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The 32nd Assembly race is a crowd; more candidates join as write-ins
After years of stability and little contest, uncertainty persists for one of Bakersfield’s state Assembly seats.
A “Maximum Freedom” Republican, Willis announced his entrance shortly before the Greater Bakersfield Republican Assembly meeting at Hodel’s Country Dining on Thursday.
Willis wants to see a repeal of Assembly Bill 109, which relegates punishment of low-level felony offenders to local jail or out-of-custody supervision instead of state prison, saying that “actions have consequences.” His other priorities revolve around the “mismanagement of taxpayer dollars” and water capture infrastructure.
Single name on ballot for 32nd Assembly District belies three-way race among write-ins
Only incumbent Vince Fong's name will be listed as a candidate. The three men actually vying for the seat — small-business owner Ian Smith, Ward 3 Bakersfield City Councilman Ken Weir and veterinarian Tom Willis — are running as write-in candidates.
Willis, age 66, owner and operator of San Joaquin Veterinary Hospital since 2000, said by email he decided to run for the 32nd District seat because of his concern for the direction of the state, including what he called lack of good governance.
He said he sees things from a "regular citizen's point of view," having been in business for many years, dealing with the public, managing employees and "dealing with ever increasing regulatory burdens."
Adding he is a "lifelong maximum freedom Republican," Willis said his message to the public is this: "The status quo is not working. Let's restore California's reputation as the Golden State."