage, Pazin can have the name recognition edge. The Republican is the previous sheriff of Merced County.
Soria has raised over $3 million, including a recent $400,000 contributions from the state Democratic Party. Pazin has raised $1.2 million.
The Democrat has blitzed the tv and radio airwaves, mostly criticizing Pazin’s tenure as sheriff from 2007-2013. He left the elected position to work for the state Office of Emergency Services.
One Soria mailer hammers Pazin “quitting” his office.
Pazin has sent mailers linking Soria to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-Latest York. They call Soria “too extreme for the Central Valley.”
Related Story: Pazin Touts His Credentials, Calls Soria a Credit Grabber.
Also in Politics 101 …
- Fresno hires a latest controller.
- Court hires a latest executive.
Fresno Hires Latest Controller
With a 7-0 vote, the Fresno City Council approved the hiring of Santino Danisi as town’s latest controller.
Danisi comes from the same role at Fresno Unified. He replaces Michael Lima, who was dismissed by town earlier this 12 months. Assistant City Manager Ruthie Quinto served within the interim.
“I’m very excited and looking out forward to meeting the staff and getting began,” Danisi told the council after the announcement of his hiring.
The controller is hired by the City Manager, however the City Charter requires City Council consent on the hiring and firing of the position.
“Santino comes highly really useful. Those that know him compliment his strong work ethic and community ties. He shouldn’t be only an authority in the sphere of finance, but in addition a real community servant,” Mayor Jerry Dyer said in a news release.
Fresno Court Adds Latest Executive
The Fresno Superior Court system has promoted from inside for its next executive.
Dawn Annino was promoted from assistant to the person in command of the court’s administration. She’s held a wide range of roles since joining the Fresno court system in 1997. Her official title is Court Executive Officer, Clerk of the Court. She also holds a law degree from the University of Wyoming.
“Dawn has an amazing amount of experience with our organization and shall be an asset to us within the role of Court Executive Officer”, Presiding Judge David Kalemkarian said in a news release. “She is well respected by our bench officers, Executive Committee and, most significantly, court personnel. I actually have every confidence that she shall be an amazing leader to our court.”