Democrat Club meets

Social Security and Medicare are important to most Americans. To learn more about the strengths and weaknesses of these benefits, Tehachapi Mountain Democratic Club invited Jon Bauman to speak on this topic at their October meeting.

Bauman leads the Social Security Works Political Action Committee, which was created in 2017 to elect leaders who will work to expand Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, as well as lower prescription drug prices for all Americans.

Bauman praised action by President Joe Biden to reduce the price of 10 major drugs which helps contain costs for Medicare. He cited efforts by Republican leaders to change benefits Social Security and other programs offer to all Americans. He urged TMDC members to vote for the Harris/Walz team and urge friends and neighbors to do the same.

Bernita Jenkins was also invited to speak to TMDC because she is the lone woman in a six-candidate race to become District 2 supervisor. The position became available when Zack Scribner resigned. She feels the district has been underrepresented for some time and it is important that leaders work together and listen to their constituents.

Jenkins was raised in Bakersfield, graduated, from West High and earned a Bachelor's Degree from CSUB. She worked for 16 years as a labor representative, and has served on the Greenfield Union School Board, as well as other county boards and commissions. She is not seeking election as a stepping stone to high office. She just wants to make District 2 a place where all can live in peace and security.

Homelessness and public safety are two of the issues Jenkins lists as her concerns. She says the state funds counties to help with these issues so more people could be hired in the social welfare department. She would put a task force together to determine the best way to solve mental health and drug problems which sometimes lead to homelessness.

As she has visited towns within District 2, she has realized there is insufficient law enforcement in many areas. She thinks steps should be taken to retain experienced law enforcement officers and other county employees. She promises to work to make sure everybody is heard throughout District 2.