TheBakersfieldCalifornian.com

Another candidate has entered the race for the newly drawn 32nd Assembly District seat -- former Hanford City Councilman Dave Thomas, who filed papers in Kings County last week.

Thomas, a Hanford resident, owns a dairy farm and security company.

So far, the race has drawn Bakersfield City Councilman Rudy Salas, former Delano City Councilman Pedro Rios and Kern County Supervisor Jon McQuiston. Salas is a Democrat, while Rios and McQuiston are Republicans.

Thomas served on the Hanford City Council from 2006 to 2010.

Although he registered as a Republican, Thomas said he considers himself an independent.

Thomas said he completely opposes the state's high-speed rail plan and is for smaller government and less regulation, which would encourage business growth. The state also should focus on increasing access for farmers to clean water through dams and viaducts to improve food production and spur job growth.

"The bottom line is I believe in less government," he said.

"I know it's a long shot that I'm running," Thomas said. "But I know if I do get in this ... I'll be the best representative (residents in the district) ever had. ... I'm a straight shooter."

In Kern County, the new 32nd Assembly District looks like the current 30th District represented by David Valadao, R-Hanford, who is running for Congress. It also will include all of Kings County.

Bakersfield residents interested in running for mayor have from Monday to March 9 to file.

The race will be on the June 5 primary ballot.

A candidate must be a registered voter and Bakersfield resident at the time of nomination and throughout the four-year term.

To run, a candidate must file a petition of nomination with at least 20 but no more than 30 signatures from registered voters who are Bakersfield residents.

There's also a $25 filing fee. Candidates have to file a statement of economic Interests and three campaign statements during the election process outlining their campaign contributions.

Anyone interested in running for the seat is encouraged to contact City Clerk Roberta Gafford for an appointment to review the nomination process and pick up election materials. The city clerk can be reached at 326-3767.

The deadlines for filing to run for state legislature are the same. If the incumbent for a seat doesn't file nomination papers by the deadline, for a reason other than reaching a term limit, the deadline is extended to March 14.

The top two vote-getters in each primary race proceed to the general election on Nov. 6.