It’s almost election time in Downtown Fresno! Eight candidates are vying for the City of Fresno District Three Council seat. Unless one candidate wins a majority of votes in the June 3 primary, there will be a 2-person run off in November.

The Downtown Association of Fresno and other organizations that are actively involved in District Three are hosting a Candidates Reception for City of Fresno District 3 Council Candidates. The reception is being held in the Sky Room on Wednesday, May 19 from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm.

Candidates include Oliver Baines, Mike Briggs, Rogenia Cox, Ignacio Garibay, Alfonso Hernandez, Tate Hill, Barbara Hunt and Doug Vagim.

Candidates will present their Downtown ideas by answering questions posed by the organizations, and each will have 2 minutes to speak. The questions are:

1. District 3 is a large diverse area with a variety of different constituencies. How will you address the various commercial and residential neighborhoods in District 3?
2. There is a Cultural Arts District, a suggested entertainment district and a vast array of public art and historic architecture in Downtown Fresno. Do you feel special attention should be given to the arts in Downtown Fresno? Why or why not?
3. Lead by Mayor Ashley Swearengin, there is a growing City staff focus on Downtown Fresno. How will you represent Downtown to your fellow Councilmembers? What are your top three Downtown–related priorities once in office?

Sponsoring partners include Chinatown Revitalization, Creative Fresno, Cultural Arts District Association, Downtown Association of Fresno, FCASH, FLYP, Fresno Arts Council, Tower Marketing Association and West Fresno Coalition for Economic Development.

Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy the Sky Room high atop the Downtown Holiday Inn. Join us to meet and greet with the Downtown Fresno District 3 Council Candidates.