Candidate for
Supervisor; County of Fresno; Supervisorial District 2

Deborah Harkness has lived a life full of depth and experience. She started with nothing and built a family-owned construction business. After raising her daughter, she attained more education and developed two behavioral healthcare entities in Fresno. Deborah is now a new grandmother, and she wants to ensure that this wonderful community of ours is physically safe and financially sound for future generations.

This means Deborah has over 30 years of experience as a businesswoman. She knows what it means to live within one's means, and make a payroll. She has extensive financial experience, and was an auditor in the international corporate arena.

Deborah founded Central California Recovery, Inc., a State of California-certified behavioral health facility. She also founded Assessment, Training & Research Associates, a sentencing consulting entity that provides expert reports for Fresno County Superior Court. Deborah is a lecturer at California State University Fresno, as well as local private and vocational colleges.

Deborah has more direct experience with Fresno County agencies than any other candidate in the 2012 political race. Deborah's work as a sentencing consultant and healthcare provider has led her to an understanding of Fresno County inter-departmental dynamics that few can match. She has worked directly with Fresno s Superior Court, Family Court, Probation, Sheriff's Department, Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services, Child Support Services, and many others.

Deborah believes in being an active participant in, and giving back to, Fresno County. She provided $102,000 in free services to needy residents just last year alone. She participates in community organizations, including the Greater Fresno Chamber of Commerce and the Clovis Unified School District Health Collaborative. Deborah is a founding member of the United Way's Women's Initiative and the joint jurisdictional Lock It Up, Clean It Out, Drop It Off project involving City, County, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies. She is a regular participant in the monthly Fresno Agriculture Round Table.

Deborah is inspired by the legacy of strong women that have been visionary leaders in Fresno County, such as Susan Anderson, who is currently retiring. She will bring common sense and financial responsibility to Fresno County government, and provide quality, accessible representation for the citizens of Fresno County District 2.