Just A Thought: Reflections on Civic Transformation

“Just A Thought” is a stimulating compilation of reflections composed over a fifteen year period covering the transformation of the Central Valley of California from its former stigma as this nation’s “Western Applachia” to its current position of being recognized as a national leader in creating private/public cooperation for the good of all who reside within it. The author is a founding member, past president and past board chair of the Fresno Business Council, founded in 1993. His “Thoughts” were the lead item in the Council’s weekly bulletin to its members and supporters. They have been reassembled on a topical basis from their chronological origin. Originally created to alleviate the problems confronting the City of Fresno due to its civic leadership shortcomings, the Council has now become regional in its outreach. No longer are the various administrative agencies working in silos but are becoming mutually supportive for their common good. Much of this progress can be related to the willingness of the private sector to become more deeply involved in public affairs. This is the substance of “Just A Thought”.