Heavy metal and tattoos aren't what you'd normally associate with a candidate for mayor, but those two things have defined the life of hopeful Marc DeLeon.
He owns Mad Dog Tattoo and is making his second run at replacing Harvey Hall as Bakersfield's mayor.
DeLeon has ties to bands like Korn and Slayer, his career as a musician allowing him to rub elbows with some of the greats.
But it's that past that has some questioning whether DeLeon should be the face of Bakersfield's future, one viewer even contacting 23 ABC to voice those concerns.
DeLeon played with a band called The Mentors, who describe themselves as a "shock rock band", their lyrics often suggestive and sexually explicit.
But DeLeon says that being paid to play with the band is not the same as being a member.
"Pushing the envelope is pushing the envelope, and I did play with a band that majorly pushed the envelope, but I also am a hired musician," DeLeon said.
"If people want to formulate an opinion about a job I had, that's on them."
DeLeon says he's proud of his past, and he's intent on not letting it affect his campaign. He also thinks that getting to know people in all walks of life will help him in the race.
