Tehachapi News

Second District Supervisor Don Maben announced on June 12 that he will not run for a third term as the county leader for residents living in portions of eastern Kern and southwest Bakersfield. Maben has held the 2nd District post since January 2003.
“My wife Billie and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary this past weekend. As a commitment to her, I am announcing today that I will not seek a third term as Second District County Supervisor,” said Maben.
Maben has accomplished many goals for residents in the District and will see a variety of projects to conclusion prior to vacating the position. Among them, the opening of a Bike/Pedestrian Path in the Golden Hills area, a Specific Plan Update for the Greater Tehachapi communities, a Specific Plan Update for the community of Rosamond, as well as the development of a paved connecting road on  Commercial Way in Old Town Tehachapi.
Maben chose to announce his plans early in the term to give interested candidates time to make the decision to run. “Some may wonder why this announcement is coming at this time. With two-and-a-half years remaining, the early announcement will give interested individuals, living in the 2nd District, ample time to assess the office and make an informed decision whether or not to run,” continued Maben.
The Primary Election for the race is scheduled for June 2010.
“Although this may seem a long time away, the reality is that it isn't,’ said Maben.
Viable candidates will have to make a decision by the end of this year, and begin both fundraising and outreach in January.
Maben hopes the early announcement will encourage many to take a look at running for the office. Whoever decides to do so is welcome to come and discuss the possibilities with the Supervisor.
“My door is open to everyone considering the position. I will be happy to answer questions any may have regarding the job. It has been a rewarding run, but in 2010 it will be time to pass the baton.” 
Supervisor Maben created the Kern County Partnership for Animals.
“The group pulls together experts in animal care, concern and control. Procedures in local shelters, spay and neuter practices, as well as health and safety issues for domestic animals throughout Kern County, are the Partnerships goals.”
The development of the County's Adoptable Animals website is the direct result of the Maben's leadership in this area. This site strengthens the public's ability to easily adopt a family pet.
Since taking office, Maben has personally participated in dozens of community illegal dumping clean up events - netting in excess of 500 tons in illegally dumped materials from 2nd District property. Maben also created a new staff position to respond to smaller incidents of illegal dumping.
Maben was instrumental in securing a new library facility for the Tehachapi area; the development of the Red Apple Road extension in Golden Hills; the acquisition of property for a new County Fire Station in Rosamond; the construction of “Tot Lots” in county parks in Mojave, Boron and Rosamond, and the procurement of a TEA Grant for the construction of a Bike/Pedestrian path in the unincorporated area of Golden Hills.
Significant resources for road repair and maintenance; strengthened liaisons with cities and community service districts; and continued commitment to community development and residential planning are the hallmarks of the Supervisor's terms.