Kern County District 2 Supervisors debate recap

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — There’s a crowded debate stage, a reflection of the packed candidate field, in the race to replace former Supervisor Zack Scrivner in Kern County’s 2nd District.

Scrivner’s mid-term resignation prompted the race to be added last-minute to the November general election ballot. The winner will serve a partial term until 2026, instead of the full four-year term.

Candidates agreed that, as vast as District 2 is geographically, the range of issues too is wide.

But the overall sentiment? District 2 is, as some candidates said, Kern’s “red-headed stepchild.”

“So, this board member who was there formerly did not tend to the constituents,” Kern District 2 Supervisor Candidate Bernita Jenkins said.

The candidates began by discussing former supervisor Scrivner…then focusing on oil and gas.

“To get all the oil companies to move to clean energy. If we get them to move to clean energy, jobs are saved,” according to candidate Jenkins.

Kelly Carden Jr said, “My fellow candidates, as well as most politicians across Kern County, have described the governor’s relationship with oil and Kern County as abusive… One thing that we shouldn’t be doing is cutting down forests across the county, especially across the desert for energy projects, for solar projects.”

Some propose retention of the oil and gas industry, despite state goals to end all oil extraction by 2045.

“When we can revitalize the oil and gas industry, we can start minimizing, even dissolving the Measure K tax. We gotta hire sheriff’s deputies, we gotta hire firefighters, we got vacancies. And a key thing too is retention,” Candidate Pete Graff explained.

A push for more local governance was discussed.

“More power to make decisions locally, especially when it comes to oil. You know, and granted, we would be moving away from state laws,” candidate Dale Cisneros added.

And a boost in public safety response times was mentioned.

“When I was on the council, I was responsible for bringing on 100 police officers, really stopped the bleeding of police officers in Bakersfield leaving to other agencies… But one thing is really important is our detention deputies. If we don’t have them, nobody’s going to stay in jail,” Chris Parlier said.

And despite the Board of Supervisors technically being a nonpartisan office, candidates touched on their political affiliations.

Ben Dewell addressed voters by stating, “District 2, this is your chance to break free of partisan interests and political dynasties. I represent none of that. I’m an independent, no party preference candidate.”

You can find the hour-long debate here.

Learn more about the candidates at the links below.
Meet the 2024 candidates for District 2 supervisor: Chris Parlier
Meet the 2024 candidates for District 2 supervisor: Kelly Carden Jr.
Meet the 2024 candidates for District 2 supervisor: Pete Graff
Meet the 2024 candidates for District 2 supervisor: Dale Cisneros
Meet the 2024 candidates for District 2 supervisor: Ben Dewell
Meet the 2024 candidates for District 2 supervisor: Bernita Jenkins

Election Day is Nov. 5

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