Name: Matt White
Age: 37
Occupation: Realtor, Sales Rep and Dad
Political experience: Vice President in High School Class, former President of FCA
Education: Undergraduate from Fresno State. Master's Degree from Wichita State University.
Family: 2 son's (Matthew Jr 3.5yrs old and Brody 1 yr old), Daughter (Keaton 2 yrs old) and Wife (Kim)
Public Web site or blog address: www.WorkWithWhite.com
Endorsements: Jeff Eben, Saundra King, Zach Wilson, Terry Scambry.

Brief statement on why you are running for city council for district 6 of Fresno -

I work hard then play hard. The more time I am busy accomplishing and my setting my goals, the more I feel like I accomplish. I try to put God 1st, then family then work, but somehow it ends up being work, family, then God. I know someday it'll turn around. I embrace Fresno and being very passionate, I believe Fresno to be the best place in the world to live and raise a family. I believe that my extensive preparation in education, management, organization, leadership, as well as my background devoted to a team effort and desire to drive and motivate people will transpire directly to becoming a Councilman for District 6.

What is your vision for the city?

I envision Fresno to be a "Destination Location" with a solid sense of community and ideal place for environmental technologies including solar and water.

What are the top three things the city needs to address, and how would you do it?

First of all we need to have a strong foundation within our economy. I believe that our number one responsibility should be to recruit environmental technologies including air, water, and solar to our city to not only create jobs but also, put us on the map for leading the state in environmental issues.... especially since we are already leading the nation and becoming known as an agriculture location leader. Secondly, we need to address the crime issue and make sure that our leaders within the law enforcement agencies have the backing of the city and financial resources to make sure that our community continually improves regarding safety and neighborhood wellness and strength. Lastly, our budget needs to be refined. Not to increase taxes but refine in a way, much like the old saying goes...an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. One prime example would be a mandatory Spay and Neuter Law for Fresno County. And finally we need an open line of communication for relaying information to within our district to meet the needs of the people!

Downtown --

I believe the city is on the right track with making the downtown area an arts and entertainment district. Free parking should be allowed after 5pm. There should also be a stimulus package put in place where grant monies are allocated that would boust residential revitalization and growth. The city should give forest city a break. Additionally, we should everything we possibly can to get Donald Trump back in town. However, on the back end there would be some major commitments from these developers to improve our national status and once again a Destination Location...in the form of tourist attractions, educational touring events, etc.

Growth:

The city should allow grant monies that given a specific timeframe would allow private monies to revitalize homes and businesses at a substantial cost incentive and break. As long as the growth creates jobs and there is a need. I would support what our economy can provide. If there is a need to sprawl...I would recommend the growth pattern as long as the need existed.

Economic Development:

I would encourage our community to embrace agriculture and also define and recruit environmental technology companies to relocate to our area.

Public Safety:

I would continue to support the initiatives that our law enforcement agencies are currently working on.

Parks:

We just need to make sure they are kept up and in good working condition for our communities. If additional parks are needed they should be paid for from a development aspect and also maintained by an interest bearing account produced by developers. Although I believe that a non-profit YMCA with an incorporated water park would be nice for our community.

City Finances:

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Mandatory Spay and Neuter would be a good 1st step. Bottom line I would lean on District 6 to see what the needs of the community are.

Public Utilities:

Depending on the amount of information available it would depend on the overall financial picture.

Contact Information:

Matt White for Fresno City Council, District 6
Telephone: (559) 270-6113
Fax: (559) 746-7273
Email: matt@workwithwhite.com
Website: www.WorkWithWhite.com