Clint Olivier elected Fresno City Council president, declines raise

Clint Olivier on Thursday was unanimously elected president of the Fresno City Council for the year, and one of his first acts was to reject the raise that goes with the promotion.

Olivier said his goal as council president is simple: "Keep the people's business moving forward."

The city's financial troubles figure to be the council's biggest challenge. After the meeting, Olivier said in a written statement that he would not accept the raise.

"I know that times are tough for many families in the city of Fresno," Olivier said. "I do not feel it is right for me to take this pay increase during these times."

Olivier said his action is in conjunction with the 5% voluntary pay cut he took last year.

Council members make $65,000 a year. The council president makes $70,170.

Blong Xiong was chosen acting president, also without a dissenting vote.

The city charter requires the council to elect a new council president and acting president each January. But as a matter of policy, the council rotates the position according to district number.

Lee Brand, the outgoing president, represents District 6. Olivier serves District 7 and Xiong represents District 1.

Brand thanked his council colleagues for their hard work during a year that saw the city again struggle with budget woes.

Olivier presented Brand with a plaque from the council as a token of its appreciation for his leadership.

The council, sitting as the Redevelopment Agency board, elected Council Member Oliver Baines as RDA chairman. Council Member Larry Westerlund, chairman in 2011, was elected vice chairman. Both votes were unanimous.

Westerlund gave the council a brief update on the state Supreme Court's recent decision upholding the legislature's authority to eliminate redevelopment agencies.

Gov. Jerry Brown and the legislature, desperate for tax money to balance the budget, most likely will soon kill the agencies.

Westerlund said the next month will be busy as the Redevelopment Agency board and staff create a system for transferring assets and obligations to a successor agency. He said this tight deadline could change if the state agrees to give more time.

Westerlund said he hopes a new and streamlined redevelopment agency will emerge from the current chaos.

He said the new agency might focus on affordable housing.

The reporter can be reached at ghostetter@fresnobee.com or (559) 441-6272.

Source: http://www.fresnobee.com/2012/01/05/2672204/clint-olivier-elected-fresno-city.html

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