A natural disaster in one American city is a natural disaster in every American city, including Fresno and, for that matter, every city and small town in the San Joaquin Valley.

In fact, even the perception of a resurgence in crime can be enough to paralyze business momentum and destroy the sense of security that a vibrant and progressive city requires.

Leadership requires the courage to make decisions that will benefit the next generation.

All of the factors that make up a quality city - safe streets, high paying jobs, strong neighborhoods, etc. - emanate from a strong educational premise.

We can no longer let the threat of an early frost send a chill of fear throughout a large portion of our workforce. Diversification is the only answer.

We need innovation in education and dedication to the task before us.

I support public and private partnerships whenever appropriate in order to achieve our goal of a prosperous and vibrant downtown.

I will lobby tirelessly in cooperation with other mayors around the country to insure that federal funding for our recently added police officers continues.

While it is true that we must seek value added industries like food processing plants and call center operations, we must do what is necessary to expand and develop our economic profile.

High tech companies that focus on research, development and production will learn that they can be the perfect complement to our world-renowned agriculture heritage.

There has been much talk referencing what I consider conceptual reports like the Landscape of Choice and documents created as a result of the Great Valley Center.

The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

My thoughts seem thick, ketchup stuck in a bottle. Like trying to feel someone's face while wearing goosedown mittens.

If we continue to approach problems from the perspective of temporary expediency, future generations will face tremendous difficulties.

There is your audience. There is the language. There are the words that they use.

The nature of the game is pain.

What Rare [albom] allows me to do is gonna show people other things that I'm capable of 'cause they really haven't heard a lot of things outside of the rap stuff that I do.

The true expression of Christian character is not in good-doing but in God-likeness.

A lot of people don't know that I'm a singer - that's my thing, really.

Could I betray my absent heart to save my pathetic life?

My primary motivation for writing is to communicate my perceptions and insights into the human condition, in a way that may provide understanding, comfort, and company to others.