Editor’s note: This updated story corrects an editing error in the story that was published in print in this week’s newspaper. The correct election district has been added to the story.
John Bliss, a lifelong Mercedian and teacher at Buhach Colony High School, is returning to the local political scene and a race for the District 6 seat on the Merced City Council.
Bliss met with constituents inside of Five Ten Bistro in Downtown Merced on March 5 to announce his campaign. During the meet and greet, Bliss noted that while the election for City Council candidates is not until November, he was excited to see the size of the turnout and thanked those in attendance.
“It’s my goal to see Merced become an even greater city than it already is,” he told the crowd.
The District 6 seat is currently held by Councilman Fue Xiong, who will be finishing up a first term in office in November. The Times has asked Xiong if he would be seeking reelection, but so far the paper has not received a response.
This will be a second attempt at the District 6 seat for Bliss. He ran against Delray Shelton in 2018 for an open seat, but lost an extended nail-biter that ended up being a difference of only six votes, or 2,008 to 2,002. Delray went on to serve one term and then lose to Xiong in 2022, by 157 votes, or 1,764 to 1,607.
While speaking to the group of supporters at his kickoff event, Bliss described himself as a husband, father, teacher, and coach that was born and raised in Merced.
He said Merced needs safe streets, support for the Merced Police Department and the Fire Department, and a thriving downtown Merced with events that cater to all demographics and engage local college students. He supports connecting city and county services to assist in drug services needed by homeless individuals, and bridging the needs and interests of the Merced community with those of current and prospective business ventures.
The campaign kickoff event was sponsored by “Citizens for the Betterment of Merced County.”
Bliss teaches AP Government and Economics, and he is also a former coach. He has more than 37 years in local education.