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Chris Parlier<\/p>\nBAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) \u2014 KGET sent the two candidates running for the Kern County Board of Supervisors District 2 seat a questionnaire asking basic questions for the voters to get a better understanding of who they are.<\/p>\n
We asked each candidate several questions:<\/p>\n
Hometown, current city and neighborhood of residence<\/p>\n
Brief educational history<\/p>\n
Party registration (for how long have you been registered with this party)?<\/p>\n
Length of residence in that district<\/p>\n
In 300 words or less, please describe your political philosophy<\/p>\n
Below are responses from the candidates running for the District 2 supervisor seat.<\/p>\n
Chris Parlier<\/p>\n
Age: 63<\/p>\n
Hometown, current city and neighborhood of residence: Came to Bakersfield in 1985 after military service, bought his current SW
Bakersfield home in 1992<\/p>\n
Family: Chris and his wife Debbie have two adult children and four
grandchildren.<\/p>\n
Brief educational history: Two years of college and police academy<\/p>\n
Brief career history: Chris Parlier is a former Law Enforcement Officer, Bakersfield City Councilman and U.S. Air Force Veteran, holding an extensive career in public service. After honorably retiring as a Special Agent with the California Department of Justice, Chris dedicated eight years to representing the residents of Bakersfield City\u2019s Ward 7.<\/p>\n
Throughout his career in public service, Chris demonstrated a profound commitment to serving
the public and enhancing the safety and quality of life for Kern County communities. Chris\u2019 background in law enforcement provided him with valuable insights into the needs and concerns of Bakersfield residents, and his contributions to the city have left a lasting impact.<\/p>\n
One of his initiatives included facilitating the city Park Ranger program, keeping children and families safe at our parks. Additionally, Chris took on several street repaving projects and worked to enhance public safety through various city ordinances.<\/p>\n
He has also been a strong supporter and advocate for local law enforcement, as shown by his time as a Kern Law Enforcement Foundation board member, which supports all 29 Kern County law enforcement agencies by providing additional funding and resources.<\/p>\n
Party registration: \u201cThe Board of Supervisors is a non-partisan race. However, I\u2019ve been a
registered Republican since I was 18.\u201d<\/p>\n
Desired office: Reelection to Kern County District 2 Supervisor<\/p>\n
\u201cI am deeply grateful to the voters of Kern County for entrusting me to fill the vacancy in the
Second Supervisorial District. Since taking office in December 2024, I have led several
initiatives to strengthen public safety, support local businesses and enhance necessary
infrastructure.<\/p>\n
This includes the opening of a new sheriff substation in Taft and a temporary substation in
Rosamond, with a permanent Rosamond substation starting construction later this year. I also
secured high-tech drones for the Fire Department and Sheriff\u2019s Office and brought Flock safety
cameras to our communities to help stop regional crime. I directed funding for the new Keene
Fire Station, which is currently in design, as well as sidewalk and road improvement projects for
Ford City and South Taft. In addition, I advanced millions of dollars in road, park and
infrastructure improvements throughout District 2. Other notable projects and improvements
include new baseball fields in Boron and Rosamond. At Frazier Mountain Park, the lake has
been restored and the bathrooms have been remodeled. At Buena Vista Lake, new docks have
been added along with a spray park currently under construction and both large and small dog
parks. Improvements have also been made to the Caliente Community Center, along with new
pickleball courts in Valley Acres.<\/p>\n
I continue to advance initiatives that facilitate business growth and job creation, supporting
projects like Pacific Steel Group\u2019s Mojave Micro Mill and the Hard Rock Casino in Tejon, which
are bringing hundreds to thousands of new jobs to our region, along with sizable investments in
our regional economy.<\/p>\n
While significant progress has been made in a short time, there is still more work to do. I remain
committed to partnering with our communities and constituents to build a stronger future for
Kern County.\u201d<\/p>\n
Length of residence in that district: N\/A<\/p>\n
Political philosophy: N\/A<\/p>\n
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Sydney O\u2019Connor<\/p>\n
Age: 31<\/p>\n
Hometown, current city and neighborhood of residence: Downtown Tehachapi<\/p>\n
Family: N\/A<\/p>\n
Brief educational history: Studied at UCLA<\/p>\n
Brief career history: \u201cI\u2019ve been an In Home Support services provider (caregiver) since 2015, and a proud Union steward just as long, currently serving as the district 5 Chair of United Domestic Workers local 3930, representing thousands of union homecare providers across Santa Barbara, San Louis Obispo, and Kern counties.\u201d<\/p>\n
Party registration: Democrat since I first became eligible to vote at age 18.<\/p>\n
Desired office: \u201cI am running for Kern Supervisor District 2 to provide new leadership. I believe that the workers are truly the backbone of our communities. I believe water is a human right. I believe people should be able to afford to live safely and own a home in this district. I intend to govern with a passion for community service and helping my peers while actively listening and understanding the unique needs of the residents in some of the most rural parts of Kern county.\u201d<\/p>\n
Length of residence in that district: \u201cI have lived in Tehachapi since 1999.\u201d<\/p>\n
Political philosophy: \u201cI believe in thriving wages. The current system is rigged against the working class.<\/p>\n
I believe in environmental justice.<\/p>\n
I believe a leader is meant to serve, not to rule.<\/p>\n
Leading with empathy and an unwavering belief that all human beings are equals regardless of background.<\/p>\n
I believe in intersectional advocacy, ending exclusion, public investment, direct action and non-violence. I position myself against corporate interests that divert funds from public services.\u201d<\/p>\n
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