Hello. My name is Michael Karbassi and I am running to serve as the city councilman for District 2.

I embark on this journey to change the role of government in this community. Government should be a reflection of our will, our needs, and our vision. Government should also be inclusive and open to all. I was born and raised in Fresno's District 2. My family, my businesses, my memories, and my heart and soul are deeply rooted in our neighborhoods. I love Fresno because Fresno is and has always been my home. That is why I am the candidate best able to represent District 2.

Over thirty years ago, my father was a young auditor working in Chicago. He came to Fresno to visit a friend from college and while on vacation, he realized that Fresno would be an ideal place to raise a family. So he bought a house and made Fresno our home. Within a year, he opened our family business, Persian Rug Collections and our business has successfully operated in District 2 since 1979.

I tell you this short story because it helps me realize that I now stand where my father stood over thirty years ago. My father saw the potential in Fresno. He believed that our community was a place where families could come together and live in a safe and clean environment. He believed Fresno was a place with endless opportunities. I share my father's beliefs.

I have worked in my family-owned business all of my life. This strong background has taught me that quality customer service does more to improve satisfaction, loyalty, and pride than anything else. It is the key to a successful business. So why should government be any different? I am dedicated to providing our neighborhoods with quality services - that is my beacon. Not only will our neighborhoods be safe, we will do more to maintain our streets, have clean parks, and more green vegetation throughout District 2. I will work to preserve the mature landscaping and serene atmosphere that makes northwest Fresno a unique place to live.

As I have walked our neighborhoods and met residents I have learned a great deal more about my community. Like most residents of Fresno, the primary concern of the residents of District 2 is safety and security. That is why when elected I will work to increase the number of patrols in our neighborhoods. Only then will we be able to effectively deter crime and eliminate graffiti. This will also reduce the number of vehicles that speed through our neighborhoods. I will also work with residents to reinstate neighborhood watch programs throughout District 2.

There are also many challenges facing our city, namely...upgrading our transportation system, our infrastructure, improving air quality, job creation, rejuvenating downtown, and regional planning - just to name a few. All of this at a time when we see families in our neighborhoods losing their homes due to the foreclosure crisis. All of this at a time when the city's budget has no funds to spare. As a businessman, I come prepared to serve in such a challenging environment. I understand that none of us can survive by spending more than we take in. However, I believe that the quality of life and the quality of services in our neighborhoods need not suffer because we are experiencing difficult times. If the city council is willing to make difficult but creative decisions we can all prosper in the times ahead.

There are steps we can take without diminishing resources that can positively impact the quality of life and services in our community. We can increase pride in our neighborhoods by stepping up code enforcement and removing blight. We can increase open space by raising standards in new development. As your councilmember, I will work to make city hall work for you. You are the customer, and you deserve nothing less than quality service.

Fresno is my home. I have been your lifelong neighbor. Your issues are my issues and I take them to heart. I am asking for your support. Please elect me to serve you as your councilmember for northwest District 2. I would appreciate your vote. Thank you.

Quick Facts About Michael Karbassi:

Only candidate born and raised in Fresno

Lifelong resident of District 2

Small Business Owner

Family owned business, Persian Rug Collections, has successfully operated in District 2 for over 29 years.

Attended local schools, including Malloch, Tenaya, Bullard, Clovis West, and Fresno State

Issues:

As your Councilmember, I will work to:

Improve Public Safety

We need to increase the number of police patrols to deter vandalism, "smash and grabs", and preventing graffiti. Gang suppression is great and we should support those efforts. But we also need to prevent crime from moving into our area. I will also work with residents to reestablish neighborhood watch programs.

Reduce Speeding in Neighborhoods

Far too often, drivers treat residential streets as though they are major thoroughfares. Increasing police patrols would help to keep neighborhoods safe.

Improve Air Quality

Improving the quality of our air is a must. That means reducing the amount of emissions generated by cars and trucks by improving traffic patterns in District 2 to reduce stop-and-go traffic.

Reduce Traffic Congestion

We need to upgrade the Highway 99 interchanges at Herndon and Shaw avenues in order to reduce stop and go traffic. Building Veteran's Boulevard connecting Herndon to Grantland Avenue will also improve traffic flow in the Herndon/99 area. Another problem is the bottleneck on Herndon Avenue between Marks and Brawley. This stretch of road needs to be upgraded from two lanes to three.

Maintain Neighborhoods & Increase Pride

As residents, we take care of the vegetation on our property. It only makes sense that the city does the same with public land in District 2. I will work to reduce blight in our neighborhoods and improve the vegetation throughout the community. We deserve cleaner medians, clean parks free of loitering, trash, and broken glass, and neighborhoods that are more presentable. We need to preserve the mature landscaping and serene atmosphere that makes northwest Fresno a unique place to live.

Create A Surplus/Reduce the Burden To Taxpayers

As a small business owner, I know that we can't spend more than we take in. It's no secret that City Hall will face serious financial challenges in the years ahead. I come prepared with the skills and knowledge to work with other council members in order to eliminate the deficit and create a healthy surplus.

Upgrade Mass Transportation

We need to revamp the existing FAX bus system in Fresno. Some ideas are: using smaller buses in areas with less ridership and utilizing technology to select routes that serve more residents. I will also work to create more routes in District 2 for seniors that prefer to ride the bus than drive.

Another realistic idea is funding a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. This system would increase the effectiveness of traveling north to south and south to north by reducing time.

Reduce Urban Sprawl

We need to protect our agricultural land and reinvest in our existing neighborhood infrastructure throughout Fresno by preventing urban sprawl. It is time to build up instead of out.

Contact Information

Michael Karbassi for Fresno City Council, Northwest District 2
1731 Bullard Avenue, Suite 130
Fresno, California 93711
Email: Michael@JoinMichael.com
Website: www.JoinMichael.com
I would like to hear your ideas. Please call me at (559) 449-9700.