Paul Cook has represented the High Desert in elected office for 16 years. First came the Assembly from 2006 through 2012. Then he served in the House of Representatives from 2012 through 2020. And since 2020, Cook has represented the First District on the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.
In March, three hopefuls — a school board member, a former sheriff’s deputy and a pastor — seek to dethrone Cook.
The First District includes the Victor Valley communities of Adelanto, Apple Valley, Hesperia and Victorville, along with the High Desert north of Barstow.
Candidates are listed in the order in which they will appear on the March 5 ballot, as determined by the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters. We asked all candidates the same questions. Below are their responses.
Paul Cook
Occupation: San Bernardino County supervisor
Website: JoinPaulCook.com
Campaign finances: As of Jan. 20, the Paul Cook for Supervisor 2024 committee had received $300 since Jan. 1, spent $13,191 in campaign expenditures and had $103,480 cash on hand.
If elected, what would you do to attract new businesses to the district?
“If re-elected, I will continue to fight to bring new businesses to the district. I am one of the earliest supporters of the Brightline high-speed rail project, and I plan to attract new businesses to the region that can complement the Victor Valley Brightline Station. I am also a strong advocate for the mining industry, which offers good paying jobs and local sources of critical raw materials, and will continue to work to entice more contractors and suppliers to relocate to our county.”
If elected, what would you do to create more affordable housing for residents in the district?
“One of my priorities in my first term has been affordable housing, especially for our seniors and veterans. One of my first victories as supervisor was securing $5.5 million to partner with a developer on a senior housing project in Hesperia. There’s plenty more work to be done, and it starts with making sure the county is a good place to build and develop. If we continue to build new homes in our district, we can keep the High Desert one of the last affordable places to live in California.”
If elected, what would you do to make residents of the First District feel safer?
“Given my background, I have always prioritized public safety. Our residents can’t build lives and families in our county without having a safe neighborhood to come home to. I’ve supported Community Concerns funding for our Sheriff’s Department that has funded anti-crime sweeps like Operation Consequences, and have voted for budgets that have added over 60 new sheriff’s deputies to the 1st District since I took office. I plan to continue to support law enforcement if re-elected.”
Marcus Hernandez
Occupation: Snowline Joint Unified school board member
Website: MarcusForSupervisor.com
Campaign finances: As of Jan. 20, the Marcus Hernandez for San Bernardo County, Dist. 1 Supervisor 2024 committee had received $6,661 since Jan. 1, spent $2,045 and had $4,638 cash on hand.
If elected, what would you do to attract new businesses to the district?
“The key to development is to have infrastructure supporting a labor force. This is an overarching need of affordable housing, community services, small business assistance, a friendly business strategy, and adequate roads.”
If elected, what would you do to create more affordable housing for residents in the district?
“I plan on establishing small, affordable, single family units, either in tracts on their own or within planned developments. Producing these types of homes will give young families, first time home buyers, fixed income, and disadvantaged individuals the opportunity to have ownership in their neighborhood.”
If elected, what would you do to make residents of the First District feel safer?
“As a 17-year volunteer with the Sheriff’s Department, I have seen the struggles of our communities and the challenges for our deputies. The one thing that hasn’t changed is our inability to keep up with the population-to-officer ratio. An understaffed force does not allow for proactive policing, which only provides reaction to crime. Further to that, the county should ensure opportunities for youth to find safe, supportive, and nurturing environments, like Boys & Girls Clubs or YMCAs.”
Clifton Harris
Occupation: Private investigator
Website: HarrisForSupervisor.com
Campaign finances: As of Jan. 20, the Harris for SB County Supervisor, District 1, 2024 committee had received $1,833 since Jan. 1, spent $1,833 and had no cash left on hand.
If elected, what would you do to attract new businesses to the district?
“With the construction of the Brightline West High-Speed All Electric Rail Project coming to the area, I think there may be an eye on the district by business as I write. I would look at the companies looking to come to the area as a result of Brightline West and seek to balance the business needs with the community demands.”
If elected, what would you do to create more affordable housing for residents in the district?
“Take advantage of homeless funds offered by state and federal funds. Depending on the investors’ demands or asks from the county taxpayers I will negotiate the best possible deals for our affordable housing needs. Builders must be reasonable.”
If elected, what would you do to make residents of the First District feel safer?
“Because of my law enforcement background, I plan to hold townhall meetings on security with the Sheriff’s Department or without if they are not available. I want to know about scams taking place targeting seniors, human trafficking, child abusers, and schools that need support and more attention.”
Rafael A. Porras
Occupation: Pastor
Website: N/A
Campaign finances: As of Feb. 12, Porras’ office had not filed any reports with the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters indicating that his campaign committee had received any donations.
If elected, what would you do to attract new businesses to the district?
“If elected, I would leverage my extensive international network to attract multinational corporations, while utilizing my government connections to facilitate the approval process for new businesses and investors. This strategic approach aims to foster a conducive environment for business growth, thereby enhancing the region’s appeal to potential investors and bolstering economic development.”
If elected, what would you do to create more affordable housing for residents in the district?
“If elected, I would prioritize implementing policies that promote affordable housing, such as increasing funding for affordable housing programs. In addition to the aforementioned measures, I would also explore innovative solutions like prefabricated housing to expedite construction and reduce costs. By investing in and promoting the use of prefabricated housing technologies, we can help address the affordability crisis in our district.”
If elected, what would you do to make residents of the First District feel safer?
“If elected, I’ll focus on improving public safety by collaborating with law enforcement, advocating for community policing, enhancing communication with residents, and addressing root causes like investing in outreach programs, mental health resources, and substance abuse treatment. This will foster trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the community.”
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