Labor and Community Leaders Call on Fresno City Council to Drop Competing General Sales Tax Measure, Unite Behind Better Roads, Safe Streets
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Please contact Mike Lukens, (559) 999-5108, if you want to reach any of the representatives quoted
FRESNO – In advance of today’s special meeting of the Fresno City Council to consider removing the proposed general tax measure from the November ballot, a number of groups and organizations have issued the following statements:
Better Roads, Safe Streets Campaign
“The Better Roads, Safe Streets coalition respectfully urges the Fresno City Council to remove its proposed general sales tax measure from the November ballot and instead unite behind a single countywide transportation solution. We have a unique opportunity to move forward together, giving Fresno County voters the chance to consider one comprehensive plan that reflects regional cooperation, local investment, and a shared vision for the future.
“The Legislature’s passage of AB 1923 has guaranteed that Fresno County voters will decide for themselves on the Better Roads, Safe Streets measure this November — exactly as the more than 32,000 Fresno County residents who signed petitions intended. With the Fresno County Registrar of Voters confirming the measure’s place on the November ballot, the need for a separate City general sales tax measure has been eliminated. We believe Fresno residents are best served by one coordinated countywide transportation investment plan rather than competing local measures.
“Removing the City’s measure from the ballot would help avoid voter confusion and allow the public to focus on a single transportation proposal that benefits residents throughout Fresno County.
“Better Roads, Safe Streets is the only measure on the November ballot that specifically dedicates funding to repair our roads and make our streets safer — with ironclad accountability to voters to get the job done.”
Alfredo Molina, President, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1027
“With the Better Roads, Safe Streets measure now guaranteed to make the November 2026 ballot, it is time for Fresno City Council to do what they said they would do – withdraw the City’s proposed general tax measure if the Better Roads, Safe Streets measure qualified. We can’t risk confusing voters with two measures and then have neither one pass.
“It is time for everyone to coalesce around one plan, and that is the Better Roads, Safe Streets measure. It is the only plan that guarantees specific amounts of funding for transportation projects, and the only one that recognizes the vital importance of public transit.
“Transit is not a luxury, it’s a lifeline that keeps our communities connected. Together, our members move these cities every single day, connecting people to work, opportunity and our families.”
Dillon Savory, Executive Director, Fresno Madera Tulare Kings Central Labor Council
“The Labor Council commends the Fresno City Council and the mayor for their proactive measure to protect the city’s workforce and transit systems that so many of our members rely on. Now that the Registrar of Voters has confirmed that the Better Roads, Safe Streets measure will appear on the November ballot, we must present a united front in support of one countywide measure that will expand the voter base, uplift rural communities, and reduce voter confusion.”
Oscar Maciel, Political Organizer, SEIU 2015
“We at SEIU 2015 represent caregivers across Fresno. Our members drive on these roads to provide care for the elderly and those with disabilities. With the Better Roads, Safe Streets measure now headed to the November ballot, we respectfully ask Fresno City Council to remove their general tax measure from the November 2026 ballot.
“Our request is based on what we believe is in the best interest of Fresno residents. Presenting two transportation-related tax measures to voters risks unnecessary confusion and divides attention between competing proposals. One unified transportation measure gives voters a clear choice and provides the greatest opportunity to secure stable, long-term transportation funding for our community.
“By removing the measure, Council will demonstrate the same spirit of regional cooperation that has brought together cities, community organizations, labor, businesses, and residents from across Fresno County in support of Better Roads, Safe Streets.
“SEIU 2015 urges you to support these efforts.”
Sam Frank, Business Manager, Fresno City Employees Association (FCEA)
“FCEA is pleased that voters will be able to vote for the Better Roads, Safe Streets initiative in November, which we fully endorse.”
Jesse Gonzalez, President, City of Fresno Professional Employees Association (CFPEA)
“I am in full support of the City withdrawing their measure and putting its support behind the Better Roads, Safe Streets measure.”