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Supervisor Larson announces retirement

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After over a decade of service, County Supervisor Phil Larson says he will not run for a fourth term.  The announcement means two seats on the board are now up for grabs and that will likely make for an intense election year.  Already, a number of candidates have thrown their names into the ring.  The big picture is power; if two liberal candidates are voted into office, the majority would shift in what’s now a conservative board.

Larson displays several family photos in his downtown Fresno office.  He says family is the reason he's choosing to retire at the end of next year.

“I've got three reasons why I'm doing it.  My wife, my son, Tim, and my daughter, Lisa.  They said, ‘if you do this, you're all by yourself,’ and I didn't want to be all by myself,” said Larson.

The announcement on his 80th birthday includes an endorsement for Kerman businessman and farmer, Brian Pacheco.  Larson says, after surviving tough campaigns in years past, the endorsement came with a warning:

“I told him, ‘do you want me to support you, because I'm happy to do it but I want you to know the ramifications.  If I support you, here’s what's going to happen.’ He says, ‘I'm not afraid of them.’  I said, ‘go for it,’” said Larson.

In a statement, Pacheco said Thursday:

"I'm honored that Supervisor Phil Larson, Sheriff Margaret Mims, Supervisor Debbie Poochigian, Supervisor Judy Case and the Nisei Farmer's League along with many other people in agriculture, law enforcement and business have urged me to run for supervisor and are endorsing me."

Fresno city councilman Blong Xiong says he's also entering the race.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to take my experience with city council up to the county level and I'm looking forward to a spirited campaign and debate."

Three candidates have filed paperwork to take over for Judy Case in district four: Daniel Parra, Ernest "Buddy" Mendes and Steve Rapada.

Larson still has 16 months left in office.  He says his recent health scare during a board meeting won't keep him from his duties.

“I feel great.  I have a heart monitor just ‘cause it was an irregular heart beat that created the problem.  The primary election is June of next year.

To search for the candidates who've registered to run for supervisor, click on the "related link."  Enter the year 2014 and District 1 or 4.


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