Our View: Experience, proven ability counts in council races: Elect Arais, Bittle, Crowl, Kaur to Bakersfield City Council | Opinion

The Nov. 3 election for four seats on the Bakersfield City Council comes as council members and city residents are divided as to how city government is being managed and how tax monies, including the Measure N sales tax funds, are being spent.

At the heart of the dissension is the council’s earlier divided votes to hike sewer rates and a vote of no confidence by a minority of the council members, who object to how City Manager Christian Clegg is running the city. The Kern County Taxpayers Association has fueled the demand for more budget transparency and a change in spending priorities. The nonpartisan candidates running to represent four city wards reflect the divisiveness that has roiled the council and community.

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