Student gets endorsement

Fresno Bee endorses Kia Karbassi for city council

By Maurice Ndole

A Fresno State student running for city council office received a boost in his campaign arsenal Friday with an endorsement from The Fresno Bee.

“ It’s great to have someone like the Fresno Bee to support you,” said Kia Michael Karbassi, who is running for a council seat in District 2. “It really adds momentum to my campaign.”

Karbassi said the endorsement will help him compete against opponents who have more money than him.

In the endorsement, The Bee said Karbassi offers thoughtfulness and vision well beyond his age and will bring a fresh voice to the debate and a commitment to seek consensus.

The Bee said it withdrew its support for incumbent Brian Calhoun because it has grown tired of his council demeanor, childish behavior and inability to get along with his colleagues.

Karbassi said his age was not a weakness, as many people thought it was good to have a young person representing them.

“ I have wanted to be in public service since I was 14,” Karbassi said. “Fresno is in need of progressive leaders [and] we have a great opportunity to become a great city.”

On his campaign Web site, Karbassi’s goals for District 2 include supporting police and fire departments in creating safer neighborhoods, supporting local schools and businesses, improving infrastructure and creating an effective plan for the Fig Garden Loop Area. His goals for Fresno include supporting the Chafee Zoo, fight air pollution in the valley and promoting cooperation between council members.

“ I support the Chafee Zoo 100 percent because it helps in the enrichment of this community,” Karbassi said.

Karbassi has also received endorsements from President of the Fresno City Council and The Fresno City Employees Association (FCEA).