Latest news with #KenWeir
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘We've used everything': Bakersfield city councilmembers discuss Measure N funds
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The city of Bakersfield is facing a multi-million dollar reduction in budget for the next fiscal year. A presentation from city staff to the council last night sparked debate over the use of the public service and vital services fund. The proposed city budget is just over $850 million for the fiscal year. In reality, it's a $46 million reduction from 2024. To balance the city's general fund, the council had to take $12 million from the Public Service and Vital Services Fund or Measure N funds. Voters approved Measure N in 2017: A 1% sales tax to fund enhancements to public safety, reduce homelessness and promote economic opportunity. At the city council meeting Wednesday night, Ward 3 councilman Ken Weir said in this proposed budget, the measure money isn't going to what taxpayers voted for. 'The point of this, is we would not go over a certain amount and this year we've used everything…it's all used,' said Weir. Weir says that Measure N funds aren't supposed to cover the general fund. Ward 6 councilmember Zack Bashirtash was critical with how the funds were used to fight homelessness. 'I don't believe that homeless has gotten better or stayed the same, I see the tents regularly. I count them on my way to work. In my opinion, it's gotten worse,' said Bashirtash. City manager, Christian Clegg, and other councilmembers defended the use of Measure N funds. Clegg said that the city homeless shelter has housed 1,000 people per year, and before PSVS passed, it could only shelter up to 500. 'By the numbers, it is better,' said Clegg. 'I would also be transparent that many members of our community are frustrated that visually they don't see some of that improvement.' Ward 2 councilmember, Andrae Gonzales, said the funding has allowed the city to hire roughly 80 police officers and helped make other improvements across Bakersfield. 'It was to preserve and enhance vital services. We knew we had experienced two decades worth of cut after cut, after cut, cutting services to the bare bone in this city,' said Gonzales. The budget will be formally presented on the next city council meeting on June 11. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bakersfield Councilman Ken Weir on absence due to health issues
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Ward 3 Bakersfield City Council member Ken Weir hasn't attended a single council meeting in 2025. The last city meeting the councilman attended was on December 18. So, it begs the question…where is Ken Weir? 'You've always supported me and I've tried my way to support you too and the lessons that you've brought I won't forget them,' said Ken Weir, at his last meeting. 'But, I will miss you.' Those were the last words Weir said at a city council meeting. He was sending former councilmembers Patti Gray and Bruce Freeman off to retirement. It has been 71 days since Weir's last appearance at a city council meeting. Weir has served as a Bakersfield city councilmember since 2006. He ran for Assembly District 32 in November, losing to Vince Fong, even though Fong left the seat and urged supporters to vote for Weir. 2 charged in 2020 fatal attempted robbery Weir's absence on city council has been noticed. I found his business, Weir and Associates, and went there. A worker told me they haven't seen him in weeks. After multiple calls to Weir and city officials, no one said where he was or even if he was okay. 2 hours before newstime, Cathy Abernathy, KGET's Republican Political analyst, confirmed Weir has had serious medical issues dating back to October. He had surgery on his eye and has serious thyroid issues. He has been back and forth from Bakersfield and Los Angeles seeing doctors. He said that his condition is getting better and is planning to be back at regular city council meetings in March. An east Bakersfield MMA fighter also announced he plans to run for Ward 3 city council. JC 'The leg lock Monster' Llamas plans to run for city council in 2026. He said that something needs to change and wants to make that change. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
