CANDIDATE REVEALS ALCOHOL PROBLEM WHITE VOWS TO CONTINUE SUPERVISOR QUEST.

Byline: Jim Skeen Staff Writer

BAKERSFIELD - Linda White, candidate for the 2nd Supervisorial District post, disclosed problems with alcohol abuse, including three drunk driving convictions, but said Wednesday that she will continue with her campaign.

White, who is vying with Don Maben to replace Steve Perez as supervisor, disclosed convictions for driving under the influence, twice in 1987 and once in 1990. White also disclosed a June 2000 domestic violence incident at her home in which her husband, Jon Paul White, was arrested.

``This is not an easy thing,'' White said of the disclosures. ``I'm going to forge ahead and my life will get better.''

The January 1987 drunk driving conviction resulted in a court order to get treatment. The second offense, six months later, resulted in a sentence of five weekends at the county jail in Lerdo.

The third conviction, in 1990, resulted in a sentence of 120 days in jail, which was served out over a series of weekends.

In the June 2000 incident, Bakersfield police responded to the Whites' home after the couple's daughter reported they were fighting. The couple had been drinking.

Jon Paul White was arrested by Bakersfield police, but the charges were later dismissed. Jon Paul White was ordered to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and anger management classes.

White said she entered AA after the June 2000 incident.

``Because of my long history of public service, I want the voters of the 2nd District to know these issues from my past,'' White said. ``I want them to know they have nothing to do with my ability to serve and represent their interests. That will never change. I am still the same person and public servant as before - only stronger and wiser.''

White, 40, is a wind-energy spokeswoman and served as a staffer handling constituent issues for 13 years to then-state Sen. Don Rogers and for two more years during Phil Wyman's brief tenure as a state senator.

Maben said the convictions and the fact White did not disclose the information prior to the March primary show character flaws.

``It surprises me how any candidate can think they can hide something like that from the public,'' Maben said. ``For any candidate, it's their duty to make disclosures of any arrests. Voters weren't informed of all the facts.''

As a former sheriff's lieutenant, Maben said he has seen first-hand the damage substance and alcohol abuse can cause. White's arrest record indicates ``she has a definite problem,'' Maben said.

White and Maben were the top vote-getters in a crowded field in the March primary, but neither had a majority of the votes, forcing a runoff in the November election. Both are vying to replace Perez who decided to run for sheriff rather than for re-election as supervisor.