Government roundup: Fuller inches closer to Senate run
By THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN
She looks like a Senate candidate, but nothing's set in stone.
Assemblywoman Jean Fuller this week filed a statement of intention to run for the state Senate seat now held by Roy Ashburn, according to the Secretary of State's office.
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Assemblywoman Jean Fuller
But Fuller, R-Bakersfield, said via e-mail Wednesday she doesn't know if she'll seek the post or run for a third and final two-year Assembly term in 2010.
"I am weighing the two options open to me..." she said. "However, decisions such as bringing water to our California farmers, blocking taxes and working on balancing the budget are what I am focusing on now."
The 18th Senate District includes much of Bakersfield.
Two others have filed a statement of intention to run for the gig: former Assembyman Bill Maze, a Republican from Tulare County, and a Democrat, Carter Pope.
People can file an intent to run anytime but they must get in their declaration of candidacy and all the paperwork that goes with it by next March 12, the Secretary of State's office said.
Other lineups shaping up (based on intent-to-run filings) include:
* 30th Assembly District: Incumbent Assemblyman Danny Gilmore, R-Hanford, and his 2008 Democratic opponent, Fran Florez of Shafter.
* 16th Senate District (now held by Dean Florez): Kern County Supervisor Michael Rubio, a Democrat.
-- Californian staff
FLOREZ RECALL BILL CLEARS SENATE
The state Senate on Wednesday approved a measure by Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez, D-Shafter, to better alert consumers about recalls.
Senate Bill 550 requires retailers with scanners to flag recalled items in their computer systems. Under this system, already in use by some retailers, the checker is notified when a recalled item is scanned and keeps it from being sold.
Pointing to a peanut recall that affected more than 2,500 products, Florez said consumers need more protection.
Senate Bill 550 passed the Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee last month by a vote of 8-2. Florez worked with the California Grocers Association and California Retailers Association to remove their previous opposition. The measure now goes to the California State Assembly for consideration.
-- Press release from Florez's office
CLIMATE CHANGE TALK COMING UP
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District will hold a workshop to discuss a climate change action plan.
It will be held in Fresno but viewable via video teleconferencing in Bakersfield at 34946 Flyover Court. It's 10 a.m. June 30. The meeting will be Web cast via a link available at www.valleyair.org/workshops/public_workshops_idx.htm.
The agenda and related documents will be available by June 15. They can be downloaded from the same site or by calling 559-230-6003.
-- Californian staff
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