◼ re: Tim Stoen
2.18.2010
2.16.2010
Mck.Press - Hagen: ‘The bloom is off the rose’ for incumbent
◼ The McKinleyville Press ◼ The Arcata Eye ◼ The Independent
Paul Hagen has worked for several different district attorneys – including Incumbent DA Paul Gallegos – as an environmental prosecutor, and he says pervasive dissatisfaction with Gallegos’ management has led to his bid to replace him.
“The current District Attorney’s Office needs far better leadership for its staff and far better representation of the interests of the people of the county,” Hagen said.
Adding that “the bloom is off the rose” for Gallegos, Hagen highlighted staffing issues.
“There’s been an enormous drain of talent out of the office since the incumbent took over,” he said. “People have been fired, people have been driven out, people have left. You can say whatever you want to about (former DA) Terry Farmer and his policies, but over a 20-year period, he put together a very good team of prosecutors.”
Now, Hagen added, the office has “a lot of first-year hires, a lot of people without a lot of experience and people with very questionable backgrounds.”
There are also some qualified recent hires, he said, but Gallegos “doesn’t train them well, he doesn’t track their cases well and he doesn’t ensure that they coordinate with the various police agencies well.”
A high amount of plea bargains, over-charging of cases, lowball settlements and “a fair amount of chaos in the court system where deputy DAs really don’t know what they’re handling” has led to a “situation where, quite frankly, justice is not being well-served,” Hagen continued.
Hagen has experience in environmental law. He worked as an environmental analyst for Pillsbury Madison and Sutro, one of the nation’s largest law firms, from 1989 to 1995. He then worked for the Mendocino County DA’s Office as an environmental prosecutor for more than four years.
In 1998, he was hired to do environmental prosecution for Humboldt, Lake and Del Norte counties on a part-time basis by the California District Attorneys Association.
It became a full-time job in 1999, when he moved to Arcata, where he still lives and serves as a member of the Arcata Planning Commission.
He switched to private practice in the summer of 2006 with the Eureka-based Bragg, Perlman, Russ, Stunich and Eads firm, whose clients include the City of Trinidad, the Shelter Cove Resort Improvement District and the California Teachers Association.
Hagen’s mention of plea bargains prompted a question on what an appropriate amount is. He said charging is an important aspect of the situation and “whatever is charged needs to bear some relationship to what is settled,” something he believes is often lacking now.
One police chief told him that a man charged with rape had gotten a plea deal for trespassing. “He found that obscene – that was the word he used,” said Hagen.
“So what’s going on is that the young attorneys aren’t being trained well, they’re not being given good marching orders and there are no clear policies for them to follow,” he continued.
Hagen believes “the first order” of the DA is to be an administrator and to work with county government, police agencies and the public.
“And when it comes to the public, you can’t over-promise and under-deliver,” he said. “You have to make yourself available and if you say you’re going to do something you have to do it or make yourself available to explain why you haven’t – and that’s not being done.
Taking on prosecution is something a DA does to “help pull the load” but Hagen believes high-profile trials shouldn’t be done by a DA unless absolutely necessary.
“The question is, is the elected DA going into the courtroom for purely administrative purposes, to help out the staff, or is he doing it for purely political purposes, to try to get press or curry favor with the public?” he asked.
When one is DA, “your forte absolutely should not be being a trial lawyer,” Hagen continued. Asked if he thinks Gallegos has taken on cases for political reasons, he answered, “Without question.”
He named the filing of the Pacific Lumber lawsuit, the prosecution of former Fortuna Councilmember Debi August, the over-prosecution of former Blue Lake Police Chief Dave Gundersen and the case against two Eureka police officials in the Cheri Moore shooting as examples.
Hagen said that it’s not known how strong the evidence was in the Eureka Police case because it was “bungled” and dismissed.
“Humboldt County once again made national news for having a bizarre prosecution come out of the DA’s Office,” he continued.
On prosecution priorities, Hagen said people are most concerned about violent crimes and property crimes.
There is less consensus about some types of crimes, and in Humboldt, there’s a cultural acceptance of marijuana but also an emerging call for enforcement against it.
Asked what his approach to that would be, Hagen acknowledged that Gallegos “brought the DA’s Office more in line, I believe, with the mentality and beliefs of the community” but “there’s clearly a degree of permissiveness there.”
It’s led to an excessive amount of grows in residential neighborhoods, home invasion robberies and shootings, said Hagen, adding that Proposition 215’s permissiveness has contributed to those impacts.
He referred to the City of Arcata’s enforcement approach, which relies on land use and zoning authority, as a sound one.
But the degree to which those zoning codes can be enforced has yet to be tested, and Hagen believes the ultimate solution is to legalize marijuana and regulate it.
Meth is a “very vicious drug” that can lead to serious crime, and Hagen thinks people agree that tackling the “very large meth problem here” is an enforcement priority.
Environmental prosecution is Hagen’s specialty, and he says “there been very little of it that I can see” since his own exit from the DA’s Office.
There was some media attention and a lot of speculation about the reason why he left. Asked about it, he said he was fired by the California District Attorneys Association and signed a settlement agreement which stipulated that he not talk about it.
But he added, “There can be consequences to speaking truth to power.”
Asked for more detail, he replied, “If you’re doing your job right, you need to tell the boss what the boss needs to hear whether the boss wants to hear it or not … If your boss doesn’t want to hear bad news or doesn’t want to hear advice, people who haven’t got the guts and the strength to do it won’t do it and they will keep their jobs, and those who do their jobs correctly despite the consequences will often suffer the consequences.
“And that’s what speaking truth to power is all about,” he continued. “And that’s what I did, and that’s what happened.”
By Daniel Mintz - Press Staff Writer
Paul Hagen has worked for several different district attorneys – including Incumbent DA Paul Gallegos – as an environmental prosecutor, and he says pervasive dissatisfaction with Gallegos’ management has led to his bid to replace him.
“The current District Attorney’s Office needs far better leadership for its staff and far better representation of the interests of the people of the county,” Hagen said.
Adding that “the bloom is off the rose” for Gallegos, Hagen highlighted staffing issues.
“There’s been an enormous drain of talent out of the office since the incumbent took over,” he said. “People have been fired, people have been driven out, people have left. You can say whatever you want to about (former DA) Terry Farmer and his policies, but over a 20-year period, he put together a very good team of prosecutors.”
Now, Hagen added, the office has “a lot of first-year hires, a lot of people without a lot of experience and people with very questionable backgrounds.”
There are also some qualified recent hires, he said, but Gallegos “doesn’t train them well, he doesn’t track their cases well and he doesn’t ensure that they coordinate with the various police agencies well.”
A high amount of plea bargains, over-charging of cases, lowball settlements and “a fair amount of chaos in the court system where deputy DAs really don’t know what they’re handling” has led to a “situation where, quite frankly, justice is not being well-served,” Hagen continued.
Hagen has experience in environmental law. He worked as an environmental analyst for Pillsbury Madison and Sutro, one of the nation’s largest law firms, from 1989 to 1995. He then worked for the Mendocino County DA’s Office as an environmental prosecutor for more than four years.
In 1998, he was hired to do environmental prosecution for Humboldt, Lake and Del Norte counties on a part-time basis by the California District Attorneys Association.
It became a full-time job in 1999, when he moved to Arcata, where he still lives and serves as a member of the Arcata Planning Commission.
He switched to private practice in the summer of 2006 with the Eureka-based Bragg, Perlman, Russ, Stunich and Eads firm, whose clients include the City of Trinidad, the Shelter Cove Resort Improvement District and the California Teachers Association.
Hagen’s mention of plea bargains prompted a question on what an appropriate amount is. He said charging is an important aspect of the situation and “whatever is charged needs to bear some relationship to what is settled,” something he believes is often lacking now.
One police chief told him that a man charged with rape had gotten a plea deal for trespassing. “He found that obscene – that was the word he used,” said Hagen.
“So what’s going on is that the young attorneys aren’t being trained well, they’re not being given good marching orders and there are no clear policies for them to follow,” he continued.
Hagen believes “the first order” of the DA is to be an administrator and to work with county government, police agencies and the public.
“And when it comes to the public, you can’t over-promise and under-deliver,” he said. “You have to make yourself available and if you say you’re going to do something you have to do it or make yourself available to explain why you haven’t – and that’s not being done.
Taking on prosecution is something a DA does to “help pull the load” but Hagen believes high-profile trials shouldn’t be done by a DA unless absolutely necessary.
“The question is, is the elected DA going into the courtroom for purely administrative purposes, to help out the staff, or is he doing it for purely political purposes, to try to get press or curry favor with the public?” he asked.
When one is DA, “your forte absolutely should not be being a trial lawyer,” Hagen continued. Asked if he thinks Gallegos has taken on cases for political reasons, he answered, “Without question.”
He named the filing of the Pacific Lumber lawsuit, the prosecution of former Fortuna Councilmember Debi August, the over-prosecution of former Blue Lake Police Chief Dave Gundersen and the case against two Eureka police officials in the Cheri Moore shooting as examples.
Hagen said that it’s not known how strong the evidence was in the Eureka Police case because it was “bungled” and dismissed.
“Humboldt County once again made national news for having a bizarre prosecution come out of the DA’s Office,” he continued.
On prosecution priorities, Hagen said people are most concerned about violent crimes and property crimes.
There is less consensus about some types of crimes, and in Humboldt, there’s a cultural acceptance of marijuana but also an emerging call for enforcement against it.
Asked what his approach to that would be, Hagen acknowledged that Gallegos “brought the DA’s Office more in line, I believe, with the mentality and beliefs of the community” but “there’s clearly a degree of permissiveness there.”
It’s led to an excessive amount of grows in residential neighborhoods, home invasion robberies and shootings, said Hagen, adding that Proposition 215’s permissiveness has contributed to those impacts.
He referred to the City of Arcata’s enforcement approach, which relies on land use and zoning authority, as a sound one.
But the degree to which those zoning codes can be enforced has yet to be tested, and Hagen believes the ultimate solution is to legalize marijuana and regulate it.
Meth is a “very vicious drug” that can lead to serious crime, and Hagen thinks people agree that tackling the “very large meth problem here” is an enforcement priority.
Environmental prosecution is Hagen’s specialty, and he says “there been very little of it that I can see” since his own exit from the DA’s Office.
There was some media attention and a lot of speculation about the reason why he left. Asked about it, he said he was fired by the California District Attorneys Association and signed a settlement agreement which stipulated that he not talk about it.
But he added, “There can be consequences to speaking truth to power.”
Asked for more detail, he replied, “If you’re doing your job right, you need to tell the boss what the boss needs to hear whether the boss wants to hear it or not … If your boss doesn’t want to hear bad news or doesn’t want to hear advice, people who haven’t got the guts and the strength to do it won’t do it and they will keep their jobs, and those who do their jobs correctly despite the consequences will often suffer the consequences.
“And that’s what speaking truth to power is all about,” he continued. “And that’s what I did, and that’s what happened.”
By Daniel Mintz - Press Staff Writer
McK.Press - Bryson: Pink for crime survivors, blue for law enforcement
◼ The McKinleyville Press ◼ The Arcata Eye ◼ The Independent
Kathleen Bryson is quickly becoming known as a unique personality in the district attorney’s election.
At first brush, she’ll lean toward subjects more esoteric than politics, but she also has plenty to say about how the District Attorney’s Office is being run – and how she can run it better.
And, like all the announced and rumored challengers so far, she has insider’s experience, having worked under Incumbent District Attorney Paul Gallegos as a deputy DA from October 2005 to March 2007.
She is now in criminal defense private practice and continuing to take on DUI, possession and cultivation cases after doing similar work for the Law Offices of Manny Daskal, Bryson is aiming for management of the county’s prosecutors.
She says she’s doing it out of a sense of responsibility.
“It gets to the point where you have to run, when you see a lot of things being done improperly, things you know you can do better,” said Bryson.
She emphasized her mix of law and business experience – she worked in London as a legal advisor for Tesco Stores, a major global retailer, from 1998 to 2003 – and wants to apply that experience to the DA’s Office.
“We need to treat it like a business and properly manage, train and motivate people,” she said. Bryson liked that Gallegos “didn’t manage me too much” but said a slack approach doesn’t work as well with younger, less experienced attorneys.
Bryson has more advice for Gallegos: “When you hold a meeting, you don’t have it be just a bull session.”
She added that if Gallegos takes up her advice, it could offset her campaign but will help the office.
“So here we are, Paul: you need another legal secretary,” she said. “You have two for about 15 lawyers, they get sick a lot. And if they’re not sick, they wish they were – those girls are overworked. I said it while I was in there, I’m going to say it now.”
Continuing to address Gallegos directly, Bryson added, “I also told you when I was in there – turn off the lights after hours – unless you have stock in PG&E, turn them off.”
Bryson also commented on something that has been widely talked about since Gallegos overturned former DA Terry Farmer’s longtime authority in 2003 – the loss of many veteran deputy DAs.
She acknowledged that “there are deputy district attorneys who don’t want me to win” but added, “Once I win, they’re going to be gratified to see that I will remain professional, and they will keep their jobs.”
One of the longtime attorneys who lost their deputy DA work is Allison Jackson, a respected prosecutor of crimes against children and women who was fired after an unsuccessful attempt to recall Gallegos in 2004.
There’s been speculation about the reason for it – and Jackson’s emergence as a DA candidate – ever since.
“Paul fired her because Paul wanted to, I don’t know if he had any other criteria than that,” said Bryson. “Of course, I’m not necessarily in the know as to why Paul fired Allison right in the middle of a prelim (preliminary hearing), but I’m sure Paul will be able to tell you that if you interview him.”
Divulged or not, the circumstances of Jackson’s firing will be talked about more during the election.
When Bryson was asked about her own exit from the Office, she said Manny Daskal’s firm had a high caseload and paid better.
Asked about the issues that will matter most in the election, Bryson talked about the symbolism of her campaign colors – pink represents “survivors” of serious crimes, she said, relating it to the handling of the case against Jason Whitmill and Anthony Flores, the men who caused the death of nine-year-old Nicole Quigley while drag racing on State Route 299 and agreed to plea deals.
Bryson has been criticized by Quigley’s father, and she clarified that use of the color pink represents respect for “survivors not being treated the way they should be in a case like that – that case hit me pretty hard … my daughter is the exact same age, almost, as Nicole Quigley.”
Observing the court proceedings in the case, Bryson said she was surprised that Gallegos took on the case and then handed the prosecution off to Deputy DA Maggie Flemming.
“Why on earth would Paul take a case like that?” she asked, saying that the DA should only take felony cases if “he thinks he can do it better than the other lawyers in his office – no, you can’t, Paul.”
Another reason is “taking a case to get your name in the paper – well, you’ll never see me do that, ever,” she said.
Bryson also said that a DA becomes inaccessible when felony cases and jury trials are taken on.
The color blue in her campaign signs and buttons will be for law enforcement, she continued.
She believes police agencies have “about had it with Paul,” although she added that he’s paid some attention to the issue since she was first quoted on it by the Times-Standard newspaper.
Asked about use of plea bargains, which is sure to be a major election issue, Bryson said they’re a “mandatory” aspect of the judicial system. But on the misdemeanor level, “where we can easily afford to have a plea bargain or two,” Gallegos is taking cases to trial to train his inexperienced prosecutors.
“Which is great if it weren’t so unethical and an abuse of power – we are clogging the courtrooms with penny ante misdemeanor cases,” she said.
Bryson’s prosecution priorities will be violent crimes and sex crimes. Regarding drug offences, “If I could use one four-letter word, it wouldn’t be Paul, it would be meth,” she said. “Right now he’s doing his best but it’s just not good enough.”
Marijuana is a more difficult subject to assess as laws on it continue to change, but Bryson called for “no more lawyers, guns and money” promoted by a black market. She favors legalization/regulation and better communication between defense attorneys and prosecutors on medical needs.
If police search medical grows that are apparently overblown, they should leave behind an amount of cannabis that fits the concept of patient needs, Bryson added.
Unlike the other announced and rumored challengers, Bryson’s name is a new one to many people.
But she said that other than spending a few years in London, her family has been in Humboldt since 1993 and loves it here.
“It seems like I’m this person from out of nowhere, but I’m not,” she said.
By Daniel Mintz - Press Staff Writer
Kathleen Bryson is quickly becoming known as a unique personality in the district attorney’s election.
At first brush, she’ll lean toward subjects more esoteric than politics, but she also has plenty to say about how the District Attorney’s Office is being run – and how she can run it better.
And, like all the announced and rumored challengers so far, she has insider’s experience, having worked under Incumbent District Attorney Paul Gallegos as a deputy DA from October 2005 to March 2007.
She is now in criminal defense private practice and continuing to take on DUI, possession and cultivation cases after doing similar work for the Law Offices of Manny Daskal, Bryson is aiming for management of the county’s prosecutors.
She says she’s doing it out of a sense of responsibility.
“It gets to the point where you have to run, when you see a lot of things being done improperly, things you know you can do better,” said Bryson.
She emphasized her mix of law and business experience – she worked in London as a legal advisor for Tesco Stores, a major global retailer, from 1998 to 2003 – and wants to apply that experience to the DA’s Office.
“We need to treat it like a business and properly manage, train and motivate people,” she said. Bryson liked that Gallegos “didn’t manage me too much” but said a slack approach doesn’t work as well with younger, less experienced attorneys.
Bryson has more advice for Gallegos: “When you hold a meeting, you don’t have it be just a bull session.”
She added that if Gallegos takes up her advice, it could offset her campaign but will help the office.
“So here we are, Paul: you need another legal secretary,” she said. “You have two for about 15 lawyers, they get sick a lot. And if they’re not sick, they wish they were – those girls are overworked. I said it while I was in there, I’m going to say it now.”
Continuing to address Gallegos directly, Bryson added, “I also told you when I was in there – turn off the lights after hours – unless you have stock in PG&E, turn them off.”
Bryson also commented on something that has been widely talked about since Gallegos overturned former DA Terry Farmer’s longtime authority in 2003 – the loss of many veteran deputy DAs.
She acknowledged that “there are deputy district attorneys who don’t want me to win” but added, “Once I win, they’re going to be gratified to see that I will remain professional, and they will keep their jobs.”
One of the longtime attorneys who lost their deputy DA work is Allison Jackson, a respected prosecutor of crimes against children and women who was fired after an unsuccessful attempt to recall Gallegos in 2004.
There’s been speculation about the reason for it – and Jackson’s emergence as a DA candidate – ever since.
“Paul fired her because Paul wanted to, I don’t know if he had any other criteria than that,” said Bryson. “Of course, I’m not necessarily in the know as to why Paul fired Allison right in the middle of a prelim (preliminary hearing), but I’m sure Paul will be able to tell you that if you interview him.”
Divulged or not, the circumstances of Jackson’s firing will be talked about more during the election.
When Bryson was asked about her own exit from the Office, she said Manny Daskal’s firm had a high caseload and paid better.
Asked about the issues that will matter most in the election, Bryson talked about the symbolism of her campaign colors – pink represents “survivors” of serious crimes, she said, relating it to the handling of the case against Jason Whitmill and Anthony Flores, the men who caused the death of nine-year-old Nicole Quigley while drag racing on State Route 299 and agreed to plea deals.
Bryson has been criticized by Quigley’s father, and she clarified that use of the color pink represents respect for “survivors not being treated the way they should be in a case like that – that case hit me pretty hard … my daughter is the exact same age, almost, as Nicole Quigley.”
Observing the court proceedings in the case, Bryson said she was surprised that Gallegos took on the case and then handed the prosecution off to Deputy DA Maggie Flemming.
“Why on earth would Paul take a case like that?” she asked, saying that the DA should only take felony cases if “he thinks he can do it better than the other lawyers in his office – no, you can’t, Paul.”
Another reason is “taking a case to get your name in the paper – well, you’ll never see me do that, ever,” she said.
Bryson also said that a DA becomes inaccessible when felony cases and jury trials are taken on.
The color blue in her campaign signs and buttons will be for law enforcement, she continued.
She believes police agencies have “about had it with Paul,” although she added that he’s paid some attention to the issue since she was first quoted on it by the Times-Standard newspaper.
Asked about use of plea bargains, which is sure to be a major election issue, Bryson said they’re a “mandatory” aspect of the judicial system. But on the misdemeanor level, “where we can easily afford to have a plea bargain or two,” Gallegos is taking cases to trial to train his inexperienced prosecutors.
“Which is great if it weren’t so unethical and an abuse of power – we are clogging the courtrooms with penny ante misdemeanor cases,” she said.
Bryson’s prosecution priorities will be violent crimes and sex crimes. Regarding drug offences, “If I could use one four-letter word, it wouldn’t be Paul, it would be meth,” she said. “Right now he’s doing his best but it’s just not good enough.”
Marijuana is a more difficult subject to assess as laws on it continue to change, but Bryson called for “no more lawyers, guns and money” promoted by a black market. She favors legalization/regulation and better communication between defense attorneys and prosecutors on medical needs.
If police search medical grows that are apparently overblown, they should leave behind an amount of cannabis that fits the concept of patient needs, Bryson added.
Unlike the other announced and rumored challengers, Bryson’s name is a new one to many people.
But she said that other than spending a few years in London, her family has been in Humboldt since 1993 and loves it here.
“It seems like I’m this person from out of nowhere, but I’m not,” she said.
By Daniel Mintz - Press Staff Writer
2.13.2010
TS - White hot propaganda wars pollute the media
Larry Hourany Ph.D is back, sans the Ph.D this time - and he is upset that the business community isn't supporting his job-killing buddy Pat Higgins. Therefore they become evil developers, and their money is tainted.
He says he read James Faulk's "informative article" and says he will be working "with the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee to see if there is a solution to local campaign finance reform."
NO MENTION of the ten grand Bonnie Neely got from an out of area developer, a really big one at that. A great big glaring omission there. No mention of huge donations from Bill Pierson, who depends on her to block his competition. Presumably, Hourany supports THAT.
No recognition of the fact that local businesspeople have a right to support the candidates they believe will best represent the interests of the business community - i.e., NOT the job-killers. It looks like they have decided to stand up and fight back. He sees this as 'white hot propaganda' - owwww, it burnnnnnssss!
Pat Higgins didn't make his bed, he climbed in with the "progressives" and now he has to accept the consequences.
It's sad for him that his "progressive" buddies, who were oh so supportive in their efforts to get him on the Harbor Commission, have now abandoned him. He may feel he has earned the right to move up the chain, Harbor Commissioner was supposed to be a nice boost to his resume, after all. What he didn't realize is, they are not his friends, and were only using him to secure a place on the Harbor Commission, a trustworthy "progressive" vote against all business development in Humboldt County. He's out of line expecting them to give up that seat to let him move up. They have another chosen one to place in the Supervisor seat.
◼ White hot propaganda wars pollute the media
White hot propaganda wars pollute the media
Larry Hourany/For the Times-Standard
Posted: 02/13/2010 01:27:13 AM PST
I read with distress James Faulk's informative article about the increasing amount of money in Humboldt County politics. Candidate for 4th District Supervisor Virginia Bass has more than $50,000 and it is only February. I live in the 5th District and I think Pat Higgins is the people's best candidate, but one of his challengers Ryan Sundberg has already raised $30,000 from the same development interests that support Virginia Bass. That is more money than Pat, Jill Duffy and all the candidates spent collectively in the 2006 race. To top it off, we also have Humboldt's first candidate of virtually unlimited means throwing his hat in the ring in my district.
It is obvious from the way the money is lining up that developers are going after General Plan update Option A and they are in league with the rural property rights activists. The white hot propaganda wars coming up will pollute the media, but will they persuade the populace? And will indepth discussion of the county's issues be carried out? Will people be able to tell from the spin who will work for them and who has the ideas that can help us out of the mess we are all in?
The expensive spin may even be imported, as our own local political consultants max out with the glut of cash gushing into campaign coffers. I was polled a week ago on all the issues of the 5th District by “Humboldt Research” about election preferences, but the person taking the poll would not divulge who was paying for it. Calling thousands of people takes tens of thousands of dollars and it can be used to know our minds so we can be tricked into voting for someone.
I will be working with the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee to see if there is a solution to local campaign finance reform or to at least ensure that voters of the county can be assured access to numerous trustable forums so an open exchange of ideas is available. Previously, in 2003, we never thought that the level of money in the dreaded “recall” nightmare election would become commonplace. Now it has -- in spades. Isn't it time we started a serious discussion and examination of solutions to the problem of too much money influencing our leadership selection here?
Pat Higgins won't be trying to compete in the media air wars. Instead he will be knocking on 5th District doors and many who support him will join him walking neighborhoods and calling to help make sure voters understand Pat's plans for action in office, if elected.
Larry Hourany resides in McKinleyville.
*****
RELATED:
◼ Supervisors races attracting big money -- already
(Virginia) Bass... raised a total of $53,174. Her list of donors is long, and includes a number of people and businesses from Humboldt County's building and development communities, among others.
They include David Schneider of Pacific Affiliates, who gave $1,000; Fred Sundquist, who gave $1,500; Glenn Goldan, $1,000; Michael Dominick, $1,500; Truman Renner, $1,500; ReProp Investments, $500; TJS Leasing and Holding Co., $1,500; Loretta Nickolaus, retired county administrative officer, $200; Pierson Co., $1,500; Hilfiker Pipe Co. $1,500; Kramer Investments Corp. $1,500; Russ Cattle Co., $3,000; Hooven and Co. of McKinleyville, $1,500; A.N. Hunts and Sons, $1,500; Eureka Oxygen Co., $1,500; Bettendorf Enterprises, $1,500; Barnum Timber Co., $1,000; Eureka Ready Mix/Sand and Gravel Co., $1,500; Gary Philp, $500; Jim Furtado of McKinleyville, $1,500; Kim Slack of Eureka, $1,500; and Robert McBeth of O&M Industries, $1,500, among others....
Neely raised $27,334 in 2009, from a relatively short list of donors who gave, on average, much larger amounts.
Sedgefield Properties, owned by longtime Neely ally and sponsor Bill Pierson of Eureka, donated $10,000; Kurt Kovacks of Portland, Ore., gave $2,000; Thomas Hofweber, a county planner, gave $3,000; MPDSE, Inc., a building firm from Dana Point, CA, also known as Master Plan Developments, gave $10,000; Recology of San Francisco, formerly known as City Garbage Co., gave $500; and CA Dewitt of Fairhaven gave $200....
Eureka City Councilman Jeff Leonard... raised a total of $7,902 -- $5,342 in cash, $2,300 in a loan, and $260 in non-monetary contributions.
Donors include Eureka attorney Ken Bareilles and his wife Rene, at $100; Teresa Sims, loan officer with Redwood Capital Bank, with $500; Hank Pierson, owner of L&H Properties, at $1,000; and Pierson Co. of Eureka at $1,500.
Ryan Sundberg -- has so far run the tables during this fundraising cycle, and did so with many of the same donors who gave to Bass' campaign.
Donors include Glenn Goldan at $500; City Ambulance at $1,500; Dale Wermuth at $1,500; Maxine Maples at $1,500; Michael Dominick at $1,500; Hilfiker Pipe Co. at $1,500; ReProp Investments at $500; Barnum Timber Co. at $1,000; TJS Leasing and Holding Co. at $1,500; Eureka Oxygen Co. at $1,500; Kramer Investment Corp. at $1,500; Eureka Ready Mix at $1,500; Bettendorf Enterprises at $1,500; A.N. Hunt and Sons at $1,500; Russ Cattle Co. at $1,000; Hooven and Co. at $1,500; Pierson Co. at $1,500; Marilyn Renner at $1,500; Becky Pritchard at $1,500; and JL Furtado Construction at $1,500, among others.
The Elections Office has yet to receive 2009 disclosures from Lost Coast Communications President Patrick Cleary and 5th Division Harbor District Commissioner Patrick Higgins, both of whom have declared for the 5th District race. The disclosures had to be postmarked by Monday, and could arrive as late as today.
In the race for Humboldt County sheriff, Undersheriff Mike Downey raised $1,905 in 2009. Donors include Sheriff's Lt. Steve Knight, $100; Sgt. Wayne Hanson, $100; The Liquor Still, $100; outgoing Sheriff Gary Philp, $1,000; Melinda Ciarabellini, $100; and Lt. Michael Thomas, $500.
A disclosure from Mike Hislop, also running for sheriff, has not yet been received.
◼ James Faulk: The unauthorized translation the Mirror
He says he read James Faulk's "informative article" and says he will be working "with the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee to see if there is a solution to local campaign finance reform."
NO MENTION of the ten grand Bonnie Neely got from an out of area developer, a really big one at that. A great big glaring omission there. No mention of huge donations from Bill Pierson, who depends on her to block his competition. Presumably, Hourany supports THAT.
No recognition of the fact that local businesspeople have a right to support the candidates they believe will best represent the interests of the business community - i.e., NOT the job-killers. It looks like they have decided to stand up and fight back. He sees this as 'white hot propaganda' - owwww, it burnnnnnssss!
Pat Higgins didn't make his bed, he climbed in with the "progressives" and now he has to accept the consequences.
It's sad for him that his "progressive" buddies, who were oh so supportive in their efforts to get him on the Harbor Commission, have now abandoned him. He may feel he has earned the right to move up the chain, Harbor Commissioner was supposed to be a nice boost to his resume, after all. What he didn't realize is, they are not his friends, and were only using him to secure a place on the Harbor Commission, a trustworthy "progressive" vote against all business development in Humboldt County. He's out of line expecting them to give up that seat to let him move up. They have another chosen one to place in the Supervisor seat.
◼ White hot propaganda wars pollute the media
White hot propaganda wars pollute the media
Larry Hourany/For the Times-Standard
Posted: 02/13/2010 01:27:13 AM PST
I read with distress James Faulk's informative article about the increasing amount of money in Humboldt County politics. Candidate for 4th District Supervisor Virginia Bass has more than $50,000 and it is only February. I live in the 5th District and I think Pat Higgins is the people's best candidate, but one of his challengers Ryan Sundberg has already raised $30,000 from the same development interests that support Virginia Bass. That is more money than Pat, Jill Duffy and all the candidates spent collectively in the 2006 race. To top it off, we also have Humboldt's first candidate of virtually unlimited means throwing his hat in the ring in my district.
It is obvious from the way the money is lining up that developers are going after General Plan update Option A and they are in league with the rural property rights activists. The white hot propaganda wars coming up will pollute the media, but will they persuade the populace? And will indepth discussion of the county's issues be carried out? Will people be able to tell from the spin who will work for them and who has the ideas that can help us out of the mess we are all in?
The expensive spin may even be imported, as our own local political consultants max out with the glut of cash gushing into campaign coffers. I was polled a week ago on all the issues of the 5th District by “Humboldt Research” about election preferences, but the person taking the poll would not divulge who was paying for it. Calling thousands of people takes tens of thousands of dollars and it can be used to know our minds so we can be tricked into voting for someone.
I will be working with the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee to see if there is a solution to local campaign finance reform or to at least ensure that voters of the county can be assured access to numerous trustable forums so an open exchange of ideas is available. Previously, in 2003, we never thought that the level of money in the dreaded “recall” nightmare election would become commonplace. Now it has -- in spades. Isn't it time we started a serious discussion and examination of solutions to the problem of too much money influencing our leadership selection here?
Pat Higgins won't be trying to compete in the media air wars. Instead he will be knocking on 5th District doors and many who support him will join him walking neighborhoods and calling to help make sure voters understand Pat's plans for action in office, if elected.
Larry Hourany resides in McKinleyville.
*****
RELATED:
◼ Supervisors races attracting big money -- already
(Virginia) Bass... raised a total of $53,174. Her list of donors is long, and includes a number of people and businesses from Humboldt County's building and development communities, among others.
They include David Schneider of Pacific Affiliates, who gave $1,000; Fred Sundquist, who gave $1,500; Glenn Goldan, $1,000; Michael Dominick, $1,500; Truman Renner, $1,500; ReProp Investments, $500; TJS Leasing and Holding Co., $1,500; Loretta Nickolaus, retired county administrative officer, $200; Pierson Co., $1,500; Hilfiker Pipe Co. $1,500; Kramer Investments Corp. $1,500; Russ Cattle Co., $3,000; Hooven and Co. of McKinleyville, $1,500; A.N. Hunts and Sons, $1,500; Eureka Oxygen Co., $1,500; Bettendorf Enterprises, $1,500; Barnum Timber Co., $1,000; Eureka Ready Mix/Sand and Gravel Co., $1,500; Gary Philp, $500; Jim Furtado of McKinleyville, $1,500; Kim Slack of Eureka, $1,500; and Robert McBeth of O&M Industries, $1,500, among others....
Neely raised $27,334 in 2009, from a relatively short list of donors who gave, on average, much larger amounts.
Sedgefield Properties, owned by longtime Neely ally and sponsor Bill Pierson of Eureka, donated $10,000; Kurt Kovacks of Portland, Ore., gave $2,000; Thomas Hofweber, a county planner, gave $3,000; MPDSE, Inc., a building firm from Dana Point, CA, also known as Master Plan Developments, gave $10,000; Recology of San Francisco, formerly known as City Garbage Co., gave $500; and CA Dewitt of Fairhaven gave $200....
Eureka City Councilman Jeff Leonard... raised a total of $7,902 -- $5,342 in cash, $2,300 in a loan, and $260 in non-monetary contributions.
Donors include Eureka attorney Ken Bareilles and his wife Rene, at $100; Teresa Sims, loan officer with Redwood Capital Bank, with $500; Hank Pierson, owner of L&H Properties, at $1,000; and Pierson Co. of Eureka at $1,500.
Ryan Sundberg -- has so far run the tables during this fundraising cycle, and did so with many of the same donors who gave to Bass' campaign.
Donors include Glenn Goldan at $500; City Ambulance at $1,500; Dale Wermuth at $1,500; Maxine Maples at $1,500; Michael Dominick at $1,500; Hilfiker Pipe Co. at $1,500; ReProp Investments at $500; Barnum Timber Co. at $1,000; TJS Leasing and Holding Co. at $1,500; Eureka Oxygen Co. at $1,500; Kramer Investment Corp. at $1,500; Eureka Ready Mix at $1,500; Bettendorf Enterprises at $1,500; A.N. Hunt and Sons at $1,500; Russ Cattle Co. at $1,000; Hooven and Co. at $1,500; Pierson Co. at $1,500; Marilyn Renner at $1,500; Becky Pritchard at $1,500; and JL Furtado Construction at $1,500, among others.
The Elections Office has yet to receive 2009 disclosures from Lost Coast Communications President Patrick Cleary and 5th Division Harbor District Commissioner Patrick Higgins, both of whom have declared for the 5th District race. The disclosures had to be postmarked by Monday, and could arrive as late as today.
In the race for Humboldt County sheriff, Undersheriff Mike Downey raised $1,905 in 2009. Donors include Sheriff's Lt. Steve Knight, $100; Sgt. Wayne Hanson, $100; The Liquor Still, $100; outgoing Sheriff Gary Philp, $1,000; Melinda Ciarabellini, $100; and Lt. Michael Thomas, $500.
A disclosure from Mike Hislop, also running for sheriff, has not yet been received.
◼ James Faulk: The unauthorized translation the Mirror
2.08.2010
TS - 20 years is too long to wait for action on Balloon Track
◼ 20 years is too long to wait for action on Balloon Track
Gary E. Bird/For the Times-Standard MY WORD
Posted: 02/05/2010 11:00:00 PM PST
My name is Gary Bird. I am a citizen and taxpayer of Humboldt County. I grew up in Eureka; water-skiing, crabbing and fishing on Humboldt Bay. If you frequent the bay, you've probably seen me walking my white and brown dog or fishing in my Boston whaler. I continue to enjoy Humboldt Bay, however I am extremely frustrated by the fact that for the last 20 years the Balloon Track has remained contaminated. The question that troubles me is why has it taken so long to make any progress cleaning up this site?
I've talked to Peter Nichols (Baykeeper), Bonnie Neely (4th district county supervisor), Randy Gans (CUE VI), Sidnie Olson (Eureka city planner), Carolyn Woodhouse (Regional Water Control Board), and other interested parties. I met with and reviewed financial statements regarding the Baykeeper, and other involved environmental groups. I've also reviewed reports from the California Regional Water Quality Control Board and local politicians campaign contributions. Despite my efforts the issue of why it has taken so long to clean the Balloon Track remained unanswered. So, I decided to do my own investigating, using a method that seems, at times, forgotten. I used common sense.
I walked the Balloon Track to see what I could see. Not knowing the scientific names, I will describe my observations as lots of mud puddles, a drainage ditch to the bay and lots of overgrown brush. Added to this is garbage, junk railroad cars, and a few bums. The one important thing I could not see, but I'm sure is there, is contaminants. That is the one issue all parties agree on.
Returning home, I made some phone calls and determined that the regulatory agency responsible for overseeing the environmental investigation and clean up at the Balloon Track, or any similar contaminated area, is the California Regional Water Quality Control Board. These folks, revealed that they have been involved in investigation and overseeing clean-up plans at the Balloon Track since 1988 (that's right 1988). They described themselves as the experts in environment cleanup, stating “That's what we do up and down the state.” They describe the current cleanup plan as satisfactory and appropriate.
So there we have it! The Balloon Track is contaminated but cleanable.
But wait! The environmental folks don't like the plan for clean-up. So, I read their appeal in the Coastal Commission office. Man did that make it sound complicated. They took issue with the clean-up report and basically requested that the clean-up plan return to square one. But what could be their motive? That's where the financial report (Prop. 65) comes in. Wow! Do they make a good living. More confusion.
Interestingly, staff from the California Regional Water Quality Board commented that the Baykeeper suggested cleanup alternatives (refer to Coastal Commission appeal) is an option but in their opinion it is a complete “overkill.”
Next stop 4th District County Supervisor Bonnie Neely's Office, at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 22, 2009. After careful consideration, I decided to use my common sense approach again (Since Neely and I are Eureka High School classmates, I was sure we could have a meaningful conversation). That thought ended when Supervisor Neely met me with her attorney in tow. The three of us adjourned to an conference room where I was basically schooled by a savvy politician and her attorney. Nothing of substance was discussed. However, I do recall Supervisor Neely suggesting that she was satisfied with the Balloon Track process and progress and that any and all future development around the bay could expect the same sort of care and concern by her office.
Ouch! Departing the meeting I wished Supervisor Neely a speedy retirement (perhaps we could go fishing together someday?).
So what did I learn? Well, to begin with after more than 20 years the Balloon Track continues to be contaminated. Despite having a plan to clean-up the tract, approved by city and state officials, the project has once again been delayed by bureaucratic review. This time by the California Coastal Commission, one wonders what will be next?
Regarding the environmental groups who oppose the cleanup efforts, the one clear motive that stands out is the issue of money, as reflected in the Proposition 65 settlement summary. If nothing else the reader should review the Prop. 65 settlement summary. That public information might provide an understanding of some of the environmental groups motivation.
Bonnie Neely's refusal to provide leadership in this matter is most disappointing. Her attitude toward development on the bay ought to scare the hell out of all taxpayers. It would appear that her large campaign contributors have a major influence on her decisions regarding the bay. Ms. Neely's role as chairperson on the California Coastal Commission and as Humboldt County's 4th District supervisor seems to be a serious conflict of interest.
Please citizens “GET INVOLVED.” Investigate, ask questions, and hold your political leaders responsible. Elect leaders who are not beholding to special interests but rather are looking out for the vitality and well-being of our community. Learn more about the Coastal Commission, its seemingly limitless powers, and the environmental groups who use red herring tactics when their true motives appear to be financial. Go walk the Balloon Track and see what all of the hullabaloo is about.
We taxpayers deserve land and a bay that is not contaminated, and 20 years is too long to wait for action.
Gary E. Bird, a retired Humboldt County probation officer, resides in Myrtletown.
Gary E. Bird/For the Times-Standard MY WORD
Posted: 02/05/2010 11:00:00 PM PST
My name is Gary Bird. I am a citizen and taxpayer of Humboldt County. I grew up in Eureka; water-skiing, crabbing and fishing on Humboldt Bay. If you frequent the bay, you've probably seen me walking my white and brown dog or fishing in my Boston whaler. I continue to enjoy Humboldt Bay, however I am extremely frustrated by the fact that for the last 20 years the Balloon Track has remained contaminated. The question that troubles me is why has it taken so long to make any progress cleaning up this site?
I've talked to Peter Nichols (Baykeeper), Bonnie Neely (4th district county supervisor), Randy Gans (CUE VI), Sidnie Olson (Eureka city planner), Carolyn Woodhouse (Regional Water Control Board), and other interested parties. I met with and reviewed financial statements regarding the Baykeeper, and other involved environmental groups. I've also reviewed reports from the California Regional Water Quality Control Board and local politicians campaign contributions. Despite my efforts the issue of why it has taken so long to clean the Balloon Track remained unanswered. So, I decided to do my own investigating, using a method that seems, at times, forgotten. I used common sense.
I walked the Balloon Track to see what I could see. Not knowing the scientific names, I will describe my observations as lots of mud puddles, a drainage ditch to the bay and lots of overgrown brush. Added to this is garbage, junk railroad cars, and a few bums. The one important thing I could not see, but I'm sure is there, is contaminants. That is the one issue all parties agree on.
Returning home, I made some phone calls and determined that the regulatory agency responsible for overseeing the environmental investigation and clean up at the Balloon Track, or any similar contaminated area, is the California Regional Water Quality Control Board. These folks, revealed that they have been involved in investigation and overseeing clean-up plans at the Balloon Track since 1988 (that's right 1988). They described themselves as the experts in environment cleanup, stating “That's what we do up and down the state.” They describe the current cleanup plan as satisfactory and appropriate.
So there we have it! The Balloon Track is contaminated but cleanable.
But wait! The environmental folks don't like the plan for clean-up. So, I read their appeal in the Coastal Commission office. Man did that make it sound complicated. They took issue with the clean-up report and basically requested that the clean-up plan return to square one. But what could be their motive? That's where the financial report (Prop. 65) comes in. Wow! Do they make a good living. More confusion.
Interestingly, staff from the California Regional Water Quality Board commented that the Baykeeper suggested cleanup alternatives (refer to Coastal Commission appeal) is an option but in their opinion it is a complete “overkill.”
Next stop 4th District County Supervisor Bonnie Neely's Office, at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 22, 2009. After careful consideration, I decided to use my common sense approach again (Since Neely and I are Eureka High School classmates, I was sure we could have a meaningful conversation). That thought ended when Supervisor Neely met me with her attorney in tow. The three of us adjourned to an conference room where I was basically schooled by a savvy politician and her attorney. Nothing of substance was discussed. However, I do recall Supervisor Neely suggesting that she was satisfied with the Balloon Track process and progress and that any and all future development around the bay could expect the same sort of care and concern by her office.
Ouch! Departing the meeting I wished Supervisor Neely a speedy retirement (perhaps we could go fishing together someday?).
So what did I learn? Well, to begin with after more than 20 years the Balloon Track continues to be contaminated. Despite having a plan to clean-up the tract, approved by city and state officials, the project has once again been delayed by bureaucratic review. This time by the California Coastal Commission, one wonders what will be next?
Regarding the environmental groups who oppose the cleanup efforts, the one clear motive that stands out is the issue of money, as reflected in the Proposition 65 settlement summary. If nothing else the reader should review the Prop. 65 settlement summary. That public information might provide an understanding of some of the environmental groups motivation.
Bonnie Neely's refusal to provide leadership in this matter is most disappointing. Her attitude toward development on the bay ought to scare the hell out of all taxpayers. It would appear that her large campaign contributors have a major influence on her decisions regarding the bay. Ms. Neely's role as chairperson on the California Coastal Commission and as Humboldt County's 4th District supervisor seems to be a serious conflict of interest.
Please citizens “GET INVOLVED.” Investigate, ask questions, and hold your political leaders responsible. Elect leaders who are not beholding to special interests but rather are looking out for the vitality and well-being of our community. Learn more about the Coastal Commission, its seemingly limitless powers, and the environmental groups who use red herring tactics when their true motives appear to be financial. Go walk the Balloon Track and see what all of the hullabaloo is about.
We taxpayers deserve land and a bay that is not contaminated, and 20 years is too long to wait for action.
Gary E. Bird, a retired Humboldt County probation officer, resides in Myrtletown.
2.06.2010
JN - Paul Hagen Announces
Crappy photo of da candidate Paul Hagen, taken with an iPhone at last month’s EyeBall.
◼ Paul Hagen Announces
Worst-kept secret finally revealed: Former environmental prosecutor Paul Hagen announced today that he will stand for Humboldt County District Attorney in the June election. Hagen joins (announced candidate) Kathleen Bryson and (unannounced but highly probable candidates) Allison Jackson and incumbent Paul Gallegos in what will be 2010’s second-hardest-fought race.
Just to call dibsies on the joke, we will say that Hagen is unrelated to Corleone consigliere Tom Hagen (right).
hagen announces bid for district attorney
Local attorney Paul Hagen has announced his candidacy for Humboldt County District Attorney.
“The job of the District Attorney is to protect the community and ensure public safety by delivering justice,” said Hagen. “Humboldt County deserves a capable and competent District Attorney and that is what I offer.”
Hagen served as a Deputy District Attorney in Humboldt, Del Norte, Mendocino, and Lake counties for more than eleven years, and is now in private practice. He served as a circuit prosecutor in three of those counties simultaneously, where he established and led a multi-agency task force in each county, investigating and successfully prosecuting public health and safety violations and crimes against the environment.
“I have a track record of delivering effective, even-handed justice, whether prosecuting small-time violators or major multinational corporations,” he explained.
Hagen has worked under seven different District Attorneys and believes that his broad experience will serve him well as Humboldt County da.
“I know how a well-run da’s office is supposed to operate,” he said. “The da must listen carefully to the people, be accountable at all times, and exercise professionalism and sound judgment at every turn.”
Hagen emphasizes a common-sense approach to prosecuting crimes that threaten the safety, security and liberty of people in communities throughout Humboldt County.
“Violent crimes are not being properly addressed and that must change,” he said. “Plea bargains have their appropriate place in the legal system, but the plea must be relevant and proportionate to the crime. A plea bargain should only be used as a shortcut to a just outcome, not an end-run around it.”
“Victims of crime and their families must be treated with greater respect and compassion,” he added.
Hagen, who received his law degree from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, has lived in Arcata since 1999 with Janet, his wife of 25 years. They have two daughters.
Hagen has organized and presented a series of State Bar conferences on environmental and land use law. He also has extensive experience teaching law at universities and seminars, volunteers his time as a mentor for the Humboldt Teen Court, and is a graduate of the Cascadia Center for Leadership.
He currently serves on the Arcata Planning Commission, on the Humboldt Working Group of the pg&E WaveConnect project, and is a member of the Eureka Rotary Club. In his free time, he is an avid open-water swimmer and triathlete.
Hagen believes that political campaigns should be about the community’s common future and are the highest expression of the will of the people in a self-governed society.
“I’m looking forward to a positive campaign based on values, vision and the ability to lead,” he said.
◼ Paul Hagen makes it official
2.04.2010
TS - Supervisors races attracting big money -- already
◼ Supervisors races attracting big money -- already
While we may be some four months away from a primary to determine who will next occupy the 4th and 5th District seats on the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, donors have begun shoveling money into those and other races as if the general election is right around the corner.
Three candidates are vying for the 4th District seat, long held by incumbent Supervisor Bonnie Neely, who will be seeking her seventh term. Last time around, the two main candidates vying for the job -- Neely and former Eureka Mayor Nancy Flemming -- spent more than $250,000 in that race, and it came down to a smattering of votes.
With the 4th District to a large degree consisting of Eureka and its suburbs, it's perhaps no surprise that two denizens of City Hall are trying to make the leap from city to county government.
Eureka Mayor Virginia Bass is one, and she's outdistanced all her competitors in funds raised so far, according to financial disclosures filed this week with the Humboldt County Elections Office. And judging by the numbers, it appears that this year's 4th District race is off on a trajectory similar to the race of 2006.
Bass in 2009 raised a total of $53,174. Her list of donors is long, and includes a number of people and businesses from Humboldt County's building and development communities, among others.
They include David Schneider of Pacific Affiliates, who gave $1,000; Fred Sundquist, who gave $1,500; Glenn Goldan, $1,000; Michael Dominick, $1,500; Truman Renner, $1,500; ReProp Investments, $500; TJS Leasing and Holding Co., $1,500; Loretta Nickolaus, retired county administrative officer, $200; Pierson Co., $1,500; Hilfiker Pipe Co. $1,500; Kramer Investments Corp. $1,500; Russ Cattle Co., $3,000; Hooven and Co. of McKinleyville, $1,500; A.N. Hunts and Sons, $1,500; Eureka Oxygen Co., $1,500; Bettendorf Enterprises, $1,500; Barnum Timber Co., $1,000; Eureka Ready Mix/Sand and Gravel Co., $1,500; Gary Philp, $500; Jim Furtado of McKinleyville, $1,500; Kim Slack of Eureka, $1,500; and Robert McBeth of O&M Industries, $1,500, among others.
Neely is no stranger to serious challenges for the 4th District seat, having barely defeated Flemming for the job last time around. And she's no slouch as a fundraiser, as proven by her 2009 disclosures.
Neely raised $27,334 in 2009, from a relatively short list of donors who gave, on average, much larger amounts.
Sedgefield Properties, owned by longtime Neely ally and sponsor Bill Pierson of Eureka, donated $10,000; Kurt Kovacks of Portland, Ore., gave $2,000; Thomas Hofweber, a county planner, gave $3,000; MPDSE, Inc., a building firm from Dana Point, CA, also known as Master Plan Developments, gave $10,000; Recology of San Francisco, formerly known as City Garbage Co., gave $500; and CA Dewitt of Fairhaven gave $200.
MPDSE is a development company which in 2004 had a project to develop a portion of Orange County's last untouched stretch of beach front property. The project was approved against staff recommendations.
But when that project was approved by the commission, Neely had yet to be named as a member. Former 3rd District Supervisor John Woolley was the commission representative at the time. Neely has voted on minor issues surrounding that development since taking her seat on the commission, but has voted both for and against the developer.
Also in the 4th District race, Eureka City Councilman Jeff Leonard has some catching up to do in the money race. For 2009, he raised a total of $7,902 -- $5,342 in cash, $2,300 in a loan, and $260 in non-monetary contributions.
Donors include Eureka attorney Ken Bareilles and his wife Rene, at $100; Teresa Sims, loan officer with Redwood Capital Bank, with $500; Hank Pierson, owner of L&H Properties, at $1,000; and Pierson Co. of Eureka at $1,500.
Farther north, in the county's 5th District, one candidate -- Ryan Sundberg -- has so far run the tables during this fundraising cycle, and did so with many of the same donors who gave to Bass' campaign.
Donors include Glenn Goldan at $500; City Ambulance at $1,500; Dale Wermuth at $1,500; Maxine Maples at $1,500; Michael Dominick at $1,500; Hilfiker Pipe Co. at $1,500; ReProp Investments at $500; Barnum Timber Co. at $1,000; TJS Leasing and Holding Co. at $1,500; Eureka Oxygen Co. at $1,500; Kramer Investment Corp. at $1,500; Eureka Ready Mix at $1,500; Bettendorf Enterprises at $1,500; A.N. Hunt and Sons at $1,500; Russ Cattle Co. at $1,000; Hooven and Co. at $1,500; Pierson Co. at $1,500; Marilyn Renner at $1,500; Becky Pritchard at $1,500; and JL Furtado Construction at $1,500, among others.
The other filing received so far for the 5th District -- from McKinleyville resident Jeffrey Lytle, who first ran four years ago -- had scant information to report. There was no money raised for 2009, and a total of 10 cents spent, copying a form from the Elections Office.
The Elections Office has yet to receive 2009 disclosures from Lost Coast Communications President Patrick Cleary and 5th Division Harbor District Commissioner Patrick Higgins, both of whom have declared for the 5th District race. The disclosures had to be postmarked by Monday, and could arrive as late as today.
In other Humboldt County races, only two candidate disclosures were received as of Wednesday afternoon.
In the race for Humboldt County sheriff, Undersheriff Mike Downey raised $1,905 in 2009. Donors include Sheriff's Lt. Steve Knight, $100; Sgt. Wayne Hanson, $100; The Liquor Still, $100; outgoing Sheriff Gary Philp, $1,000; Melinda Ciarabellini, $100; and Lt. Michael Thomas, $500.
A disclosure from Mike Hislop, also running for sheriff, has not yet been received.
And in the race for county assessor, Johanna Rodoni -- former 2nd District supervisor and wife of the late Supervisor Roger Rodoni -- filed a disclosure under the name Johanna Rodoni for Assessor 2010, but no money was raised in 2009.
As the supervisorial races are making abundantly clear, Humboldt State University political science professor emeritus JeDon Emenhiser said, even local campaigns have steadily become more expensive. He noted that Humboldt County seems to be finally catching up with the rest of the state as far as campaign war chests are concerned.
This flow of campaign money into politics is worrisome, he said.
”(Politicians) spend a lot more time raising money than they do governing,” Emenhiser said. “Once in office, instead of studying the issues, they have to spend a lot of time making speeches, hosting breakfasts and calling donors, all looking toward their next election.”
Emenhiser said the first campaign finance reports are often seen by candidates as an opportunity for a pre-emptive strike.
”They're saying, we have this war chest here, and you shouldn't even try us,” Emenhiser said. “Sometimes, they refer to it as the funding primary.”
Even on a local government level, Emenhiser said, political bodies make decisions that have major implications for people -- hence the spending.
”It's land use and planning -- there's a lot of money to be made and a lot of interests to be represented,” he said.
Emenhiser said the only way to truly reduce the influence of campaign money in politics is to switch to a system of publicly funded campaigns, where voters decide how much money to allocate to campaigns, and candidates are forced to live within those bounds. That might mean a very short campaign season, Emenhiser said, but it would also mean a more level playing field.
But, Emenhiser said, the idea hasn't gained much traction.
”Nobody is willing to take that seriously,” he said.
Staff writer Thadeus Greenson contributed to this report.
James Faulk can be reached at 441-0507 or jfaulk@times-standard.com.
James Faulk/The Times-Standard
Posted: 02/04/2010 01:24:18 AM PST
Related:
◼ SEMI-ANNUAL CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS DUE:
Yesterday was the last day to file semi-annual campaign disclosure statements for all candidates and slate mailer organizations for the period ending December 31, 2009.- Gov’t §§84200, 84218
◼ Good thing this doesn’t smell bad. At all. Really. - The Mirror
◼ Neely and the Coming Craziness The Journal
Holy moly, but does the black ops pr firm known as the Humboldt Mirror ever have a smoking hot story this morning. We would only add that the $10,000 donation from a SoCal developer to the Bonnie Neely for Supervisor campaign seems to have come not from the developer himself, but the developer’s corporation — a triple-touchy matter, obviously....
◼ Lost in Humboldt heraldo
◼ heraldo ignores it, choosing to post on Arkely's donations to Whitman
◼ The Mirror expands... 27.3K?
◼ James Faulk: The unauthorized translation the Mirror translates
While we may be some four months away from a primary to determine who will next occupy the 4th and 5th District seats on the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, donors have begun shoveling money into those and other races as if the general election is right around the corner.
Three candidates are vying for the 4th District seat, long held by incumbent Supervisor Bonnie Neely, who will be seeking her seventh term. Last time around, the two main candidates vying for the job -- Neely and former Eureka Mayor Nancy Flemming -- spent more than $250,000 in that race, and it came down to a smattering of votes.
With the 4th District to a large degree consisting of Eureka and its suburbs, it's perhaps no surprise that two denizens of City Hall are trying to make the leap from city to county government.
Eureka Mayor Virginia Bass is one, and she's outdistanced all her competitors in funds raised so far, according to financial disclosures filed this week with the Humboldt County Elections Office. And judging by the numbers, it appears that this year's 4th District race is off on a trajectory similar to the race of 2006.
Bass in 2009 raised a total of $53,174. Her list of donors is long, and includes a number of people and businesses from Humboldt County's building and development communities, among others.
They include David Schneider of Pacific Affiliates, who gave $1,000; Fred Sundquist, who gave $1,500; Glenn Goldan, $1,000; Michael Dominick, $1,500; Truman Renner, $1,500; ReProp Investments, $500; TJS Leasing and Holding Co., $1,500; Loretta Nickolaus, retired county administrative officer, $200; Pierson Co., $1,500; Hilfiker Pipe Co. $1,500; Kramer Investments Corp. $1,500; Russ Cattle Co., $3,000; Hooven and Co. of McKinleyville, $1,500; A.N. Hunts and Sons, $1,500; Eureka Oxygen Co., $1,500; Bettendorf Enterprises, $1,500; Barnum Timber Co., $1,000; Eureka Ready Mix/Sand and Gravel Co., $1,500; Gary Philp, $500; Jim Furtado of McKinleyville, $1,500; Kim Slack of Eureka, $1,500; and Robert McBeth of O&M Industries, $1,500, among others.
Neely is no stranger to serious challenges for the 4th District seat, having barely defeated Flemming for the job last time around. And she's no slouch as a fundraiser, as proven by her 2009 disclosures.
Neely raised $27,334 in 2009, from a relatively short list of donors who gave, on average, much larger amounts.
Sedgefield Properties, owned by longtime Neely ally and sponsor Bill Pierson of Eureka, donated $10,000; Kurt Kovacks of Portland, Ore., gave $2,000; Thomas Hofweber, a county planner, gave $3,000; MPDSE, Inc., a building firm from Dana Point, CA, also known as Master Plan Developments, gave $10,000; Recology of San Francisco, formerly known as City Garbage Co., gave $500; and CA Dewitt of Fairhaven gave $200.
MPDSE is a development company which in 2004 had a project to develop a portion of Orange County's last untouched stretch of beach front property. The project was approved against staff recommendations.
But when that project was approved by the commission, Neely had yet to be named as a member. Former 3rd District Supervisor John Woolley was the commission representative at the time. Neely has voted on minor issues surrounding that development since taking her seat on the commission, but has voted both for and against the developer.
Also in the 4th District race, Eureka City Councilman Jeff Leonard has some catching up to do in the money race. For 2009, he raised a total of $7,902 -- $5,342 in cash, $2,300 in a loan, and $260 in non-monetary contributions.
Donors include Eureka attorney Ken Bareilles and his wife Rene, at $100; Teresa Sims, loan officer with Redwood Capital Bank, with $500; Hank Pierson, owner of L&H Properties, at $1,000; and Pierson Co. of Eureka at $1,500.
Farther north, in the county's 5th District, one candidate -- Ryan Sundberg -- has so far run the tables during this fundraising cycle, and did so with many of the same donors who gave to Bass' campaign.
Donors include Glenn Goldan at $500; City Ambulance at $1,500; Dale Wermuth at $1,500; Maxine Maples at $1,500; Michael Dominick at $1,500; Hilfiker Pipe Co. at $1,500; ReProp Investments at $500; Barnum Timber Co. at $1,000; TJS Leasing and Holding Co. at $1,500; Eureka Oxygen Co. at $1,500; Kramer Investment Corp. at $1,500; Eureka Ready Mix at $1,500; Bettendorf Enterprises at $1,500; A.N. Hunt and Sons at $1,500; Russ Cattle Co. at $1,000; Hooven and Co. at $1,500; Pierson Co. at $1,500; Marilyn Renner at $1,500; Becky Pritchard at $1,500; and JL Furtado Construction at $1,500, among others.
The other filing received so far for the 5th District -- from McKinleyville resident Jeffrey Lytle, who first ran four years ago -- had scant information to report. There was no money raised for 2009, and a total of 10 cents spent, copying a form from the Elections Office.
The Elections Office has yet to receive 2009 disclosures from Lost Coast Communications President Patrick Cleary and 5th Division Harbor District Commissioner Patrick Higgins, both of whom have declared for the 5th District race. The disclosures had to be postmarked by Monday, and could arrive as late as today.
In other Humboldt County races, only two candidate disclosures were received as of Wednesday afternoon.
In the race for Humboldt County sheriff, Undersheriff Mike Downey raised $1,905 in 2009. Donors include Sheriff's Lt. Steve Knight, $100; Sgt. Wayne Hanson, $100; The Liquor Still, $100; outgoing Sheriff Gary Philp, $1,000; Melinda Ciarabellini, $100; and Lt. Michael Thomas, $500.
A disclosure from Mike Hislop, also running for sheriff, has not yet been received.
And in the race for county assessor, Johanna Rodoni -- former 2nd District supervisor and wife of the late Supervisor Roger Rodoni -- filed a disclosure under the name Johanna Rodoni for Assessor 2010, but no money was raised in 2009.
As the supervisorial races are making abundantly clear, Humboldt State University political science professor emeritus JeDon Emenhiser said, even local campaigns have steadily become more expensive. He noted that Humboldt County seems to be finally catching up with the rest of the state as far as campaign war chests are concerned.
This flow of campaign money into politics is worrisome, he said.
”(Politicians) spend a lot more time raising money than they do governing,” Emenhiser said. “Once in office, instead of studying the issues, they have to spend a lot of time making speeches, hosting breakfasts and calling donors, all looking toward their next election.”
Emenhiser said the first campaign finance reports are often seen by candidates as an opportunity for a pre-emptive strike.
”They're saying, we have this war chest here, and you shouldn't even try us,” Emenhiser said. “Sometimes, they refer to it as the funding primary.”
Even on a local government level, Emenhiser said, political bodies make decisions that have major implications for people -- hence the spending.
”It's land use and planning -- there's a lot of money to be made and a lot of interests to be represented,” he said.
Emenhiser said the only way to truly reduce the influence of campaign money in politics is to switch to a system of publicly funded campaigns, where voters decide how much money to allocate to campaigns, and candidates are forced to live within those bounds. That might mean a very short campaign season, Emenhiser said, but it would also mean a more level playing field.
But, Emenhiser said, the idea hasn't gained much traction.
”Nobody is willing to take that seriously,” he said.
Staff writer Thadeus Greenson contributed to this report.
James Faulk can be reached at 441-0507 or jfaulk@times-standard.com.
James Faulk/The Times-Standard
Posted: 02/04/2010 01:24:18 AM PST
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◼ SEMI-ANNUAL CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS DUE:
Yesterday was the last day to file semi-annual campaign disclosure statements for all candidates and slate mailer organizations for the period ending December 31, 2009.- Gov’t §§84200, 84218
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