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Jeff Flores<\/p>\nBAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) \u2014 KGET sent the candidates running for Kern County\u2019s District 3 supervisor or treasurer\/tax collector seats a questionnaire with basic questions about them, their political philosophy and more.<\/p>\n
We asked each candidate the following 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 3 supervisor seat.<\/p>\n
Jeff Flores<\/p>\n
Age: 55<\/p>\n
Hometown, current city and neighborhood of residence: Lived in Bakersfield since 1989, Resides in NE Bakersfield<\/p>\n
Family: Married to Jaquelyn Olvera 18 years and son Oliver, Sophomore at Garces High School<\/p>\n
Brief educational history: Jeff received his BA in Political Science at the University of San Diego with a concentration in International Relations, Minor in Spanish, and Master of Public Policy and Administration from CSU Bakersfield, with Post Graduate work in the resources sector at the University of Queensland Australia.<\/p>\n
Brief career history: He previously served as President of the Kern High School District Board of Trustees where he served three terms as a trustee. He has now been elected to the Kern County Board of Supervisors, representing District 3.<\/p>\n
Previously he worked as Manager of Government Affairs and Communities for Rio Tinto Minerals, representing the company among government, industry and community stakeholders.<\/p>\n
Party registration: \u201cAlthough a non partisan position, I have been a registered Republican since 1989. \u00a0I serve all constituents irrespective of party preferences.\u201d<\/p>\n
Desired office: District 3 Supervisor<\/p>\n
\u201cTo tackle crime and support law enforcement. Create good paying jobs. Whammy neighborhoods by ensuring quality county services.\u201d<\/p>\n
Length of residence in that district: 25 years<\/p>\n
Political philosophy: \u201cLike you, I live in Bakersfield where the promise of the American Dream, through faith in God and hard work, has produced\u00a0for most of us a good life; my goal is to help produce that good life for more of our citizens.<\/p>\n
I ask for your vote for Supervisor to provide safe neighborhoods and opportunities for families. <\/p>\n
Agriculture, energy and aerospace have allowed us to feed, fuel and defend our nation, no small feat for a county of our size.<\/p>\n
But our future is at risk from politics, not common sense, in government. Sacramento politicians have shut down our energy industry, shortchanged water for our farms and released violent felons.<\/p>\n
As your Supervisor I understand each county department and will work hard to improve services while keeping costs down.<\/p>\n
As your Supervisor, I will protect our jobs and way of life.<\/p>\n
My goal? Make Kern County a better place to live, work, and prosper.<\/p>\n
I would be honored to have your vote.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Johnny Olaguez<\/p>\n
Age: 37<\/p>\n
Hometown, current city and neighborhood of residence: Bakersfield, CA<\/p>\n
Family: Two kids<\/p>\n
Brief educational history:<\/p>\n
Brief career history: \u201cIn 2017, I started my trucking company with one truck and trailer that grew to dispatch 55 drivers across private and government contracts. I also operated a full-service diesel repair shop serving clients like Cal Water, Acco Services and the city of Bakersfield.<\/p>\n
I handled the permits, licenses and compliance myself \u2014 learning firsthand how our system works, both the good and the bad.<\/p>\n
That experience drives me to help others succeed \u2014 whether that\u2019s building a business, getting better training or finding better-paying jobs while ensuring fairness for everyone, NOT just a select few.\u201d<\/p>\n
Party registration: Independent<\/p>\n
Desired office: \u201cI\u2019m running for Kern County Board of Supervisors because I\u2019m tired of subpar representation, a lack of transparency and a lack of accountability from local leadership.<\/p>\n
While taxpayers continue funding programs year after year, too many residents feel ignored as problems continue to grow instead of improve. In 2023, homelessness increased 37% countywide, and the recently released PIT count shows that many communities are still moving in the wrong direction. Residents deserve leadership that focuses on measurable results, honest communication and responsible use of taxpayer dollars.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m not a career politician. I was taught that if something is broken you roll up your sleeves and fix it. I come from a background of hard work, business ownership and real-world problem solving. I believe government should work for the people \u2014 not special interests \u2014 and that our community deserves leaders who listen, show up and are willing to be held accountable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Length of residence in that district: Seven years<\/p>\n
Political philosophy: \u201cMy political philosophy is rooted in accountability, transparency and practical problem solving \u2014 not giving friends and family a get-out-jail-free card because someone donated to my campaign. I believe government exists to serve the people, protect public safety and create opportunities for working families and small businesses to succeed.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m not a career politician. I come from a background in trucking, fleet services and humility, where results matter more than talking points. That experience shaped my belief that leadership should be measured by outcomes, not promises. If taxpayers are funding programs, we should be able to clearly measure whether they are working.<\/p>\n
I believe in fiscal responsibility and making sure public dollars are spent efficiently and transparently. Government should prioritize infrastructure, public safety, economic growth and solutions that improve quality of life for residents \u2014 not expand bureaucracy without accountability.<\/p>\n
I also believe communities should have a voice in decisions that affect them. Too often, policies are pushed onto residents without meaningful input or clear communication. I support open government, accessible leadership and giving residents more transparency into how decisions are made.<\/p>\n
My approach is independent and commonsense-focused. I believe good ideas can come from anywhere, and I\u2019m willing to work with anyone \u2014 regardless of political party \u2014 if it helps move Kern County forward.<\/p>\n
At the core of my philosophy is the belief that leadership means listening to people, being honest about challenges, and having the courage to make decisions based on what is best for the community long term, not what is politically convenient.\u201d<\/p>\n
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