New horizons
New horizons
By Lauren Helper
MÁS staff
After years of making politics her No. 1 priority, Nicole Parra is putting herself — and her personal life — first.
On Feb. 1, the Democratic assemblywoman announced she won’t run for re-election and is dropping her bid for the 16th District state Senate seat.
Parra was first elected to the Assembly in 2002 and re-elected in 2004 — both times against Bakersfield businessman Dean Gardner. Parra beat retired California Highway Patrol Officer Danny Gilmore of Hanford in 2006.
The 30th District is largely rural and heavily Hispanic. It includes much of western Kern County as well as southeast Bakersfield plus Arvin and Lamont. Parra was planning to run for the state Senate seat being vacated by state Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter, in 2010.
Parra said being around her nephews has changed her perspective, and that she wants to focus on getting married and having children.
She recently spoke with MÁS about her decision and her plans for the future.
Q: You turned 38 Feb. 3. How was your birthday?
A: “It was a great time spent with family. I took my nephews to ‘Playhouse Disney Live!’ and still caught some of the Super Bowl.”
Q: Why did you make the decision to end your public service career? Was it a long time coming or a spur-of-the-moment decision? What are your future plans?
A: “I’d been thinking about it a lot over the past six months or so. Over the holidays it became very clear. Career-wise, I’ve always planned very far ahead. The birth of my nephews really changed my perspective. And I was tired of moving all the time. I’ll be giving up my place in the Valley and moving full time to Sac.
I would like to take a position behind the scenes in government relations or consulting for a political firm.”
Q: What will happen to your current staff and to the funds raised for your senate campaign?
A: “Because my assembly term was almost up, many of my staff members had already planned on this being their last year. They’re going to law school or seeking out other career opportunities. But I am working with them to make sure they’re taken care of. We had about $175,000 for the senate campaign. I’m still deciding what to do with it.”
Q: What would you say are the three highlights of your time in office?
A: “Serving as chairwoman of the Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee, strengthening and expanding Megan’s Law, and working with the Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley.”
Q: You’ve said you want to get married and have children. Are you engaged?
A: “No (laughing). And if in five years I’m still not married, that’s fine. What’s important is that I’ve moved my private life up on the priority list, and I have a home and stability. As for children, I’ve always wanted to adopt, whether I have my own children and adopt or just adopt ...”
Q: What are your hopes for the district?
A: “To see more moderation in politics, and see the Republican, Democratic, and Independent parties work together to improve the quality of life locally. I’d also like to see more educational opportunities for students to graduate from high school and go on to have successful careers. And for the state budget to protect vital programs for seniors and veterans.”
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