Tom Lackey
Tom Lackey | |
|---|---|
| File:Tom Lackey.jpg | |
| Member of the California State Assembly from the 36th district | |
| Assumed office December 1, 2014 | |
| Preceded by | Steve Fox |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 12, 1959 |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Republican |
| Children | Justin, Jani |
| Residence(s) | Palmdale, California |
| Alma mater | Utah State University |
| Occupation | Politician |
Tom Lackey is an American politician currently serving in the California State Assembly. He is a Republican representing the 36th district, encompassing parts of Antelope Valley and Santa Clarita Valley. Prior to being elected to the state assembly, he was a Palmdale city councilmember.
Prior to State Assembly
Tom Lackey grew up in the small town of Boron, California. He became an Eagle Scout during high school in addition to being active in student government. He later received a degree in Special Education from Utah State University.
Lackey later joined the California Highway Patrol and served for 28 years. During this time he served on the Palmdale Elementary School Board, and was later elected to two terms on the Palmdale City Council.[1]
While serving on the Palmdale City Council, Lackey was made a city appointee to the California Contract Cities Association, the Antelope Valley Crime Task Force, Antelope Valley Transit Authority Board, and the Antelope Valley Human Relations Task Force.
Election to State Assembly
In 2014 Lackey announced he planned to run for 36th California State Assembly District against the incumbent Steve Fox who was considered one of the most vulnerable democrats in the legislature.[2] The race was one of the costliest of the 2014 elections with both campaigns and independent expenditures spending a combined $2.2 million.[3] Lackey went on to defeat Fox with 60% of the vote to Fox's 40%. He was sworn into office on December 5, 2014.
2014 California State Assembly
| Primary election | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
| Republican | Tom Lackey | 15,095 | 41.1 | |
| Democratic | Steve Fox (incumbent) | 12,055 | 32.8 | |
| Republican | JD Kennedy | 4,460 | 12.2 | |
| Republican | Suzette M. Martinez | 3,390 | 9.2 | |
| Democratic | Kermit F. Franklin | 1,706 | 4.6 | |
| Total votes | 36,706 | 100.0 | ||
| General election | ||||
| Republican | Tom Lackey | 42,107 | 60.2 | |
| Democratic | Steve Fox (incumbent) | 27,866 | 39.8 | |
| Total votes | 69,973 | 100.0 | ||
| Republican gain from Democratic | ||||
2016 California State Assembly
| Primary election | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
| Republican | Tom Lackey (incumbent) | 35,019 | 48.2 | |
| Democratic | Steve Fox | 21,541 | 29.6 | |
| Democratic | Darren W. Parker | 11,236 | 15.5 | |
| Democratic | Ollie M. McCaulley | 4,891 | 6.7 | |
| Total votes | 72,687 | 100.0 | ||
| General election | ||||
| Republican | Tom Lackey (incumbent) | 77,801 | 53.1 | |
| Democratic | Steve Fox | 68,755 | 46.9 | |
| Total votes | 146,556 | 100.0 | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
Career in State Assembly
Lackey began his term by declining a pay increase that was approved for Legislators' salaries. He was one of six Assemblymembers to decline the raise.[4] He is currently a member of the following Assembly committees: Budget, Health, Public Safety, and the Joint Legislative Committee on Emergency Management. Additionally, he is the Vice Chair of the Administrative Review committee.
Lackey authored a roadside "drug breathalyzer" bill, Assembly Bill 1356[5] that was rejected by state legislators "But that bill failed this spring, in large part because THC levels are not good indicators of intoxication..."[6] Lackey also co-authored the bi-partisan and historic Medical Marijuana Safety and Regulation Act (AB 266) in 2015. Part of a package of laws intended to create a statewide framework for regulating medical marijuana. Part of the law is aimed at addressing the proliferation of drugged driving in California and is funding a study at UC San Diego to create tools to recognize marijuana-impairment in drivers.[7][8]
The private lobbying group named "California Police Chiefs Association" named Lackey their 2015 Legislator of the Year for his promotion of on drug-impaired driving bills.[9] He also received the 2015 Legislator of Year from the secular "Easter Seals" organization[10] for his leadership in successfully advocating for increased funding for special needs Californians.[11]
References
- ^ https://ad36.assemblygop.com/biography
- ^ "UPDATE: Palmdale City Councilman, incumbent to vie for Assembly seat".
- ^ "See the 20 most expensive political campaigns in California".
- ^ Fleming, Matt (26 February 2016). "Some legislators proudly refuse pay increases".
- ^ "Lackey's roadside "drug breathalyzer" bill rejected". The Antelope Valley Times. May 5, 2015.
- ^ O'Neil, Stephanie (host) (1 September 2016). "How can you tell if a driver is stoned?". From Gold to Green. 89.3 KPCC.
- ^ "New Medical Marijuana Laws to Tackle Drugged Driving (DUID)". ad36.asmrc.org. Retrieved 2015-11-03.
- ^ Tribune, San Diego Union. "State asks UCSD to find ways to detect stoned drivers".
- ^ "Police Chiefs Honor Assemblymember Tom Lackey With Legislator of the Year Award".
- ^ http://www.easterseals.com/who-we-are/faqs/
- ^ "Easter Seals Names State Senator Mitchell and Assembly Member Lackey as 2016 Legislative Award Honorees".
