KMPH Fox 26 Central San Joaquin Valley News Source in Fresno, California Entertainment, News, Sports and Weather | Fresno Mayoral Candidates Discuss Prop 8

Fresno Mayoral Candidates Discuss Prop 8

By Ariana Duarte and Winston Whitehurst

It began with a prayer... but Tuesday's mayoral forum, hosted by Cornerstone Church, soon forced the two candidates to split up... out of hearing range from one another... as pastors from across the city asked each hopeful about their plan for Fresno's future.

"This is where people of faith from all across the city will be gathering to hear from our mayoral candidates," said Pastor Jim Franklin of Cornerstone Church.

Franklin moderated the event, he says, despite his widely known conservative views... Tuesday's forum is simply an opportunity for residents to better get know their candidates.

"I plan on being impartial tonight. My role is, again, just as a moderator tonight... To ask these questions and the pastors also, we're not here trying to pit one person against another," said Franklin.

Each candidate answered a series of questions; among the issues discussed were public safety, education, and the economy.

Both agreed on Downtown development... cracking down on gang-violence and consolidating city resources.

But the big divide came when the mayoral hopefuls were asked about their stance on Prop 8, the measure which... if passed... would eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry in California...

"Frankly, it represents my values and I have always believed that marriage... The traditional definition of marriage as being between a man and a woman," said Swearengin.

"I know what it's like to have somebody tell you, you can't do something based on where you're from, based on the color of your skin.... And I cannot on my heart and in my good conscious, tell that to somebody else," said Perea.

During the forum, Perea pushed his six years of experience on the city council, while Swearengin called herself the candidate for change...

Meanwhile, with just about a month before the ballots are cast, both say their goal now is to get Valley voters informed and at the polls.