Carson City Councilmember, District 2, Jim Dear

As part of The Carson Compass’ Your Vote, Your Voice election coverage, the newspaper is introducing candidates seeking to represent Carson residents in the November 3 general election.

Jim Dear is seeking reelection to the Carson City Council representing District 2. Dear currently holds the District 2 seat and is campaigning on public safety, economic development, job creation and what he describes as greater transparency, accountability and integrity in city government.

Dear said his decision to seek another term stems from his connection to Carson and his desire to improve residents’ quality of life.

“My love for the people of Carson combined with desire to improve the quality of life for all of our residents,” Dear said in his response to The Carson Compass candidate questionnaire.

Public Safety, Jobs and Government Accountability

Dear identified three primary issues facing Carson: public safety, economic development and job creation, and improving transparency, accountability and integrity in local government.

If reelected, Dear, said his first major priority would be improving the quality of life for Carson residents.

He also identified economic development, public safety and crime prevention, along with other community priorities, as areas he believes require continued attention.

Experience in Public Service

Dear pointed to his background as a community and civil rights activist, educator and legislative aide as preparation for continued service on the City Council.

He also cited his years of professional and volunteer leadership in and around Carson.

Dear said his experience as a public-school history teacher gave him firsthand perspective on young people and their needs, while his work as a legislative aide helped him understand how government can be used to address community concerns.

He also said growing up in the Carson area has given him a long-term view of the city’s development.

“My extensive experience as a public official gives me vision to help make Carson a ‘Model Community’ for the United States of America,” Dear said.

Dear was elected to represent District 2 in 2022, receiving 3,028 votes, according to the city’s certification of that election.

Transparency and Constituent Engagement

Dear said residents should play an active role in the decisions made by their elected representatives.

Asked how he would ensure residents feel heard, he emphasized transparency, accountability, outreach and responsiveness.

He also said he does not believe elected officials should make final decisions on issues before hearing from constituents.

“By not making up my mind about an issue until I hear from my constituents,” Dear said.

He described his approach as maintaining regular communication with residents and remaining accessible to community concerns.

Experience as a Distinguishing Factor

Asked what distinguishes him from his opponent, Dear, pointed to his years of government and community experience.

“My many years of professional government, and volunteer community work, [and] how that experience helped form my vision for the future of Carson,” he said.

Dear said his work in education, government and community advocacy has shaped his approach to public service and his vision for Carson.

Endorsements

Dear reported endorsements from elected officials, organized labor, business and community organizations.

His submission lists Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal and former Carson Mayor Pro Tem Elito Santarina among his individual supporters.

Organizational endorsements listed by Dear include AFSCME Local 809, SEIU Local 721, the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, the Los Angeles and Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council, ILWU Local 13, USW Local 678, Carson Alliance for Truth, BizFed, the South Bay Association of Realtors and the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs.

Beyond the Ballot

Away from city government, Dear listed Las Palmas Restaurant as his favorite local restaurant. His favorite community events are Veterans Day and Memorial Day, and he prefers herbal tea. Dear said one local destination everyone should visit is the Carson Event Center.

When asked what he is currently watching or reading, Dear, said he follows national news channels.

Asked for one word his family or friends would use to describe him, Dear chose “honest.”

And when asked what voters might not learn about him from traditional campaign materials, Dear, offered a simple answer: his favorite food.

His Message to Voters

If reelected, Dear, said he wants residents to say that he “continues to serve the people at all times.”

In his final message, Dear, described himself as a public servant and emphasized transparency, accountability and responsiveness.

“I’m a true Public Servant and the voice of reason on the council,” Dear said. “I’m the only candidate that actually enhanced transparency in government. I will continue to be hard working, honest and accountable. I will continue to keep my word and improve the quality of life of all the people.”

Meet the Candidate: Jim Dear Seeks Reelection to Carson City Council District 2