Political Philosophy for Mike Maggard

Candidate for
Member of City Council; City of Bakersfield; Ward 3

My wife Mary and I were both born here in Bakersfield. This is our home where we decided to raise our boys, and where we have decided to stay. My dream is that all of our residents will be able to lead satisfying, productive lives, and that they will be able to do so right here in Bakersfield. For that to happen we need a city that is economically strong, that offers our children careers, not just jobs, and safe streets for our neighborhoods.

In many ways we already enjoy that dream in Bakersfield. Our city is a thriving, exciting place to live. Yet there are threats to that dream here as in every community of our nation. Our community leaders must be able to recognize and deal with those threats quickly and effectively. To do so they need to be the sort of person who

· works hard · exercises independent judgment · brings people together to solve problems · demonstrates common sense · gets things done!

Those are qualities I have relied upon in seeking success in my home town as a certified public accountant, businessman, community leader and as an elected official serving on the Bakersfield City School Board. I earned an AA at Bakersfield Community College in 1976 and a BS in Business Administration from Cal State Bakersfield in 1978. In addition to serving as a school board member since 1992, I have served on the boards of the Bakersfield Homeless Shelter, Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce, Kern County Board of Trade-Council on Competitiveness, the Tree Foundation of Kern, Emergency Medical Care Advisory Board, Kern Asset Leasing Corporation, and the Leadership Bakersfield Alumni Association. I currently am a partner in the accounting firm of Barbich Longcrier Hooper and King, creating jobs, solving problems and helping clients realize their dreams.

I ran for the Bakersfield City School Board in 1992 as a way to give back to and serve our community. Public education opened doors for me and I felt that I could help make sure those doors remained open for others. I currently serve as president of that board. I am proud that we have made some very tough decisions that help remove barriers to learning. I have helped lead the District in cutting waste, saving millions of dollars, reducing class sizes, eliminating in-service days, emphasizing the basics, allowing school uniforms, empowering public input, and intensifying the focus on student achievement.

Gangs are a threat not only in schools but in our parks, malls, businesses, and neighborhoods. We face an ever narrowing window of opportunity to prevent gangs from destroying our ability to enjoy life in our city. My goal as a councilman will be to protect and enhance our way of life not only in the 3rd Ward but in Bakersfield as a whole by

· empowering both the community and law enforcement · diversifying our economic base · improving our quality of life · bringing a sound business perspective to city government.

I am living out dreams I never imagined possible. I believe I have the skills and background to help make that possible for others. That is why I seek election to the Bakersfield City Council and that is why I seek your support. My family joins me in asking for your help.

May I have your vote? We can make a difference.

Sincerely,

Mike Maggard

PS Please don't hesitate to give me a call. Let's discuss your concerns and ideas about making Bakersfield's future bright and prosperous (work 637-2210/home 872-4729