Tehama supervisor getting in race for Assembly seat

A Corning native currently serving as a Tehama County supervisor has announced he will run for the 3rd Assembly District seat.

Bob Williams, 54, said he will be taking out his candidacy papers on Monday at the Tehama County Elections Office.

"This is a decision I thought long and hard on," Williams said. "The fact is, I care about this area and the people who live here. I was raised to give back to your community anyway you can, and when you see a need you step up and fill it. That is what I am doing now."

A fifth-generation rancher, Williams was raised in Corning, graduating from Corning High School in 1975.

He describes himself as a conservative Republican with strong ties to the agriculture community.

His primary opposition will likely be Republican Assemblyman Dan Logue, R-Lake Wildwood, who is the deputy whip for the Assembly Republicans.

Williams is no new-omer to public service. He served on the Corning Union High School District board of trustees, Tehama County Farm Bureau board of directors, USDA Farm Agency local committee, and is now in his second term as county supervisor, this year serving as board chairman.

He has also worked on a number of water-related boards and committees, including the Northern California Water Association, Tehama-Colusa Canal Authority board, and was president of the Thomes Creek Water District.

"I know and understand the issues of this district, and I feel I can be of great service to the people here," Williams said. "I'm in this for the long term, not looking at it as a stepping stone to higher office. I've lived here all my live and I'm not going anywhere, unlike some politicians in the field today."

Williams is referring to Logue, who has indicated he would move to the Chico area to run in the 3rd District. He also has been quoted as saying he is considering a run for Sen. Doug LaMalfa's seat if LaMalfa is elected to Congress.

Logue could not be reached for comment.

Assemblyman Jim Nielsen, R-Gerber, was going to run for the newly configured state Assembly District 3, but elected to run for LaMalfa's senate seat in a special election should LaMalfa succeed in his run for Congress.

Williams said that he would be a strong voice for fiscal accountability, balanced budgets, and tax and regulation relief for small business, resource industries and farmers.

"As a county supervisor I believe my two most important successes have been to help with fiscal policies in keeping this county solvent during this difficult budget times, and in getting county departments to work together in a beneficial manner that provides better service to our residents," he stated.

The Tehama County Republican Central Committee endorsed Williams on Friday.

"He has deep roots in our community and knows the needs of this area," Central Committee Chairman Ken Say, said in a statement. "He is a strong advocate for sound common sense fiscal policies and also has the ability to work with others to help advocate for rural values and beliefs we hold dear."

A graduate of California State University, Chico, Williams has been married to his wife Candy for 33-years, and the couple have two children, Robert and Jennifer, and six grandchildren.

Williams participated in the California Agricultural Leadership Program during 2001-02.