I spent nearly 5 years working in law enforceent as a 911 dispatcher for police, fire and ambulance before owning my own business and eventually becoming a realtor 6 years ago.
City of KermanCandidate for City Council
April Blankinship
Businesswoman
For more in-depth information on this candidate, follow the links for each tab in this section. For most screenreaders, you can hit Return or Enter to enter a tab and read the content within.
Candidate has provided information.
My Top 3 Priorities
- Sustainable Jobs: I would like the opportunity to be a part of a team, partnered with city departments that work towards bringing companies to Kerman that support employment for all levels of qualified individuals so we have less people commuting.
- Citywide Clean Up: We have several alleyways that have pot holes, garbage and weeds growing wild. In the future I think it would be a great goal to see how we can work on getting them paved, cleaned up and maintain that standard.
- Our current police department, senior center and animal shelter are all in desperate need of upgrades, repairs and even some new construction. We currently have the opportunity to vote on Measure M to bring about progress in these areas.
Experience
Experience
Profession:Realtor, Writer
Realtor, London Properties, Ltd. (2010–current)
Writer, Clovis Roundup Newspaper (2012–current)
Education
London Properties, Ltd. — Realtor, Real Estate Sales and Property Management (2012)
Fresno State Extended Education — Grant Writing & Management Certificate, Grant Writing & Management (2002)
San Jose P.O.S.T. Training Consortium — P.O.S.T. Certified 911 Dispatcher, 911 Dispatch or Police, Fire & Ambulance (2001)
Biography
Political Beliefs
Political Philosophy
A proud resident, it is my greatest desire to serve my community by doing all I can to make sure the citizens, my neighbors, are proud to live here.
There are several concerns that are always a top priority to me such as safety through communication and support of our amazing local police force, city beautification through responsible pride of ownership, educational support and embracing our phenomenal agriculture that surrounds us! But remember, no one council member has the authority to promise any specific agenda. The intent of the City Council is to collectively, with a team, look at each of these things in depth with the residents well being at the forefront of each educated decision! I am encouraged by the amazing council we currently have and would like the opportunity to sit amongst them as they tackle each decision, idea and challenge with great discernment for our city!
Position Papers
Measure M
Summary
As a special tax, all proceeds from the special tax must be accounted for and are restricted for use ONLYon the following: Construction of a Senior Center, Regional Fairgrounds, Police Station, Animal Shelter and other similar projects. Up to 10% of taxes collected may also be used for Downtown Revitalization.
This is such an amazing and exciting Measure! For aproximately 8 cents for every $20 the city can help to build and re-build, equip and improve on a long list of necessary items that keep Kerman headed in the direction of even safer streets, revitalization and a drastic improvement in our quality of life for a very small cost. Here are some key points that I believe are important to note anytime you are asking the good people for funding:
1. This is only a 15 year commitment
2. The fund CAN NOT be used for raises towards staff, adding salaried employess or benefits!
3. A citizens review comittee will oversee the use of funds. *This is a big one folks! The City is asking for the money and telling us we get to hold them accoutable to spend it as it was pre-determined to be spent. So no, the city hall employees wont be going on an all inclusive cruise to the Bahamas with your tax dollars. They are being completely translucent and accountable from the very start! (This is why we live here! When does that ever happen anymore? (I HEART KERMAN!)
4. JOBS, JOBS, JOBS! The tax will bring jobs to Kerman! All the projects that are set for construction of facilities means work for local people!
5. All of the tax in Measure "M" stays in Kerman and does not go to the state or any other entity!
Overall, this is a safety, efficiency and people serving facelift for our community. This is a no-brainer folks!
VOTE YES ON MEASURE "M"
