I just wanted to mention that I have not hopped on the solar band wagon like some other candidates have.
I actually released my plans for green technology months ago, but I have introduced my solar and wind hybrid system quite some time ago. I was of course, ignored at the time by our mayor and council. I have other cities who have decided to go with the green technology though and that is a great start.
My technology is considerably less expensive than solar only systems and it produces dramatically more power than solar. It also produces power 24 hours a day whether day or night, raining or sunny...constant power. The other big pros to this power generation is that the whole system is on the top of what essentially is a flag pole, so no one can steal it, unless they actually knock the entire system down. The other great thing is that I have research and contacted the state, but more importantly, the federal agencies that offer 100% funding for cities who convert to this particular system. They don't offer as much for solar only because it isn't 100% clean, but mostly because solar only does not produce as much power as my system therfore, the savings to the city and the people is not as substantial. The federal money will more than pay for my plans to convert our city owned buildings to the 100% clean and green technology. This would be the same essentially as taking almost 50,000 vehicles off of the road. I will also offer the public the residential and commercial versions. There are many rebates from the federal govt. that will pay for the systems. Your personal electric bill could be next to nothing and you could use that extra money to boost our economy. Unfortunately, most of us would probably have to use it for gas, but at least it is a considerable amount of money in your pockets every year. As mayor, I can apply for the federal money for the city. It has taken many hundreds of hours of research and speaking to different agencies, but I did finally get the information sorted out and the people will greatly benefit from this surplus of funds.

And to the Famous Guest who is not yet sold on my ability, I thank you for your honesty and I hope in the coming weeks I can prove that I have the knowledge, passion and leadership skills you are looking for in a mayor. Of course, I have an extensive background in leadership, problem solving and helping my community, but I understand the hesitation. I will do my best to prove to any doubters that I will create a better Fresno for every single person in our community.
By the way, I do want to thank Fresno Famous. This is a great site for all kinds of issues.
Thank you again for your time and comments.
Jim

Then you need security.
The street vagrants will climb up and steal them to recycle for drug money.
Wait they already do that.
Like Mr. D.J.R. who climbs the fire escapes and walks the ledges of downtown buildings.
Even the stadium(Tha Chuck) has to have 24 hour security to keep them out.
They climb fences and try to steal to anything they can.

Bring the lights. I think all the rooftops in downtown need to be sporting panels. Business energy consumption is huge. I know we could use the panels. But there's no way we could afford them.
Diablo

And I can go get me a Strawberry Lemonade and relax at Buck's on Kern.

See you all there later this afternoon.

I'm a voter that is not yet sold on your ability to lead based on a few paragraphs written on FF. You are to be commended as the only one smart enough to use FF as a forum. Kept engaging an you may well indeed gain some support.

Hi Pido.
Thank you as well for clarifying your post. It is very refreshing to have a discussion without getting negatively personal. I believe we all want the same thing...a better city for all, but it is confusing as to who will accomlish this goal.
I apologize if I took the "putting me down" comment the wrong way. You obviously explained that and I thank you.
I have mentioned numerous times to my supporters to let people know who they are, but as I am sure you understand, I do not know every person who supports me. I do think however, I will put that message out more.
I will give you a couple of examples to answer your question in regards to how I have accomplished goals using my own plans as well as asking for assitance from people whom have more expertise.
First, I founded a non-profit years ago because I wanted to do more for my community. I knew what I planned on accomplishing and how to go about most of my goals, but I had never started a non-profit and therefore, I asked a couple of people who have been in that industry for quite some time. After taking their advice and applying it to my goals, I am proud to say that the non-profit I founded has helped literally thousands of disabled kids, foster kids, disadvantaged kids, donated money to Childrens Hospital, The Boys and Girls Club of America(locally), donated several scholarships every year and much more. I have actually received awards for my work with our non-profit and would gladly discuss this further with anyone who is interested.
The second example is how I helped develop a better and a 100% clean and green power generation system that generates that power by using both solar and wind. I originally designed the system, but I wasn't achieving the power generation I wanted. So, I went to a friend of mine who was very well acquainted with a green energy designer. I showed him my plans as well as my system and together, we developed the solar and wind power generation system that generates, for residential and commercial users, more power than the building or home will use. Thus, decreasing the electricity used, lowering or completely getting rid of an electric bill at all. We also used the same basic design to create a public lighting system, (streetlight) that is self sufficient, uses no copper wire that can be stolen and is up to 10 times as bright, (safer) than the streetlights used now. These same streetlights can be easily installed in rural areas and this will dramatically increase the safety for people driving in the dark and sometimes foggy country roads. One of the best things about every designed product is that they are all significantly cheaper in regards to the initial cost. These systems will also save our city over 36 million dollars per year without using one dime of taxpayer funds. I also plan on using this surplus of funds to lower taxes, increase public safety, increase educational funds and more. And yes, this can be done as I have spoken in depth, to the city management in order to figure out the savings and surplus of funds created. These systems are already seeing the light (please excuse the pun) in Asia and Europe. I also have other American cities very interested in implementing these systems. The residential and even commercial versions by the way, will be up to the owner of the house and commercial building. I do not wish to force the people to use something they do not want to on their owned property.
As mayor, I will work WITH the council members, supervisors and state officials in order to create a change in the way most politicians think now. That is to say, I believe so many politicians are in office and have selfish, greedy and self serving interests, but I believe that if we show the people and to the politicians that by putting the people first and working on plans to benefit the people, this will all come around to benefit the politicians as well. For example, if the politicians implement plans to work for the people, the people in turn, have a safer, economically sound city and future. The people will realize that these certain politicians are working for them and thus, the people will re-elect these same politicians as we all of course, wish to keep the politicians who have our best interests in mind. This can be achieved, not overnight, but it can be achieved if together, we work towards a better future. This type of progress will spread like wildfire when the people and the politicians see how Fresno has become the leader in green technology, safety and education as well as having a vibrant downtown area full of people, businesses and housing.
By the way, not all of us running for mayor are contacted about every forum or debate. I was never contacted about the forum tonight. I did, by the way, contact the downtown forum presenters and notify them that I would be unable to attend the forum and I informed them of why.
I am very committed to working for the people and I believe we are all ready for someone who will work for the people, implement plans that will benefit all of us and who has the abilty and the passion to create a better city for all of our citizens. But, as I mentioned previously, it is difficult to get away from the same old politics we are used to. I believe it is way past time to elect a person who is not simply, "the best of the worst".
I hope I have answered your questions. However, if I have not or if you have more questions or concerns, please contact me at any time.
I truly thank you for taking you time to respond and to explain your comments.
Best Regards,
Jim
559-432-7552
jboswell@comcast.net

Jim, thank you for your reply. I will reciprocate your thoroughness with responses to what I view are key points/themes emerging in your post:

1. "The people." I get that you want to work for "the people." I ask that you urge your proactive supporters to identify themselves when posting about you, so that we "the people" can relate to another person.
2. Thanks for the clarification on the *one* forum you missed; I'll look for you tonight at the forum on poverty.
3. Your reason for missing the forum is certainly acceptible, and I wish you a full recovery from the surgery. As a member of the observing public at this particular forum (which has been the most advertised, at least among the communication channels I rely on), what I saw was a table that had a seat for you, complete with a name placard; obviously, you were expected. In contrast, Henry Monreal was not there, but was not expected to be (he offered no response to the invitation, according to Jim Tucker). Your absence was pointed out several times as the format of the program had to be shifted (two respondents to some questions, rather than three), reportedly last-minute. Perhaps you gave plenty of notice in this situation, and this isn't your fault; I can only comment on what I (a member of "the people") experienced, and the information I was given.
4. I realize that my post may have been a bit harsh. That was intended. But I didn't put you down, and especially not for the reason you cited. I called attention to the "anonymous" posts on your behalf, and I stated a fact in that you didn't show at this particular forum (which you've confirmed). I did imply that you might be a no-show at other forums, but I don't consider that putting you down (again, I'm going off my own experience--anyone else, including your supporters, have the same opportunity to share observations to the contrary). Perhaps after tonight's forum, and next Thursday's, I'll post a revised thought of my own.
5. With regards to the MeetUp group, I'm not criticizing the members or making judgements; rather, I was simply trying to point out the contrast between my notion of "rallying" and the referenced group, which has 13 members, as posted...anonymously...by a supporter. I don't appreciate puffery, no matter who's doing it. I want authenticity.
6. Referencing again the MeetUp group, I actually commend you for utilizing the technology to connect with people.

Okay, now that we've gotten through all of that, here's my question (since you offered to be accessible): You acknowledge that you "don't have all the answers" and that you'll surround yourself with experts—can you provide examples (or one significant example) of past experiences in doing this? Experiences that provide insights into the leadership style you'd offer in office? The question is not a criticism in any sense; it's an opportunity to share more about yourself. I'm genuinely interested. I welcome any other candidate to respond.

I want to respond to the comments made by Pido regarding the ONE forum I have not attended. I have explained this before, but I do not mind explaining this once again. All of the candidates receive about four forum requests per week and to me at least, this is great. However, after making EVERY forum thus far, I was unable to make ONE forum, the downtown forum, because I was in the hospital having a full hip replacement due to an accident. Although I was supposed to be in the hospital for about a week, I left after two days in order to attend other forums and debates. Believe me when I say that I take this mayoral race very serious as I believe the people have been forgotten for many years and will continue to see false promises and our wonderful city deteriorate if one of the council member candidates are elected. I understand that there are plenty of people who will back another candidate and I say, good for you. I understand that we have all been sold the same bill of goods for years and we are simply not used to someone who is an actual regular working person who wishes to make extraordinary changes for the people.
Putting me down because I missed one forum for what I consider to be a valid reason is truly uncalled for, in my opinion. I am very accessable and it would have only taken a minute to at least find out why I miss a forum instead of making derogatory statements. I have seen many other candidates whom have missed forums and I realize that there are times that schedules are double booked, but I don't put them down for it.
I am also very proud of the "regular working people" supporters I have. I have not accepted special interest money or support like almost every other candidate, ( and yes, the special interests have tried). The meetup group is simply one of many supporter generated groups and the people of the meetup are wonderful people who have the same passion for making Fresno a better city that I do. I will also applaud my supporters for their postings because they, like me, are very sick and tired of the politics as usual and the corrupt behavior that plagues our city. My supporters are very excited about having a mayor who wil actually put the people first, instead of personal agendas, which is what has been happening for quite some time. I am running for mayor in order to work for the people, protect our rights and to implement OBTAINABLE plans that will benefit the people of our great city.
I do not have an arrogant bone in my body and I am very humbled by the support I have received from so many great people. I actually believe that arrogance is one of the many problems we face. Our administration is so busy thinking they know it all, nothing has been accomplished for the people.
It is a little scary to attempt to believe, much less support a regular person who is attempting to actually work for the people because we are so used to the same old politicians and the untruths. I was born and raised here and I can assure you that I love my city and our people. We have a wonderful diversity of people and we, as a community, have the unique opportunity to elect a person who will put others before himself and who will implement plans that will benefit ALL of our people and to change the politics as usual. No, I do not have all of the answers and no one does, but I actually realize this and as mayor, I will also surround myself with experts in their field so I can immediately implement beneficial plans to address the concerns of our people. I have developed many plans though, that will benefit the people, are actually obtainable and will generate a surplus of funds.
I completely understand how some people are sceptical, but I only ask for the same opportunity to prove that my plans and I will actually work for the people. We can prove, from the records of our do nothing council member candidates'and their inability to work for the people in the past several years.
Thank you for your time.

Point made about the Internet, and the importance of forums, debates and in-person campaigning.
I don't think the majority posting are trolls...I think it's just a couple of very active ones. Perhaps I'm the optimist here (and I'm biased, I admit), but I think the Internet allows an opportunity for candidates to connect and engage with many more people that they could in person, and it can allow (if the proper software and permissions are utilized) others to post support/questions/comments for all to see, which is in line with every other part of our lives--Famous wouldn't be around if comments had been left off of the site, would it?
This election has exposed a great need for candidates to spend time (or money for consulting) learning best practices of an online presence. I'll give them a hint: a domain with a few paragraphs of you-focused text doesn't cut it. Some of the candidates have done it very well (and not necessarily the ones I would have guessed). Others have done it very poorly, and even some have seemed to avoid it altogether, which is fine unless you want to connect with the Google-dependents (I doubt I'm the only one in that group, but I've been wrong before).

I am sure you will find a majority of the people posting on all sites regarding the campaign are trolls. In fact, that Fresno Famous Awards with the polling was probably only 15-20 actually voting, with a few voting hundreds of times.

I guess that is the new reality behind the walls of the internet, IP address or not. That is why the forums and debates are still so important, and you can only take websites or even editorials in the newspaper with a grain of salt.