Tom Bates Politician

Thomas H. Bates (born February 9, 1938) is an American politician and is currently serving as the Mayor of Berkeley, California. He previously served 20 years as a member of the California State Assembly before being termed out in 1996. Bates is married to Loni Hancock, a former mayor of Berkeley and State Assembly member who currently serves in the California State Senate. Bates is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley and was a member of the Golden Bears' 1959 Rose Bowl team. Bates was a Captain in the United States Army Reserves after graduating from college and served in Germany. He worked in real estate prior to his service in the state legislature. Bates also served as a member of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors.