CA governor visits campus, addresses Valley meeting

Staff Reports
The Collegian

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said he had “inherited a huge mess” when he addressed the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley at Fresno State Thursday.

Secretary of the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency Sunne Wright McPeak said the governor had brought focus and leadership to the Valley to lift up the region.

Schwarzenegger estimated it was the 27th time he had visited the Valley. He said the number one challenge was bringing back the Californian economy. Schwarzenegger said 653,000 jobs have been added in recent years.

“We saw the return of our businesses and businesses are booming again,” Schwarzenegger said.

The governor said the Central Valley had not received the attention it deserved and in the past had not been treated equally.

Schwarzenegger said while campaigning in 2003 he gave his word to Fresno mayor Alan Autry, saying he told the mayor, “You have my promise that I will do everything I can to bring the Valley back.”

On the upcoming November ballot, Schwarzenegger is supporting a $37.3 billion plan of five initiatives to “rebuild California.”

Of the propositions, Proposition 1B would authorize almost $20 billion for roadwork.

Schwarzenegger said $1 billion of that funding would be earmarked to improve Highway 99.

Proposition 1D would provide more than $10 billion for the California school system, including the expansion of the universities and community colleges.

Schwarzenegger went on to reiterate that Autry was the individual who got him to pay attention to the Valley.

“This place is heaven,” Schwarzenegger said.

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