One of the Lies of the No Campaign

I was interested in reading the No on Measure Z web page.  It contained many misrepresentations.  But then, I'm not surprised.  It is not the first time one of its members has made misstatements in a public setting.  Perhaps No on Z has concluded that the ends justify the means.  Rather Machiavellian isn't it?  Machiavelli wrote, "Politics have no relation to morals."  So I guess No on Z has "historical" support for its techniques. 

Here's the lie of the day:  "The Zoo plans to spend $350,000 of Zoo money for the consultant for the Measure Z renewal campaign rather than raising money from individual contributors."  (

Here's the fact:  The zoo, better known as Fresno's Chaffee Zoo Corporation, or ZooCorp as I call it, has not spent one penny on Measure Z renewal.  Nor does it intend to spend any money on the Measure Z campaign. 

The rest of the story:  Early in its budgeting process ZooCorp thought it was an appropriate expenditure to spend some of its money for Measure Z renewal.  The zoo has been such a wonderful success, why wouldn't ZooCorp want to continue Measure Z? 

After adding money into its budget, ZooCorp discovered that it cannot use its funds for a political purpose.  ZooCorp follows the law and has not spend its money for Measure Z renewal.  Scott Barton, the CEO of the zoo, provided this explanation at a Fresno Zoo Tax Authority meeting, where the No campaign was present. 

Fortunately, there are many in our community who recognize the benefit of Measure Z and have given generously.  They are getting the message out that Measure Z is a great success not only for the zoo, but for our community. 

Who is funding the No campaign?  So far, just one person.  Yep, the same one perpetuating the misrepresentations.  What does that tell you?  For some, Machiavelli was correct.