BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Bakersfield Mayor Harvey Hall has some competition while gearing up for the 2008 mayoral race, including from one candidate who is better known locally for tattoos and hard rock and roll than politics.

Marc Deleon is one of four candidates running for mayor this June. He owns Mad Dog Tattoo on 20th and M Streets, and has made his mark in the Bakersfield music scene, including the bands American Standard, Hossbruten, B.O.B., Gelgod and the Mantors.

“I’ve been talking about it for 10 to 12 years,” said Deleon. “I’m a local business owner and I love being downtown. I’m about smaller businesses and local businesses and keeping our money local.”

Product Manager of Bakotopia Matt Munoz, who performs in local band Mento Buru, said, “Deleon has been involved in the Bakersfield music scene since as long as I remember. He’s always been a big presence before I even knew he was a tattoo artist. He helped out the Tsunami Relief benefit at Golden State Mall. His father is very active in the Vietnam Veteran’s legion.”

Asked if he thought Deleon would pull votes from Harvey Hall, Munoz said, “You never know … If you do want to make change you can get off your seat and get proactive and participate in local elections.”

Deleon said running for mayor is a way to get his voice out and wants others especially the younger generation to do the same. “I love my town of Bakersfield,” he said.