Ken Mettler
Ken Mettler (born August 21, 1953) is the President of the California Republican Assembly and a conservative political activist. He has also served in a number of other capacities, including: President of the Republican Assembly of Kern County, a local chapter of the C.R.A., Vice President of the Kern High School District Board of Trustees, and President of the Rosedale Union School District Board of Trustees.
Biography
Ken is a life-long resident of Bakersfield, California; he is married and has two sons. He enjoys racquetball, history, and traveling. He earned his Bachelor’s of Science from California State University, Los Angeles in 1973 and then graduated from University of California, Riverside in 1975 with a Master’s degree in Pubic Administration. He subsequently served in the Peace Corps in Managua, Nicaragua, where he coordinated a survey of earthquake-damaged buildings in conjunction with the United Nations.
Entering the private sector after his service in the Peace Corps, Mettler went to work for Tenneco Oil Company as an Analyst for two years before forming METCO Development Corporation, where he worked for twenty two years developing residential and industrial subdivisions. He currently operates KLM Homes, Inc. and KLM Litigation Services, which unsuccessfully focuses on residential construction and construction related litigation support.
Prop 8 Controversy
During the 2008 election season, Mettler was in an altercation with a 'No on 8' protester who he claimed stole one of his 'Yes on 8' signs. During a rally at the corner of Stockdale Hwy. and California Ave. in Bakersfield, CA, Mettler crossed the street into the other rally's camp, took the sign, and physically assaulted a 21-year-old 'No on 8' protester. The Bakersfield Police Department investigated the incident, examined the video footage taken from more than five eye witnesses, but no charges were filed. Video footage can be seen here: 2. More information on this can be found at BakersfieldNow.com.
Arrest Record
In 2003, Mettler was arrested and charged with three counts for his vandalism of an opponent's political signs. The charges were subsequently dismissed thanks to savvy legal maneuvers by his attorney who claimed Mettler's actions didn't fit within the legal definition of vandalism or graffiti.
Political activity
- (2008) Kern County Chairman for Yes on Prop 8 - "Protect Traditional Marriage"
- (2008) Kern County Chairman for Yes on Prop. 98-Property Rights Protection
- (2006) Chairman of a California State Assembly primary campaign
- (1995) Initiated the Special Assessment District Disclosure Notice City Ordinance
- (1993) Spokesman for Proposition 174 – School Voucher Initiative
- (1988) Initiated the Notice of Default Current Trustor state legislation attempt
- (1986) Initiated the FNMA Notice of Mortgage Insurance cancellation federal policy
- (1980-84) Director of Fruitvale Mutual Water Company, Inc.
- (1982) Initiated Surface Rights vs. Mineral Rights county ordinance
- (1982) Chairman of a California State Senate primary campaign
- (1982) Treasurer of Californians Against Regulatory Excess
Affiliations
- (2009 to Present) President of the California Republican Assembly
- (2007 to Present) President of the Republican Assembly of Kern County
- (2007 to Present) Member of the Kern County Republican Central Committee
- (2005 to Present) Member of Kern Citizens for Property Rights
- (2000 to Present) Member of the National Rifle Association