Talk of the Town
Politics Elected officials give glimpse into personal thoughts Compiled by Bakersfield Life Magazine
T
oo often we know our elected officials too little. We asked a few winners from the recent election to share a little about themselves by answering some questions — ones they normally wouldn’t have been asked in a debate. Here’s how they responded.
Kevin McCarthy U.S. House of Representatives, District 23 Winner What's on your playlist? I have a little bit of everything from Adele to Johnny Cash to Mercy Me, everything in the 1980s, to Train and definitely U2. What’s the first thing you do in the morning? Judy and I take our dog Mac out for a run. I’m great at: Being optimistic. I’m lousy at: Sticking to my diet. What’s your current state of mind? Despite our nation’s economic challenges, I remain optimistic on our nation’s future. We have to get back and reapply the principles that make our country exceptional — freedom, opportunity and free enterprise. What’s your most treasured possession? Our kitchen table. Some of the most meaningful conversations have taken place there. Our kids grew up around that table. What is your greatest fear? That my children will not have the same opportunities that past generations have had. When and where were you happiest? When Judy said “I do” and when Connor and Meghan were born. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would like to have a better singing voice.
Bob Smith
PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE
Bakersfield City Council, Ward 4 Winner
McCarthy 58
Bakersfield Life Magazine
December 2012
I’m great at: Seeing the big picture. As a civil engineer I’m forced to work out all of the small details, but my natural inclination is to focus on the big picture. It seems to work out well as most problems you need to understand the big picture and then break it down into manageable parts. I’m lousy at: Keeping my desk cleaned off. I like to have everything at my fingertips. What has been your favorite journey? My life with Pammy, my lovely bride. She was my high school sweetheart and we have now been married for 38 years. We have grown up together and discovered all the joys and challenges of life together. What’s your current state of mind? An overwhelming sense of gratitude for every day, and the adventure that it brings. I am thankful for the life that I have been given and try to give joy to others as I have been given joy. What’s your most treasured possession? My health. I understand that it is a gift and I work hard at doing my part to keep it. I work exercise into the flow of everyday by bicy-