Clovis Mayor Vong Mouanoutoua Details Priorities in Fresno County Supervisor Run

Clovis Mayor Vong Mouanoutoua officially launched his campaign for Fresno County supervisor District 5 on Friday, framing his bid around listening to diverse communities and supporting coordinated growth across cities and rural areas, he said in an interview with GV Wire.

Vong Mouanoutoua said the launch event drew supporters as he formally entered the race.

“Today you saw people who are supporting me, will support me as I announce and also officially launch my campaign for Fresno County Supervisor District 5,” he said.

Mouanoutoua said his top priority is representing the county’s diversity and ensuring outreach across geographic and cultural lines.

“I think as illustrated today, one of the top goals is to remember that we are a diverse community. And we’re going to listen to every voice. We’re going listen to those in rural communities, those who are in the mountains, those who in the city, those of different colors,” he said.

He told GV Wire the county will not be able to solve every issue because of funding limits, but should focus on core responsibilities.

“We’re not going to solve every issue because there’s just not enough dollars, but we will listen and we will try our best to do what we can to keep the county of Fresno thriving and at the forefront of sort of moving people into safe homes, safe streets, good businesses, good education.”

Mouanoutoua Speaks on Development

On housing, Mouanoutoua said cities lead most development decisions but the county should support smart and coordinated growth.

“We don’t build many homes in the county of Fresno. It’s really a city’s job. And so we have not delved into that that much,” he said. “But we will support smart growth. Well-planned growth. We will support economic development that will bring more tax dollars to the county and support our cities and be a willing and able partner to all the cities.”

He added that smaller communities often rely more heavily on county support.

“Some cities are huge like Fresno and Clovis. Some are really small and really need assistance of the county in order for them just to thrive.”

Asked about land-use issues including SEDA, Fresno’s Southeast Development Area Specific Plan, he said those matters largely fall within city jurisdiction and existing planning processes.

“Well SEDA is already in the city’s, what would you say, it’s in the city’s jurisdiction right now,” he said. “I’m thinking when it gets there already it’s already past the county, it is already past LAFCo (Fresno Local Agency Formation Commission) and so in other words the county’s job is probably already done that’s why the city is already wrestling with it.”

He added he would need to review more information before taking a position.

What Makes Mouanoutoua Different?

When asked what sets him apart from other candidates, Mouanoutoua pointed to turnout at his launch event.

“300 people showed up already,” he said about his press conference. “A diverse group of electeds showing support, a diverse group people staying, wanting to get to know us.”

He said his campaign will focus on broad outreach rather than political contrast.

“You don’t campaign against a person, you campaign for the people. That’s the difference,” he said. “There’s no time to spend on my opponents. People have enough issues where I need to go listen to them. I need go work with them.”

Clovis Mayor Pro Tem Diane Pearce is also vying for the Fresno County Supervisor District 5 seat.

Prioritizing Public Safety, Human Services

Mouanoutoua said his priorities include public safety, parks, planning, and expanding county human services such as mental health, probation, and assistance programs.

“But what the county does that we have never done in Clovis is human services. How do we sort of oversee and do human services better? Mental health, public health, to probation, to guardianships, to family reunifications, those on welfare, those on food stamps.”

He also pointed to wildfire preparedness in rural areas.

“How do we develop fire services that are quick? That are efficient and effective, so that way they can live in more with more peace of mind,” he said.

Mouanoutoua said he is open to meeting with residents across the county throughout the campaign.

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