PALMDALE – At a press conference Wednesday morning, Palmdale City Councilman Tom Lackey formally announced his decision to run for the California State Assembly in June. Lackey will be running in Assembly District 36 for the seat vacated by Assemblyman Steve Knight who is seeking election to the State Senate.
Surrounded by his family and a crowd of about 20 supporters, including Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford, Antelope Valley Republican Party Chairman Drew Mercy, and Palmdale Planning Commissioner Patricia Shaw, Lackey said he was hoping to restore confidence in the state’s economy.
“We need to return to the economic principles that made this state so great many years ago,” Lackey said. “We need to allow the state government to get out of the way.”
Lackey said, if elected, he would seek to reduce government restrictions, and shift the focus from entitlement to opportunity. He said he has taken a formal tax pledge to not increase taxes.
“That’s not the answer,” Lackey said. “The answer lies in creating more tax payers and creating an environment for success, that’s how we increase our revenues.”
Lackey also said he intended to focus on public education.
“One of the things that I would like to see happen is a restoration of vocational training,” He said. “We need to encourage and promote vocational opportunities as well as four year degrees.”
Lackey listed his credentials for public service, including 27 years of law enforcement experience with the California Highway Patrol, six years on the Palmdale School District Board, and serving as a Palmdale City Councilmember since 2005.
Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford said Lackey’s commitment to the Antelope Valley, his diversity of experience, and his track record of being true to himself made Lackey the ideal choice for State Assembly.
“He’s a straightforward guy, he doesn’t play games, he tells you the way he sees it and yet he can advocate for something that he may not wholeheartedly agree with,” Ledford said. “That will help him in Sacramento, to be able to maybe engage in some dialogue that will advance our state in a way that we will prosper.”
Drew Mercy, Chairman of the Republican Party of the Antelope Valley, said Lackey’s ability to cut through artificial barriers and bring people together in order to get things done made him the perfect choice to send to Sacramento.
“You’ve got George Runner and Mayor Jim Ledford supporting the same candidate,” Mercy said. “You know what you call someone who has George Runner and Jim Ledford supporting them? You call that person the ‘Front Runner.’
In a press statement issued Wednesday, Board of Equalization Member George Runner called Lackey a “standup individual.”
“This is the kind of person that you can trust to do the right thing. We’re going to work very hard to see him make it to the Assembly,” Runner said.
Lackey said support for his campaign has been pouring in and he has already received more than $50,000 in pledges.
Lackey is running against Lancaster Vice Mayor Ron Smith and local attorney Steve Fox.
Lackey said he will run a clean campaign and said many people are tired of “the smear stuff.”
“I think that it’s disheartening and it causes people to draw back and not want to be engaged in the whole process… so you will not see that from me,” Lackey said. “I’m a loyal person.”
The 36th Assembly District includes the Antelope Valley in Los Angeles County, The desert communities of Boron, California City, and Mojave in Kern County as well as Wrightwood and Pinon Hills in San Bernardino County.
Justice Callout says
New low for Rex. His political emissary steals the Political Observer & threatens harm to the businesses that distribute it. Munich 1933? Attaboy Rex.
Mark says
What a proud achievement for all those Ledford co-opted Democrats who have worked so treacherously hard over the years to subvert Democrats in favor of Republican Ledford’s political agenda!
Ledford running back to Runner, endorsing Lackey. The very embodiment of the OPPOSITE of what Democrats stand for.
Local Democrats–in a demographically weak position already–have allowed themselves to be infiltrated and manipulated by local party so-called “leaders” for so long, it’s come to this.
These Ledford co-opted so-called Dems are now either exposed, or they’ve been stiffed by their John (Jim).
Pathetic.
Mark Vincent says
Really people, how can you expect any candidate or elected official to be responsive when the vast majority of the comments above are rude, insulting and self serving. Our job as citizens is to INSTRUCT elected officials in how to govern effectively and represent our specific needs as state and federal laws are discussed and enacted. Cut the bullXXXX negitivity and act responsibly.
Wpayo says
90% of the comments on here are negative. Why do you think the editors had to take down the article about Mayor Rex having prostate cancer? It was because it was filled with comments from a bunch of angry people who have nothing but ugliness inside of them!
Dolores says
The negative comments seem to be directed to Lancaster politicians mainly, as far as The Mayor of Lancaster, we wish him good health and speed recovery, the problem in that situation is the impresion we are getting from his frequent apparancees and speaking opportunities, is that he is working the sympahty vote to further his agendas.
James says
Sorry Ace but Mormons (Morons) are NOT Christians. [removed] Also, you got pulled over because you had ILLEGAL tint.. you must watch your back an awful lot.. thinking the men in white suits are going to get you?
James says
Haha. I am definitely not trying to destroy this news website as I enjoy reading some of the news that’s posted without having to pay for it, like the AV Press.
You are right, I am NOT a liberal. And as far as you “fighting local corruption”, you couldnt be ary farther from the truth. You come here just to whine and cry about whatever is on your mind hoping that people will care for once. Has someone not changed your depends in awhile Johnnie boy? Notice how I don’t thrash other people.. just yourself.. and I’m not the only one who “attacks” you. Get a clue.. it’s YOU. You’re mentally UNSTABLE and should NOT be allowed on the internet. FREEDOM of speech Johnnie boy. Just like you spewing it in your response I can freely post what I want.
As far as me being a ‘local elected leader or someone on their staff” ROFL. Sorry, but I hate dirty politics as much as you, but I also hate you and that’s why I troll YOU and nobody else. I bet you don’t even believe we landed on the moon huh? Damn conspiracy theorists. But as far as finding out who I am before damage is done, bring it, I’m not damaging anything. You’ve already damaged you’re image and politics is nothing but upper class warfare so screw off old man.
James says
By the way, you’re the pet detective, how about you find me? Haha.
Mark says
Wow.
There’s no good choice. Unless someone else pops up, this Assembly decision is definitely going to be a “hold your nose and pull the lever” vote for the BAD (vs WORSE or WORST) candidate.
It’s sad we can’t do better. The political machinery of this valley is so self-serving, short-sighted, stifling and backwards.
S. Parker says
Incorrect statement sir. They don’t come more honest and straight talking than Tom Lackey. He is definitely preferable to the other two. At least he is going into it with some integrity. I can’t say what will happen to him in a few years after Sacramento has its way with him though… I hope he stays strong!
On another note, if you think we can do so much better, then who would YOU like to see run? If you can’t offer up any alternatives then stop criticizing the bunch who at least had the guts to get in the race!!
Matt Keltner says
Word!
Mark says
You don’t have to be a cook to criticize the cooking.
BTW, I didn’t say Lackey’s not the best (“bad”) choice from among the three.
CKAY says
Don’t vote for Ronny merely to get rid of him. That’s like letting your dog leave waste on your nighbor’s lawn. Just deal with the dog.
LILANN says
Forgive me Mr. Lackey but I’m voting for Smith only to get rid of him off our council. Its time everone shared his incompetence.
Palmdale_Steve says
That’s a terrible reason. Hell vote for Fox then if you want to reduce the population of buffoons in the AV by one.