If you are searching for a layered, complex, and slightly crazy city council race – Hanford never disappoints.
Factions have emerged between the candidates running for city council, and the obvious bloc seems to be Hanford City Council members Amanda Saltray and Francisco Ramirez, and candidate for District E Cheyne Strawn, who all belong to the Libertarian Party.
But if you pull back the curtain and take a closer look, it’s actually the three challengers, Travis Paden, Lou Martinez, and Mark Kairis who are running as a slate and have the potential to vote as a bloc if all three are elected November 8.
Libertarian vs. Establishment?
Saltray (in District A), Ramirez (in District D), Strawn (in District E) and Hanford Mayor Kalish Morrow, who is not up for re-election, are members of the Libertarian Party.
If Strawn is elected, four of the five Hanford City Council members will be members of the Libertarian Party, which will most likely be the first of its kind in the nation.
Saltray, Ramirez, and Strawn share almost all the same donors. About two thirds of Saltray’s donations and approximately 90% of Ramirez’ and Strawn’s donations come from the Libertarian Party.
The Libertarian Party, and their members nationwide, has donated a total of approximately $27,500 to the three candidates.
Saltray, Ramirez and Strawn’s Fair Political Practices Committee (FPPC) filings are also being handled by the same company, Gold Rush Consulting, a political consulting company owned by Morrow and the Brent Olsen, Chair of the Kings County Libertarian Party.
Brent Olsen was Morrow’s campaign manager when she was elected to the council in 2020.
Gold Rush Consulting is offering their services pro bono in an effort to get their fellow Libertarian Party members elected, said Francisco.
When asked if the three candidates were running as a slate Strawn said, “no, the others are running as a slate against us!”
“The others” being Hanford City Council candidates Paden, Kairis, and Martinez.
Saltray is facing Hanford City Planning Commissioner Paden for District A. Paden lost his bid to be appointed to replace former Council member John Draxler to Saltray last year.
Ramirez is facing challenger Lou Martinez, the former Mayor of Hanford.
Strawn is facing Mark Kairis for the seat left open by Council member Art Brieno. Strawn was appointed by the City Council to the Hanford Parks and Recreation Commission where he currently serves as the Vice Chair.
Strawn said he, Saltray and Ramrez are not campaigning together, have not endorsed each other, and will not vote as a bloc if elected.
“I’m doing my own thing,” said Strawn.
“Libertarians believe in individualism,” said Saltray.”I vote for the people.”
She added the current city council where she is a member has no factions or voting blocs even though three of them are Libertarians.
On the other hand, Paden, Martinez and Kairis have aligned themselves posting their signs together and spreading the same negative messages about their challengers on social media.
Paden, Martiez and Kairis’ also share several of the same donors who have similar political agendas. Their donors are almost 100% locals with a propensity towards down town business owners who have favored restrictive city zoning during past city council debates.
The zoning laws were liberalized just in the last year, but a new council could easily reinstate the old restrictive zoning code.
Saltray said she actually declined some donations from locals because the businesses did not align with her values or she felt there would be strings attached. Saltray said that the donations from the Libertarian Party come with “no strings attached. They just want to donate to candidates who believe in individual freedoms.”
Ramirez concurred saying the Libertarian donors to his campaign believe in freedom, local control, and less taxes. “That’s all they ask for in return, is to support their values. Some donors from Hanford want something else in return”
But Ramirez has also accepted donations from local developers, a $1000 from developer John Kashian and $500 from the Hanford Mall. He said that they share similar values.
“I believe in liberalized zoning so it makes sense that Kashian would want me sitting on the council.”
Kashian is the developer of the Hanford Costco.
Ramirez was happy to accept the Libertarian Party’s check because they share the same principles of how to run local government.
He also said Martinez is being financially backed by the same group of Hanfordites who have tried for years to remove him from office. Martinez’ list of doors on his FPPC filings is a who’s who of Ramirez critics, such as Glenda Dwyer, Bob Ramos, David Ayers, and Dan Chin.
“You have to fight fire with fire,” said Ramirez.
Rumors of predetermined appointment not going away
Saltray’s joining the Libertarian Party soon after being appointed to Draxler’s seat last year has not helped quell rumors that it was predetermined.
Three independent sources contacted the Valley Voice hours after Saltray’s appointment in 2021 to express their belief that her selection had been decided before the interviewing process even started.
The final vote was 3-2 with then Mayor Francisco Ramirez and Council members Kalish Morrow and Art Brieno voting for Saltray to replace Drazler. Council Members Dianne Sharp and Draxler voted for Travis Paden.
Saltray beat out 11 applicants even though she was one of the least qualified.
“I was their default choice,” said Saltray.
During the council’s special meeting to appoint Draxler’s replacement, the more experienced candidates could not get a majority of support, so three council members ended up voting for Saltray. She said that she and Morrow had become casual friends and that she worked on Morrow’s 2020 campaign but didn’t believe she was Kalish’s first choice.
Ramirez’ confirmed Saltray’s hypothesis, saying that before the meeting to appoint Draxler’s replacement he was leaning towards Paden because of his overall experience with government. But after the finalists had finished their interviews Ramirez revealed he was struggling with his decision.
When asked a few days after the special meeting if Saltray’s appointment was predetermined Ramirez said, “That is absolutely not true.”
He stands by that today.
“I’m glad I chose her!” he said. “She had no experience and had not been tainted by the political system. She has a fresh perspective.”
As for Paden, Ramirez said that he has superseded his authority on the Hanford Planning Commission and that the Hanford City manager had to talk to Paden about it. Ramirez also feels that Paden is not as easy to work with on the council as Saltray.
Saltray said that a few months after her appointment she joined the Libertarian Party but that it was unrelated to her appointment to the council.
“I was shocked how easily our personal freedoms could be taken away,” referring to the shutdowns during COVID. It was in response to the state’ closing businesses and churches and mask mandates that Saltray joined The Libertarian Party.
Who are the Libertarians?
Strawn pointed out that if the city council was majority Republican no one would notice.
But Republicans range from 30% to 50% of the registered voters in California so it makes sense that the Republican Party would dominate many city councils throughout the state, especially in the Central Valley.
On the other hand, Libertarians are only one percent of the registered voters in California and it defies the odds that a majority of city council could be members of such a small party.
And while their views are not seen as extreme, their very small numbers makes Libertarians a fringe party by definition.
The basic tenants of the Libertarian Party aren’t complicated. They are individual freedoms, lower taxes, less regulations, and local control.
The pandemic saw an exodus of mainly Republicans leaving their party to join the Libertarian Party because of the shutdowns and mandates.
The Libertarian Party’s national platform is not as mainstream.
According to their national platform Libertarians strive to repeal income tax, minimum wage, the social welfare network, the Affordable Health Care Act, and Social Security. They also want to decriminalize prostitution and feel it is the parent’s responsibility to get their children educated and believe in the dissolution of the public education system.
Asked about the prospects of Hanford having four Libertarian Party City Council Members, Strawn wanted to get back to the issues, but Ramirez was enthusiastic.
“I’m excited,” said Ramirez. He said Hanford is a trail blazer and that the city might be the first in the nation to have a majority Libertarian Party.
Indeed the Kings County Libertarian Party is excited too. Their website states,
“In 2016, a Libertarian, Kalish Morrow, ran for the office of Hanford City Council, District B. She ran again in 2020, with Kenneth Brent Olsen as her Campaign Manager. She won the election. Following this, Hanford Councilman from District D Francisco Ramirez became a Libertarian, as did 2018 Hanford City Council, District E candidate Cheyne Strawn.
In mid 2021, the council elected to make an appointment to fill a soon to be empty city council seat. Council appointed Amanda Saltray, who also went on to reregister as a Libertarian giving the city of Hanford a Libertarian majority on council.”
But Strawn wants the focus to be on Hanford.
“This is a non partisan office,” he said. “I’m just running to make a positive change in my community.”
Strawn said he has been going door-to-door and the biggest issue is public safety infrastructure. He said the south side of Hanford needs sidewalks, better lighting, and speed bumps. He gave Hume Avenue as an example.
“We need folks on the city council who are going to do what the people ask and not be ignored. The south side is neglected,” said Strawn.
Strawn also wants to roll back some of the regulations imposed on residents such as not being able to remove trees. “Homeowners are responsible for maintaining the medians, but when the roots of the trees tear up the side walk and medians they aren’t allowed to remove them.
“These are very basic issues, and someone needs to start dealing with them”
I have heard so much about the libertarian candidates political affiliation and no one is mentioning their opponents political framework?
Last thing we need is another lazy retired cop on the Council.
Seems to me, that’s exactly who you would want on the city council. Someone who had an outstanding career, brought a home in Hanford, raised his family in Hanford and has invested in the community. On the other hand, his opponent has been in Hanford for 5 years, and rents a bedroom from Councilman Breino. He has not invested in the community. He has run for city council 3 times and has lost on all 3 attempts. I think the choice is very clear.
It is sad that Hanford citizens would bash a retired CHP just for because he is a republican and to get an unqualified individual voted in
As to a fat lazy candidate whose only job was working for political campaigns in Tulare County? Last thing Hanford City Council needs is a wannabe career politician
So the valley voice was bought out by the libertarian party also.
Its time for a change in the city council. I feel they dont listen to the people. Always canceling meetings.
When do we get ballits to vote. or is it only for certain
sections of the city.
I see alot of comments from the 3 libertarians and none from their opponents. What a bunch of slanted trash
Why did the members of the council meet with Saltrey before the choice was made to replace Draxler. I believe that is a violation of the Brown Act. It was predetermined.
Glad to finally see a confession as to why developers are donating to current council members. In exchange for rezoning so they can build more developments.
This just proves my point I’ve stated these past few months….why did you not interview the three running against these Libertarians?! 1% Libertarians in California but OUR council has the potential to be 80% Libertarian….wake up Hanford citizens! We need change on OUR Hanford City Council. Vote Paden, Kairis and Martinez!!!! Please vote November 8th!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Where does John Kashian live? They say local developer but doesn’t say if he lives locally. I know he doesn’t live in Hanford.
Ask Cheyne Strawn how long he lived in Hanford. He lived in Tulare for a lot longer than he lived in Hanford. Being resident of Hanford for 4 years doesn’t make you qualified.
According to francisco ramirez strawn has to drive 5 hours to vote on hanford agendas does he even actually live in hanford at all? He stated this on his Facebook page anyone can look it up.
I’m pretty Sure Francisco Ramirez never said that. Strawn lived in town. But has only lived in Hanford for just over 4 years. When he ran four years ago he had barely moved to Hanford. He lived in Tulare and was heavily involved in political campaigns. He has never had a real job
He did the post is still on his Facebook thanking him for being so dedicated that he would drive 5 hours to vote for winter wonderland and drive 5 hours back.
You miss the meaning behind it. Strawn was in Sacramento and drove 4 hours to vote for winter wonderland and 4 back to Sacramento to attend continue attending his event. Cheyne Strawn is a wannabe career politician. He is more interested in Sacramento and State politics. Being in the Hanford City Council is just a stepping stone for him and a way to fluff his resume. Cheyne Strawn still only lived in Hanford for just over 4 years. When he ran four years ago he barely moved to Hanford and technically wasn’t eligible to run for that district. Cheyne Strawn has no value for rules of law and doesn’t care about Hanford at all.
That was my thoughts exactly. Does he actually spend most of his time in hanford. We need council members that are present in hanford.
Remember The Hanford City Council didn’t just rezone the area for Costco. Francisco Ramirez along with the other city council at that time gave Costco huge tax breaks on city taxes for TEN YEARS.
And that area was never developed as much as they thought bringing in Costco would. The city could have used that tax money after all the losses from Covid pandemic. I vote by actions. The city council position is non partisan. Francisco Ramirez is still directly named in a lawsuit filed by a Hanford City Clerk. Francisco Ramirez doesn’t know when to keep his mouth shut and has done A LOT more harm than good for the City of Hanford.
No more retired cops on the Council!
Vote for REAL business people who have had to produce results for their money.
You said that already. Tell me what “business” Cheyne Strawn has ran or worked at. Please tell me what jobs Cheyne Strawn have worked as before moving to Hanford. Francisco Ramirez calls himself a motivational speaker when he has accomplished very little and hasn’t overcame anything. Law and order should be a main priority in Hanford. That’s why the current people in power are slacking. They are building a new park right next to another park before building a new police department.
Real business people have real world experience and must actually perform and produce to earn their money.
It’s not about “law and order”, it’s about a true, demonstrated work ethic and lifelong commitment. I won’t vote for anyone who retired at 50, and I won’t take voting advice from someone who fled the County and longer lives here, bro.
Notice the low blow insult at the end. Bullpup90 won’t even be specific about the candidate they are referring to. Bullpup90 can’t state Cheyne Strawn’s past employment history. Either they don’t know it or won’t state it because they know it will hurt Strawn’s reputation. Answer a very simple question Bullpup90, how long has Cheyne Strawn lived in Hanford?
Disclaimer, Russ C is not Russ Curry but I do agree with his assessment of Cheyne Strawn.
Cheyne Strawn is a candidate for the Hanford City Council, running for the District E seat. He lived in the city of Tulare and moved to Hanford 5 or 6 years ago. Since coming to Hanford, it seems clear that he has one goal in mind…to win a seat on city council. This is his second attempt in Hanford, after losing in 2018, and after two losing council races in Tulare. He does not own a home in Hanford. Instead, he rents a bedroom from current city councilman, Art Brieno. I suspect he did this just so he can run in District E.
Don’t be fooled Hanford…a vote for Cheyne Strawn is a vote for a man who has not set roots in the community
But we are supposed someone who doesn’t use their real name? What is your name? Cheyne Strawn has never ran or managed a single business. Francisco Ramirez is young. Why would someone leave a high paying job working in business. Because they don’t work for any business. Francisco Ramirez literally describes himself as motivational speaker and Cheyne Strawn has only worked on political campaigns in Tulare County. You seem to enjoy getting biased information from Valley Voice owner who never lived in Kings County