Fresno County supervisors sworn in; Bridal lays out budget, public-health and transparency priorities

Supervisor Gary Bridal, Supervisor Nathan Magsig and Supervisor Luis Chavez were formally sworn into office during the Fresno County Board of Supervisors’ Jan. 7 meeting in Fresno. Chairman Buddy Mendez administered parts of the proceedings and the three took oaths of office before family members and guests.

Bridal used his remarks after the oath to set out several priorities he said he will pursue in the coming term, and listed specific items he wants the board to address. “We’re dealing with $5,000,000,000 of taxpayer money, and they should and must be involved in how their money is being being spent,” Bridal said, calling for greater public presentation of departmental budgets. He told the board the public “should never be restricted to only 15 minutes to discuss any item on the agenda,” and said he will “oppose any efforts to restrict…