Chad Billingsley hopes to earn Lemoore City Council District C seat on Nov. 6

The Leader emailed a series of questions and asked them to respond in writing. The responses are their own. The Leader did not alter or edit the candidate’s answers.

Why are you running for a seat on the Lemoore City Council? Was or is there a specific issue that angered you, that you questioned, or is it simply a desire to serve your community?

As I near LVFD retirement, I am excited to continue serving my city in a different capacity.   I am a huge advocate of public safety and having two young children, I would like to preserve the departments and programs that make Lemoore a great place to raise a family.  With recent council turmoil, I believe I can contribute to continuously improving the focus, direction, and efficiency of the team.     

As you know economic prosperity is always an issue for Lemoore. Based on its size and population and its proximity to Hanford, Visalia, and Fresno (and other cities), it has been difficult to attract retail business. How would you counter-act this disability? What would you do to improve Lemoore’s economic climate?

Attracting retail business to Lemoore has been a struggle, but if there are incentives for new businesses and availability within the City, this can be overcome.  Also, removing red tape/obstacles for new and current businesses to grow and expand is necessary for the City to counter-act the issue.  

Name what you feel is a challenging issue or issues that Lemoore may face in the near future: water, jobs, education, police, fire, taxes, etc.?

Lemoore has lost several businesses in downtown this year, and the city is in need of a new direction.  Rebuilding the area that exemplifies Lemoore’s history and uniqueness is something in which everybody can take part.   This has been possible in surrounding cities that have more competition with larger chains and it is also possible in Lemoore. 

In your opinion, is Lemoore in a positive place right now, or are there issues that need to be addressed that may or may not affect the future of this city.

Unfortunately, I do not see Lemoore in a positive place right now.  Recent non-sense involving the City Council has reflected poorly on Lemoore and has absorbed lots of valuable time that could be focused elsewhere.

What is the first thing you would seek to change, or improve upon if elected?

Refer to question 3.

Do you feel Lemoore is a safe community? Why or why not?

I believe Lemoore has one of the best Fire Departments and Police Departments in the State and I am often re-assured of this while raising a young family in the City.

Were there any organizations or individuals that urged you to run for city council? Whom or what organizations are supporting your campaign?

My candidacy for City Council is free from special interests or political agendas, and I have an unwavering commitment to trust and transparency.

During a recent Lemoore City Council meeting, the Council, by a 4-1 vote, censured a fellow councilmember, an action that no previous council had ever undertaken. In your opinion, did the Lemoore City Council act appropriately?

Yes.

Any final thoughts that may not have been asked, but that you feel is an important issue, program, or need?

Lemoore has been my home my entire life, 36 years.  Seventeen years ago, I purchased my first house in Lemoore utilizing a program for first-time homebuyers.  I was 19, right out of trade school, and the city program enabled me to start my journey toward the ‘American Dream,’ and for that, I am very grateful.  I will use my knowledge and experience to expand programs that do what this program did for me, created opportunities.

Just as a reminder, please provide The Leader with your age, educational background, work background, family information, local service club organization or affiliations, etc. Thank you.

Age 36

Degree in Occupational Safety & Health from Columbia Southern University

Safety Professional at Leprino Foods

Wife, 5-year-old son, 3-year-old daughter

LVFD, ASSP