Eleven candidates are vying for three seats on the Selma City Council. The candidates are: Gary Alexander, Jim Avalos, Dennis Lujan, Mike Melvin, John Mendoza, Sandi Niswander, George Rodriguez, Danny Serimian, Johnny Smith, Joseph Tiger and Herbert Wingfield. The Selma Enterprise asked the candidates for their responses to issues facing the community and information about themselves.

Jim Avalos, 57, assistant meat manager at Save Mart

Q: Political experience and/or community involvement:

A: Being on the City Council involved me in leadership roles that have given me the experience to be a leader in our community. I also bring years of experience in retail management. Plus years of public service in organizations such as Boy Scouts and the Selma Lions Club. Lastly, I bring understanding gained from 37 years of marriage and from having had the privilege of raising four children in our Selma community with my wife, Lorane Avalos.

Q: Why are you running for the Selma City Council?

A: I want to ensure and improve the delivery of city service. Excellent fire, police and emergency services are the three top priorities. Selma residents depend on these vital connections. I will shorten the response times, implement "best practice" methods and make certain we hire and retain the professionals who protect our community.

Q: What do you offer that other candidates do not?

A: I offer proven leadership and success. When our life-saving helicopter was grounded, I immediately went to work to put it back in the air. The critical life support and rapid delivery medical care it provides Selma is something we all should defend. I am proud of my efforts to put our helicopter back in service.

Q: The city of Selma was facing a budget shortfall, what would you do in your capacity as a City Council member to mitigate this problem if it happens again?

A: I will continue to improve the value of each tax dollar by scrutinizing every line within the city budget. Additionally, I will work to build a "rainy day" fund into the budget to ensure city services will not be interrupted.

Q: Do you believe there are any new ways for the city of Selma to create revenue in order to stop a potential decline in general fund money?

A: New way to create revenue -- we need commercial development in Selma while we are planning new ways to generate funds for the budget and we need to also make sure we exhaust the traditional methods. Too many precious tax dollars are being delivered to outlying cities. When we created diverse and vibrant shopping opportunities locally, we improve our residents' lives. We save them time and expense and also ensuring general funds for city services. There are tremendous opportunities for commercial development in Selma. We need to shop Selma whenever possible.

Q: What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the city of Selma? How would you solve it?

A: The foreclosure and mortgage crisis. Declining home values and increasing house payments have placed tremendous pressure on homeowners. This stress can have broad implications for our community. Other Valley cities have reported increased crime, family sacrifice and commercial economic hardships because of the real estate down turn. Selma is not immune to these same problems. I am actively investigating public and private programs that help families challenged by the house/mortgage "meltdown" to avoid foreclosure. I am also encouraging banks and government to communicate the options available to the people struggling to keep their homes. Stopping widespread real estate vacancies is in all of our interest and I am committed to this effort.

Q: What is best about the city of Selma?

A: I love the people of Selma. I went into public service for this reason. As a life-long resident, I enjoy a great perspective that give me tremendous civic pride. The people of Selma have always been friendly. We are good folks who work hard, raise our children well and are optimists. These are powerful assets that make greatness possible and I appreciate them everyday.

Q: What are your immediate goals if elected?

A: Save residents from needless foreclosures. Work broadly and collectively with law enforcement and neighboring cities to squash gang activity. Improve the Salazar Center so the children of Selma will have a safe and inspiring environment to do homework and develop good social and communication skills to the best of their abilities.

Dennis Lujan, 61, business owner 39 years

Q: Political experience and/or community involvement:

A: I have served as mayor, mayor pro tem, councilman and been the chairman of the Selma Redevelopment Agency, Finance Authority, Housing Commission, Streets and Traffic Committee, Parks and Recreation Commission, Fresno County Rural Transportation Authority and Council of City Governments. I've been a board member of the San Joaquin Air Pollution Control Board, Fresno County Private Industry Council and the Selma/Kingsburg/Fowler Sanitation District Board. I've been a member of Selma Chamber of Commerce 40 years, president of Selma Mexican American Club, St. Joseph's Catholic Church 61 years, Roosevelt Junior High Advisory Board, Fourth degree Knights of Columbus, 32nd degree Mason, Shriner and on the Selma Unified School Attendance Committee.

Q: Why are you running for the Selma City Council?

A: Selma is my home. I love the people in it. It's a great place to live and raise your children. I want to continue to improve it. If re-elected, I'll continue to serve at the highest level of city government. My wife, Maggie, and I were both born and raised in Selma, my children and grandchildren live here. People call me or come in and out of my barbershop all day long, not just to get a haircut, but to ask advice on a range of problems. I love being able to help.

Q: What do you offer that other candidates do not?

A: I'm a member of the League of California Cities. I've taken classes and workshops offered by the league over the last 24 years. It teaches the dos and don'ts of being an elected official in California; new legislation; fiscal responsibility; ethics related to holding public office; dealing with employee groups and unions; proper decorum during public meetings; and dealing with the public and other political bodies at every level. The rest I learned from 24 years of experience resolving problems as varied as barking dogs to complex land use issues and everything in between.

Q: The city of Selma was facing a budget shortfall, what would you do in your capacity as a City Council member to mitigate this problem if it happens again?

A: I've helped balance 24 budgets. I'm very proud of this. The most important part of budgeting is to be very conservative in your revenue projections. Second, is not to spend more than you expect to take in while maintaining a reasonable reserve. It's a lot tougher than it sounds, when you have infrastructure needing to be maintained, employee groups and unions wanting to keep up with inflation and vital programs that need to be funded and improved. If we face another shortfall everything would be looked at with employee cuts being the last thing I would consider.

Q: Do you believe there are any new ways for the city of Selma to create revenue in order to stop a potential decline in general fund money?

A: Yes, new commercial development. I've helped build Selma into the South Valley's shopping center. Our surrounding communities come to Selma to spend their money. This is no accident. This comes with smart planning and aggressive recruiting of commercial development. There are four new shopping centers now in different stages of development. We have less than a 5 percent vacancy factor in downtown. There are three new motels being planned that will add greatly to our general fund. When we shop in Selma we contribute to our general fund. So, let's shop local.

Q: What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the city of Selma? How would your solve it?

A: Selma is having a disagreement with our friends over at Consolidated Irrigation District. They would like to charge Cal Water for recharging our ground water and charge the city for storm drain water going into their ditch. The Cal Water charge would add $10 per month to household water bills, more to business and industry. The charge to the city would be around $500,000 per year out of our general fund. We will come to a more reasonable agreement. I hope we can do it without our attorneys.

Q: What is best about the city of Selma?

A: Our citizens, of course. We have more churches than any other city our size; family values; more park space per capita than any other city in Fresno County and we just bought another 40 acres for a new park; great schools; great shopping center; movie theaters; live theater; beautiful senior center; and great events for young and old. Carnivals, car shows, parades, athletic events of all kinds, great hospital with helicopter service back, a beautiful downtown, great neighborhoods, fire, police, public works, transit and city hall staff here to serve the citizens of Selma.

Q: What are your immediate goals if elected?

A: I plan to continue my fight against the air polluting energy plant to be built by Indianola School; complete our new 40-acre park; improve our transit service and senior services; resolve our issue with Consolidated Irrigation District; finish up our general plan update and adjust our city limits and spheres of influence; finish paving the alleys in the west side and beyond; meet with the Selma Police Association to address their concerns; and meet with the other candidates who didn't get elected and help them with their projects. I would appreciate your vote on Nov. 4. Thank you.

Michael John Melvin, 60, manufacturing supervisor at Claude Laval Corporation

Q: Political experience and/or community involvement:

A: Past board member of First United Methodist Church in Selma and past volunteer for Saint Agnes Medical Center and American Heart Association in Fresno. Although my political/community service involvement has been minimal in the past, I feel that my employment schedule now allows me the time to dedicate my services to my community. I'm excited and anxious to get started.

Q: Why are you running for the Selma City Council?

A: I feel strongly that it's time for Selma to become a city that stands on its own rather than as a bedroom community for Fresno. I want to help make Selma a better place to live, work and play. It's important for our City Council to dedicate itself to a team approach -- we can't expect our community partners to work as a team until our City Council makes that commitment. Selma has a lot to offer, but it's been stifled over the past decade or so. It's time to do my part to help it realize its great potential.

Q: What do you offer that other candidates do not?

A: A few of the qualities I bring to the position of Selma City Council member are a mature attitude and mind, decision-making skills and extensive management experience. In addition, I posses a genuine caring for my city and its future. As I drive through town, things come to my attention which I question as to why they've not been repaired or maintained. I have been a resident of Selma for 25 years and intend to be here for many more. I want Selma to be a place where I can live another 25 years and be comfortable and proud.

Q: The city of Selma was facing a budget shortfall, what would you do in your capacity as a City Council member to mitigate this problem if it happens again?

A: As an elected official, I understand the importance of the job. Running the business of an entire city is a job that must be taken very seriously. Shortfalls can occur, especially when unforeseen emergencies arise. However, careful management is ultimately important and can alleviate many budgetary shortfalls. In the case of a shortfall, after careful review and deliberation, I will make decisions, and stand behind them, which are in the best interest of the residents of Selma.

Q: Do you believe there are any new ways for the city of Selma to create revenue in order to stop a potential decline in general fund money?

A: It's important to continually explore opportunities to generate revenue for the city. I am interested in reviewing our current recycling contract and exploring the possibility of a city-owned recycling center. This could not only create substantial revenue generation, but also create city-staffed jobs.

Q: What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the city of Selma? How would you solve it?

A: Selma's past City Council has focused business and revenue growth on big box stores rather than developing neighborhoods properly and simultaneously to build the right market to attract those same revenue-generating businesses. Selma has many prime business development areas. Attracting business to the Whitson throughway would alleviate some traffic congestion near Floral Avenue and Highway 99. Two other areas I will focus on are completing a project right the first time, thereby saving time and money, and working more closely with developers to enforce codes and to ensure that the city's plan is followed through.

Q: What is best about the city of Selma?

A: The best part of Selma, and what makes it my home, is the people. Having been born and raised in San Francisco, I truly enjoy the small town values and personal feeling that is shared here. The residents genuinely care about each other, they enjoy family oriented activities and opportunities to congregate. They care about this town and they want to see it prosper and thrive.

Q: What are your immediate goals if elected?

A: As an elected official, I intend to be a great listener. I care what people think and will take seriously their concerns, suggestions and input. My top priority is to immediately begin addressing major issues such as business development as mentioned above, holding city hall accountable and assisting in creating better working partnerships between city hall and our emergency services providers and school district.

John Mendoza, 32, substitute teacher

Q: Political experience and/or community involvement:

A: Countywide planner, staff to commissions, wrote ordinances, former officer Lions Club, former officer Knights of Columbus and flotilla for U.S. Coast Guard.

Q: Why are you running for the Selma City Council?

A: To help people.

Q: What do you offer that other candidates do not?

A: Caring for senior citizens and children. Lower the cost of living. Review the municipal code. Open space (parks). Willingness to establish public, not-for-profit and private partnerships.

Q: The city of Selma was facing a budget shortfall, what would you do in your capacity as a City Council member to mitigate this problem if it happens again?

A: Review development fees. Hiring freeze. Projections for revenues. Change the school development fee.

Q: Do you believe there are any new ways for the city of Selma to create revenue in order to stop a potential decline in general fund money?

A: Yes, Measure S. Review the transfer document tax. Review budget procedures. U.S. Census tabulations, money based on population. Airport improvement grants.

Q: What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the city of Selma? How would you solve it?

A: Economic development. Change the blighted area boundary, the redevelopment area.

Q: What is best about the city of Selma?

A: Being the raisin capital of the world.

Q: What are your immediate goals if elected?

A: Lower the cost of living, reduce/eliminate/cap phone tax. Reduce home insurance, housing and business funds for dilapidated buildings, establish a kids day (resolution). Preservation designation for art museum.

Sandi Niswander, 59, business owner

Q: Political experience and/or community involvement:

A: Current: Selma City Council member; president, California League of Cities South San Joaquin Valley Division; memberships, Selma Chamber of Commerce, Bethel Guild, Selma Women's Club, Selma Hospital Foundation trustee and Selma Cares officer. Former: Traffic and Streets commissioner, Leadership Selma graduate, co-chair of "Yes on Measure A" to keep hospital open and named one of the 100 Influential Women of Fresno County in 2008. Selma Unified employee for 27 years. Community involvement, commitment and leadership training started while I was in elementary and high school through 4-H.

Q: Why are you running for the Selma City Council?

A: As an incumbent, I research all matters that come before the Council and am current on issues facing Selma. I am active not only in Selma, but in the California League of Cities. I have a love and commitment for and believe Selma is a growing, vital community. I live, work, raised our child, volunteer, own a business and shop, all in Selma. I have strong motivation and a willingness to look at the issues. I work to make certain that our decisions are best for the entire community. I would like to continue working with you, the citizens.

Q: What do you offer that other candidates do not?

A: Experience and understanding of what is transpiring in our community. My past and present involvement in the community. I do extensive research on issues coming before us. I am not afraid to keep asking until I get the answers. I have an ability to follow through with issues to see them to completion. I am able to make tough decisions and stand by those decisions. I am active and visible in the community, therefore, I am very accessible. I also take phone calls at home and meet with those who want an appointment.

Q: The city of Selma was facing a budget shortfall, what would you do in your capacity as a City Council member to mitigate this problem if it happens again?

A: The most important issue is the health and safety of the residents of Selma. Budget cuts must be made in areas that are supplemental. You must look at areas such as equipment and supplies as a first savings for the budget. It's the "things" that must be cut at this time -- not the people providing the services.

Q: Do you believe there are any new ways for the city of Selma to create revenue in order to stop a potential decline in general fund money?

A: Selma is already extremely pro-active in applying for and having grants awarded to us. With our encouragement, staff consistently researches areas where we might be able to bring in additional revenue to supplement the various departments and programs. The citizens of Selma have already stepped up to the plate by passing Measure S. It is now the responsibility of the Council and staff to ensure that the dollars available are spent in an efficient and diligent manner based on the voter approved implementation plan of Measure S. We must always put health and safety first.

Q: What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the city of Selma? How would you solve it?

A: We must maintain our quality of life. With the economy as it is today, it is vitally important that resources are available to provide for the health and safety of the citizens of Selma. We must constantly review the budget (both income and expenditures) to ensure that the needs of Selma are being met. Other major issues are gangs and graffiti. I would like to see what other forms of eradication we can implement to address both these issues.

Q: What is best about the city of Selma?

A: Selma is known for the many opportunities it offers and the welcome it gives to residents, visitors and individuals who work here or have recently moved into our community. Although we are growing, through community events, friendly neighborhoods and shopping areas, resident involvement and pride of our town, we have still been able to maintain a small-town feel. Selma is home -- our home.

Q: What are your immediate goals if elected?

A: Make sure that our budget remains on track so that services to our residents won't be minimized. Address other ways in which to deal with the gang and graffiti issues. Encourage the establishment of additional businesses that generate both jobs and tax revenue. We need to encourage business development in a variety of areas -- diversify -- so that we are not dependent on just one type of revenue source. Revitalize support for downtown business. Make Selma a better place to live, shop, play and conduct business.

George Rodriguez, 29, school administrator a Lincoln Middle School

Q: Political experience and/or community involvement:

A: Office commissioner for City of Selma Recreation and Community Services Commission (2008-present), member of Knights of Columbus (2007-present), Selma Youth Soccer League (2005-present and offices held: vice president and secretary, vice president of Selma Mexican-American Community Club (2005-present), parent member of Roosevelt Elementary School school site council (2006-present), president of Sequoia Athletic League (June 2007-June 2008), member of Association of Mexican-American Educators (February 2006-February 2007) and department chair of eighth grade English department (January-August 2006).

Q: Why are you running for the Selma City Council?

A: I have chosen to seek political office in order to improve upon the great city we live in. The phrase "there is always room for improvement" rings true. Selma needs a change to offer different perspectives, attitudes and beliefs. Each citizen is entitled to a voice, and I want to be an outlet for their suggestions, frustrations and concerns. I've dedicated my personal and professional life to helping others. As a teacher, athletic director and school administrator, public service has been a priority in my life. I am now ready to represent the people on a larger scale.

Q: What do you offer that other candidates do not?

A: I offer experience in relationship building. The educational field has allowed me to work directly with the public. With an ear to public opinion, understanding their concerns is vital to community service. I am also a product of the success of Selma. As a former Selma High School graduate, I was able to attend California State University, Fresno and earn both a bachelor's and master's degree. My hard work has allowed me to develop a strong (unmatched) work ethic that will allow me to be devoted to the city of Selma.

Q: The city of Selma was facing a budget shortfall, what would you do in your capacity as a City Council member to mitigate this problem if it happens again?

A: If planned properly, Selma will not be in this situation again. As a Council member, the proper questions need to be asked. Where is our money going? Was that purchase needed? And most importantly -- why? Selma has a current tax rate of 8.475 percent. Kingsburg is 7.975 percent, Reedley is 8.475 percent, Fresno is 7.975 percent, Clovis is 7.975 percent and Dinuba is 8.5 percent. What do we have to show for it? My job would be to hold city officials and other Council members accountable. First, an outside auditor would be needed to assess the financial crisis, second, make change by analyzing the findings.

Q: Do you believe there are any new ways for the city of Selma to create revenue in order to stop a potential decline in general fund money?

A: Selma needs to invite a variety of retail/restaurant businesses to join our prosperous community -- ones that do not exist in Selma. The taxes generated will directly benefit our city. But, the growth needs to be regulated. Does Selma need a Walgreens when we have a Rite-Aid? Additionally, I will approach legislators at the state and federal level for grant money. Selma might not be a priority for them, but with me it is.

Q: What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the city of Selma? How would you solve it?

A: The biggest issue is the lack of a voice from every citizen in Selma. The way to solve it is through change. We need to get away from the old way of thinking and give Selma back to the people. By creating district boundaries, it would give the citizens of Selma back their voice. How can a Council member speak for an issue that does not directly involve him or her? District boundaries would help to create pride and reinstall community ownership back to the voters.

Q: What is best about the city of Selma?

A: Selma is still a town where if you go into a store, you would recognize a friendly face. Selma has the small-town appeal that I have come to appreciate -- a wholesome environment with friendly people. Help me to preserve our way of life by electing me into office.

Q: What are your immediate goals if elected?

A: An immediate goal would be to create district boundaries and install term limits for City Council members. A fresh perspective of ideas and proper representation would only benefit our city, not divide us. By doing so, the people will know who they can approach for their problems or concerns. Second, increase the amount of park/recreation space in the city. Selma is in drastic need of a sports complex. Too often, teams are scrambling for space to practice and compete. With a complex, the cities athletic prowess would shine.

Danny Serimian, 51, farmer

Q: Why are you running for Selma City Council?

A: To make a difference in our community. I have lived in Selma all my life. I plan on raising my children here. I would be honored to serve our community.

Q: What do you offer that other candidates do not?

A: Besides my agriculture background, I bring a different perspective and a new energy to stimulate change for the benefit of the community.

Q: The city of Selma was facing a budget shortfall. What would you do in your capacity as a City Council member to mitigate this problem if it happens again?

A: We must be prepared as a community to adjust to current economic issues by maintaining flexibility and benefiting from current economic changes when possible. We must capitalize when we can, i.e., declining fuel cost and lower interest rates.

Q: Do you believe there are any new ways for the city of Selma to create revenue in order to stop a potential decline in general fund money?

A: We must continue to pursue new business and industry, resulting in increased revenue and employment.

Q: What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the city of Selma? How would you solve it?

A: Downturn in the economy. We must operate as efficiently as possible.

Q: What is best about the city of Selma?

A: Regional location. Selma is still a small rural community, but close to metropolitan areas with freeway access.

Q: What are your immediate goals if elected?

A: I will immediately seek and encourage more community input with an open-door policy to jointly tackle the challenges we will be facing in the future.

Johnny Smith, 68, retired fire captain

Q: Political experience and/or community involvement:

A: Selma Unified Board member for 10 years -- currently serving as president. Member of the following organizations -- American Legion Post 12 Selma (currently serving as chaplain and service officer), Kiwanis Club of Selma, Selma Cancer Support and Selma Chamber of Commerce.

Q: Why are you running for the Selma City Council?

A: I'm running for City Council because I think I can make a difference in the quality of life in Selma. I've lived in Selma for over 65 years and I miss the way it used to be. Selma used to be a city where people would talk about what was good about the town, why they liked living here and about Selma being a good place to raise their children. Now, you talk to people and they complain about what is wrong with Selma and what needs to be done. We have to change that and I know I can help.

Q: What do you offer that other candidates do not?

A: I offer an intimate knowledge of the inner workings of the city, having been a city employee for over 32 years, I know how the city should work. I can bring the experience and knowledge of how to prepare a tax-supported budget and how to live within that budget.

Q: The city of Selma was facing a budget shortfall, what would you do in your capacity as a City Council member to mitigate this problem if it happens again?

A: I would have to take a long hard look at how city services are provided and ask myself if we are doing it in the most effective way. Can we do it better or in a different way than we are now?

Q: Do you believe there are any new ways for the city of Selma to create revenue in order to stop a potential decline in general fund money?

A: New sources of revenue will be hard to find. I think that the citizens of Selma have already taken a step forward to increase revenue with the passage of Measure S. We may have to start charging for some city services that are offered to people outside of our general tax base area. We may have to start charging for repeated nuisance calls for service to the same location.

Q: What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the city of Selma? How would you solve it?

A: I think we have already addressed the biggest issue and that is how to pay for the services we provide and the ever expanding need to provide more services with less money. The state keeps taking more of our tax revenue dollars for themselves and giving us less to work with. The only way to increase revenue is to make Selma an attractive place for out-of-town people to come and spend their money.

Q: What is best about the city of Selma?

A: Selma citizens care for one another and for the city. People want a better life for themselves and their family. They are willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish that. They are willing to serve on different committees and commissions. They support community projects. They volunteer with different civic organizations and clubs to make Selma a better place to live. And they voice their opinions to the people who need to listen.

Q: What are your immediate goals if elected?

A: I would jump in with both feet and start by asking for a copy of each department's long-term goals and objectives and a list of what they have accomplished. I would ask the citizens to let their concerns be known, so we could start addressing them.

Joseph M. Tiger, 31, Fresno County deputy coroner

Q: Political experience and/or community involvement:

A: Member of the Selma Planning Commission, past president of the Fresno County Deputy Coroner's Association, community outreach presenter/educator for Fresno County Coroner's Office, past volunteer at Selma Band festival, member of the Knights of Columbus and Selma High School football coach.

Q: Why are you running for the Selma City Council?

A: I am running for City Council because I feel there are ways to improve the way the city is being operated. I also believe that I could be more valuable to the city's day-to-day operations by offering solutions in the capacity of a Council member.

Q: What do you offer that other candidates do not?

A: I offer a fresh perspective. I am an active listener and I have the energy and dedication necessary to work the long hours that this job entails. Combined with a life-long love for the city of Selma as a resident and an understanding of the workings of the City Council as a planning commission member, I feel that I can help bridge the gap between the newer Selma residents while addressing the concerns of our long-time residents.

Q: The city of Selma was facing a budget shortfall, what would you do in your capacity as a City Council member to mitigate this problem if it happens again?

A: The best way to prepare for budget shortfalls is good, conservative fiscal planning every year. There are going to be some years when there is money left over to save. Instead of free-spending in the fat years, good planning will prepare us for the lean ones. I will treat the Council's budget like I run my household; work with what we have and plan for the rainy days that will come.

Q: Do you believe there are any new ways for the city of Selma to create revenue in order to stop a potential decline in general fund money?

A: I believe that there are plenty of ways to raise city revenue. The question is, who do you want to get it from? The citizens of Selma or the people who come to Selma to make money? I will work to encourage the development of good, job-producing businesses within our city while also searching for areas where we can make changes in order to save money. The combination of these two things will provide the city with additional revenue to ensure the maximum amount of services necessary for our citizens while protecting them from further tax increases.

Q: What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the city of Selma? How would you solve it?

A: I believe that safety, the overall beauty of the city and the budget are the most important issues facing the city. These are also the issues most often brought to my attention while speaking to my fellow citizens. All aspects of community safety are of great concern, which includes gangs and the protection of private property. Becoming gang free is a difficult proposition, however, if we provide the police and fire departments with more training, tools and personnel we can mitigate the effects of gangs on our city. The beauty of the city can be dealt with by having better communication between the city and the maintenance department, who I consider the backbone of the city. If we can get them the proper tools and workers, either workers provided by our court system or people wanting community service hours, we can help them make our city beautiful. By addressing the city budget with good, sound fiscal planning, funds can be made available to provide for these three things.

Q: What is best about the city of Selma?

A: The people of Selma are our greatest asset. The closeness of our residents, the pride we take in our city and the willingness of neighbors to help fellow neighbors have been a few of the reasons why I have enjoyed living in Selma. The pride that people have of our city demands that they have the best leaders looking out for their best interests. I plan on being one of those leaders.

Q; What are your immediate goals if elected?

A: I will investigate the implementation of term limits for the City Council members. I will work with the Selma Police Officers Association on their expired contract to develop a fiscally responsible contract that provides maximum protection for our citizens (this includes working with all agencies in the city as the contracts come up for renewal). I would also make sure that Measure S money is being spent wisely and responsibly. Additionally, I would like to investigate ways to curb wasteful spending. I would also like to look into green energy concepts for the city.

Herbert Wingfield, 48, air technician at the Fresno Air National Guard

Q: Political experience and/or community involvement:

A: I have been fortunate to have served on the Selma Planning Commission, the Personnel Commission and presently on the Traffic and Streets Commission. Also, I was happy to serve as one of the original committee members of the Selma Public Safety Ad Hoc Committee and followed through to the successful implementation of the Yes on Measure S by a landslide vote.

Q: Why are you running for the Selma City Council?

A: I decided to run as a natural progression of my dedication and involvement toward my city. I am trying to put myself into a position to positively affect my community. To this end, I want the people of Selma to have a voice on the City Council through me. As my signs say, "We can change Selma together."

Q: What do you offer that other candidates do not?

A: Although I do not know everything about the other candidates, I have a bachelor's degree from California State University, Fresno in industrial technology (automotive/transportation and electronics) and an associates degree in avionics technology. I have been an instructor for seven years at the US Air Force NCO Academy and have graduated both the Air Force NCO Academy as a distinguished graduate and the Air Force Senior NCO Academy where both upper-division and graduate level instruction in leadership and management was taught. I have traveled internationally and can bring ideas from around the globe. I am also a veteran of foreign war in Saudi Arabia.

Q: The city of Selma was facing a budget shortfall, what would you do in your capacity as a City Council member to mitigate this problem if it happens again?

A: I must ensure the general and equipment reserves are kept at a healthy level each year. This can be done by scrutinizing every penny that goes out of the general fund and ensuring the code enforcement is staffed at a level of positive gains.

Q: Do you believe there are any new ways for the city of Selma to create revenue in order to stop a potential decline in general fund money?

A: After thinking about this and studying the 2008-2009 city budget, the most immediate way to generate revenue is by grants. I understand this is not a new way, but after seeing the sales tax burden increase by Measure S, I have decided that additional funds for the general fund must not adversely impact the citizens of Selma such as a tax or fee. Like the hotel taxes, it is primarily paid by nonresidents.

Q: What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the city of Selma? How would you solve it?

A: The first inclination would be to say money or housing. I believe it starts with the quality of the Selma citizens. According to the 2000 Census, Selma is way behind percentage wise with the rest of the country in a lot of areas to include education, income and job rates. I would evaluate the job and education opportunities here in Selma and get feedback on what the Selma residents' need to increase their quality of life. It is a long-term progression to turn a city around in these big areas, but who better to start it than someone with a big picture vision and is long-term minded. Also, according to Selma residents the biggest issue is speeding by city, school and police vehicles through residential areas. By stating this, I have begun to solve it already.

Q: What is best about the city of Selma?

A: According to the Chambers statistics, the 35 churches, the golf course five minutes away and soon to be adjacent to a Selma park, and especially our fantastic tap water. Ask a Corcoran resident how important good water is... and especially the people of Selma.

Q: What are your immediate goals if elected?

A: As one-fifth of the Council, I will work to build the five of us into a true team that can lead Selma as it should be. Each one to remain an individual, of course, to ensure diversity and a wider scope of expertise than anyone could be alone. Another goal would be to ensure housing development grows to include higher end and affordable residences.

Candidate Gary Alexander did not respond to the request.