Bakersfield City Council Ward 4 · Nov 3, 2026
Bob Smith
Candidate for City Council Ward 4 (incumbent)
Bob Smith, the incumbent, is running for Bakersfield City Council Ward 4 in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Ryan Crowl.
Vote-by-mail ballots begin mailing · Mon, Oct 5, 2026
TodayWard 4 councilmember since 2012 and a local real estate developer.
- Occupation (from candidate statement)
- Councilman Engineer Businessman
Where Bob Smith stands: positions on the record
Sewer rates2 sourced positions
Moved adoption of the five-year sewer rate plan raising the annual rate to $475 in 2026-27, rising to $875 (passed 5-2, May 2026).
Council vote23ABC News (KERO) · May 27, 2026
Voted no on a motion to adopt the sewer rate plan and develop one-time aid for very low- and fixed-income households (failed 2-5, May 2026).
Council vote23ABC News (KERO) · May 27, 2026
Homelessness1 sourced position
Voted yes on a $2.5 million allocation to The Open Door Network for its new shelter on Dolores Street (passed 5-1, Feb. 2026).
Council voteThe Bakersfield Californian · Feb 25, 2026
City office buildings1 sourced position
Voted yes on a refundable deposit toward buying the former Bank of America building (passed 5-2, March 2026).
Council voteThe Bakersfield Californian · Mar 25, 2026
Energy2 sourced positions
Voted yes on a $9.2 million solar power and battery project at the city Water Resources building (failed 3-4, Aug. 2026).
Council voteThe Bakersfield Californian · Aug 5, 2026
Moved to have city staff research distributed energy resources (DER) opportunities (passed 4-2, March 2026).
Council voteThe Bakersfield Californian · Mar 25, 2026
Sanctuary city1 sourced position
As reported by KGET 17 News
Said the city should stay focused on Bakersfield and not get involved in national issues like sanctuary status.
“I think that we should stay focused on Bakersfield and not get involved in these national (conversations)”
Forum answerKGET 17 News · Sep 29, 2026
Public safety1 sourced position
As reported by 23ABC News
Says traffic safety for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers is his top priority.
“It's all about safety for me.”
Forum answer23ABC News (KERO) · Sep 14, 2026
Also running for City Council Ward 4
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