Attorney general says no for now on Arkley-Glass case
The Times-Standard
Article Launched: 10/05/2007 01:40:09 PM PDT
State Attorney General Jerry Brown's Office has refused a request by the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee to take over the investigation into the flap between Eureka City Councilman Larry Glass and local businessman Rob Arkley.
A letter from the office states, “Any request at this time appears premature”.
A Sept. 12 letter from the HCDCC to the Attorney General requested that office “take the lead in the investigation and prosecution of this alleged violation.”
It is alleged that Arkley shoved Glass and threatened to destroy him if he failed to support Arkley's Marina Center project. Arkley, in turn, has claimed that he was merely reacting to comments Glass has made about his daughters.
In a letter to the Humboldt Democratic Central Committee dated Sept. 26, Senior Assistant Attorney General Gerald A. Engler advised the committee his office would “respectfully decline your request to intervene.”
The letter states, “First and foremost, the district attorney is the elected prosecutor of Humboldt County. The law maintains a strong presumption that the district attorney -- not the attorney general -- will handle prosecutorial matters within the county.
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Only in extraordinary cases where an actual conflict of interest makes it unlikely the district attorney can fairly prosecute the case may the district attorney be recused. A mere appearance of conflict is insufficient to warrant recusal.”
In the initial letter, HCDCC Chairman Milt Boyd wrote that it is more than just the serious nature of the allegations that caused the committee to ask the Attorney General to handle the investigation.
”Due to political conflicts, Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos will no doubt want to recuse his office from prosecuting the matter,” Boyd wrote.
Arkley made donations to Gallegos' recall campaign chest and Glass said he thought Gallegos had supported his election campaign.
In response to the letter from the Attorney General's Office, Boyd said the reply “clarifies the legal process involved” and added, “the allegations made in this case are unusual and serious and we appreciate this prompt and clear response from Attorney General Brown's office.”
Showing posts with label HCDCC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HCDCC. Show all posts
4.08.2007
Mck Press - Gallegos gets Democratic Party's endorsement after emotional debate
This article is posted here as supplemental background material. For discussion and more information visit watchpaul.blogspot.com.
The HCDCC voted to endorse one democrat over another. Worse, they characterized a lifelong Democrat as a "Republican Stalking Horse" - all part of the bizarre and twisted politics that surround District Attorney paul Gallegos nad his failed Palco lawsuit.
Gallegos gets Democratic Party's endorsement after emotional debate
By Daniel Mintz Press Staff Writer
An endorsement of District Attorney Paul Gallegos' re-election has put the county's Democratic Central Committee in his challenger's campaign gunsight and came after former and current prosecutors urged the group not to favor a candidate in the volatile power contest.
The committee's Gallegos endorsement was approved by a 20 to one vote at its Wednesday, April 12, meeting, yet a long and dramatic debate preceded it along with a public comment session with split opinions. Deputy District Attorney Worth Dikeman, the veteran prosecutor challenging Gallegos, had detailed his objections to the committee's endorsement during last month's meeting and in newspaper columns, portraying the group's stamp of approval as the spoil of political engineering.
Members of the influential committee, including Chairman Patrick Riggs, are well-known Gallegos supporters and Dikeman has accused them of "back room" manipulation. But committee members said the endorsement follows the group's bylaws and argued that free speech would be crimped if the action is squashed by political resentments.
Gallegos and Dikeman weren't at the meeting but their supporters debated the endorsement, sometimes with urgency, with comparisons to Republican behavior being a shared tactic. And after the pro-Gallegos vote, an attempt at blade-twisting came in the form of a motion to demand that Dikeman endorse his opponent and quit the race.
The motion was seconded but voted down, and finished a long night that began with objections from a veteran prosecutor who was fired by Gallegos in the aftermath of the internally explosive 2003 recall election.
'Gutted'
Allison Jackson, who prosecuted sex crimes and domestic violence cases for 10 years prior to being fired by Gallegos, is a non-voting member of the committee and said she's watched the D.A.'s office lose its grip on the types of prosecution she once specialized in.
She said the office's domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse units have been disassembled or "gutted," and added that "Democrats need to be aware of those issues and we should be discussing them as opposed to whether or not we're going to endorse one democrat over the next."
But Gallegos became a local hero to some when he filed a fraud lawsuit against the Pacific Lumber Company shortly after being elected. Dikeman has described the legal action as Gallegos' gift to the "special interests" that support him, and the lawsuit ran into trouble in court. It was dismissed but Gallegos has filed an appeal, and Committee Member Greg Conners portrayed the D.A. as an anti-corruption crusader who deserves another term.
A former Eureka city planning commissioner, Conners said he's "seen corruption at the local level as if it were a sewer I was walking through up to my waist" and "you couldn't get the local district attorney to touch those issues with a ten-foot pole."
But it's different now, Conners continued. "Paul Gallegos is the first district attorney that I know of, in my lifetime - and this a courthouse brat who's been involved in local politics talking - who's had the balls to go after corporate corruption and political corruption," he said.
Republican taints?
Conners is the chairman of the committee's Campaign Services Subcommittee, which unanimously voted to recommend the Gallegos endorsement the week prior. Deputy District Attorney and environmental crimes prosecutor Paul Hagen, however, said the "comprehensive review" of the process that he'd asked for at the previous meeting had been given only token consideration.
Hagen said he'd refuse to endorse any Democrat if there was more than one running in a race. And he told the committee its behavior is downright Republican.
"I don't think we look very good - to say the least," he continued, adding that party-line groupthink is a GOP trait. "We're supposed to be about debate, we're supposed to be about diversity, we're supposed to be about open process and transparency - did we have any of that last month in this very critical endorsement issue? The answer - obviously not."
Most of the other members of the committee spoke in favor of favoring Gallegos. Pam Service speculated that the reason why a Republican hasn't entered the D.A. race is because Dikeman is a "stalking horse" for the GOP, and is fulfilling that political role.
"In this race, although both are technically registered Democrats, we've got a fairly obvious situation where one is really the Republican candidate," she said.
Hagen's vote was the only dissenting one in the ensuing vote to endorse Gallegos. But another strong majority defeated Committee Member Betty Boyd's motion to ask Dikeman to endorse his boss and drop out of the contest.
Then the committee took up a somewhat related matter - Supervisor Jill Geist and Committee Member Pat Higgins, the leading candidates in the Fifth District supervisor race, had given presentations earlier and the group considered making an endorsement but voted not to do so.
Before the vote, one committee member explained that the supervisor election differs from the D.A. race because its most credible candidates are both progressive Democrats.
The HCDCC voted to endorse one democrat over another. Worse, they characterized a lifelong Democrat as a "Republican Stalking Horse" - all part of the bizarre and twisted politics that surround District Attorney paul Gallegos nad his failed Palco lawsuit.
Gallegos gets Democratic Party's endorsement after emotional debate
By Daniel Mintz Press Staff Writer
An endorsement of District Attorney Paul Gallegos' re-election has put the county's Democratic Central Committee in his challenger's campaign gunsight and came after former and current prosecutors urged the group not to favor a candidate in the volatile power contest.
The committee's Gallegos endorsement was approved by a 20 to one vote at its Wednesday, April 12, meeting, yet a long and dramatic debate preceded it along with a public comment session with split opinions. Deputy District Attorney Worth Dikeman, the veteran prosecutor challenging Gallegos, had detailed his objections to the committee's endorsement during last month's meeting and in newspaper columns, portraying the group's stamp of approval as the spoil of political engineering.
Members of the influential committee, including Chairman Patrick Riggs, are well-known Gallegos supporters and Dikeman has accused them of "back room" manipulation. But committee members said the endorsement follows the group's bylaws and argued that free speech would be crimped if the action is squashed by political resentments.
Gallegos and Dikeman weren't at the meeting but their supporters debated the endorsement, sometimes with urgency, with comparisons to Republican behavior being a shared tactic. And after the pro-Gallegos vote, an attempt at blade-twisting came in the form of a motion to demand that Dikeman endorse his opponent and quit the race.
The motion was seconded but voted down, and finished a long night that began with objections from a veteran prosecutor who was fired by Gallegos in the aftermath of the internally explosive 2003 recall election.
'Gutted'
Allison Jackson, who prosecuted sex crimes and domestic violence cases for 10 years prior to being fired by Gallegos, is a non-voting member of the committee and said she's watched the D.A.'s office lose its grip on the types of prosecution she once specialized in.
She said the office's domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse units have been disassembled or "gutted," and added that "Democrats need to be aware of those issues and we should be discussing them as opposed to whether or not we're going to endorse one democrat over the next."
But Gallegos became a local hero to some when he filed a fraud lawsuit against the Pacific Lumber Company shortly after being elected. Dikeman has described the legal action as Gallegos' gift to the "special interests" that support him, and the lawsuit ran into trouble in court. It was dismissed but Gallegos has filed an appeal, and Committee Member Greg Conners portrayed the D.A. as an anti-corruption crusader who deserves another term.
A former Eureka city planning commissioner, Conners said he's "seen corruption at the local level as if it were a sewer I was walking through up to my waist" and "you couldn't get the local district attorney to touch those issues with a ten-foot pole."
But it's different now, Conners continued. "Paul Gallegos is the first district attorney that I know of, in my lifetime - and this a courthouse brat who's been involved in local politics talking - who's had the balls to go after corporate corruption and political corruption," he said.
Republican taints?
Conners is the chairman of the committee's Campaign Services Subcommittee, which unanimously voted to recommend the Gallegos endorsement the week prior. Deputy District Attorney and environmental crimes prosecutor Paul Hagen, however, said the "comprehensive review" of the process that he'd asked for at the previous meeting had been given only token consideration.
Hagen said he'd refuse to endorse any Democrat if there was more than one running in a race. And he told the committee its behavior is downright Republican.
"I don't think we look very good - to say the least," he continued, adding that party-line groupthink is a GOP trait. "We're supposed to be about debate, we're supposed to be about diversity, we're supposed to be about open process and transparency - did we have any of that last month in this very critical endorsement issue? The answer - obviously not."
Most of the other members of the committee spoke in favor of favoring Gallegos. Pam Service speculated that the reason why a Republican hasn't entered the D.A. race is because Dikeman is a "stalking horse" for the GOP, and is fulfilling that political role.
"In this race, although both are technically registered Democrats, we've got a fairly obvious situation where one is really the Republican candidate," she said.
Hagen's vote was the only dissenting one in the ensuing vote to endorse Gallegos. But another strong majority defeated Committee Member Betty Boyd's motion to ask Dikeman to endorse his boss and drop out of the contest.
Then the committee took up a somewhat related matter - Supervisor Jill Geist and Committee Member Pat Higgins, the leading candidates in the Fifth District supervisor race, had given presentations earlier and the group considered making an endorsement but voted not to do so.
Before the vote, one committee member explained that the supervisor election differs from the D.A. race because its most credible candidates are both progressive Democrats.
2.16.2007
TS -Humboldt Democrats focus on becom ing effective locally
Humboldt Democrats focus on becom ing effective locally
James Faulk The Times-Standard
Article Launched: 02/15/2007 04:13:43 AM PST
EUREKA -- The Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee in this off-year continues its efforts to put into effect the visions and strategies concocted over the past two years to make their party more effective locally.
This year is one that does not feature a major local election, so the central committee chose at a recent meeting to make this time one of planning and improvements. That effort got a dose of discussion at Wednesday's meeting of the committee.
The ventures include four different categories: public relations and activism, framing debates, precinct work and candidate mentoring.
”We have an opportunity where we could just take a rest ... or we could really use the time more effectively,” said committee Secretary Elaine Gray.
A series of work groups met on the four topics on Feb. 3, and developed a list of issues and potential solutions that was presented to the committee.
Discussion centered around how the ideas should be fermented and forwarded, with some concerned with how the work groups would work with the party's existing committee structure. Some, for example, worried that the group focused on framing political debates might be stepping on the toes of the current
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Communications and Education Committee.
But CEC Chairman Greg Conners said that lessons on framing messages are not necessarily the exclusive territory of his committee, although the message as put forth by the overall HCDCC should come first through his body.
Roger Smith pointed to the work of conservative partisans in honing their message, and said the discussions about how to frame debates is just about making sure everyone in the committee is equipped to eventually defeat Republicans in upcoming elections.
”There's a much bigger goal,” he said.
In other business, it seemed a good-natured homecoming when Richard Marks, former candidate for 4th District supervisor, was elected again to the HCDCC. Marks expressed frustration during the election when the committee chose to endorse a Republican -- current 4th District Supervisor Bonnie Neely -- over him.
But bygones were bygones, said committee Chairman Patrick Riggs, who ultimately voted to support Marks.
Marks was also asked if he'd exclusively vote to support Democratic candidates, given his recent support of Virginia Bass in the last Eureka mayoral election. Marks then pointed out that Democrats in the room had supported Neely against him. His election was almost unanimously supported.
James Faulk can be reached at 441-0511 or jfaulk@times-standard.com.
James Faulk The Times-Standard
Article Launched: 02/15/2007 04:13:43 AM PST
EUREKA -- The Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee in this off-year continues its efforts to put into effect the visions and strategies concocted over the past two years to make their party more effective locally.
This year is one that does not feature a major local election, so the central committee chose at a recent meeting to make this time one of planning and improvements. That effort got a dose of discussion at Wednesday's meeting of the committee.
The ventures include four different categories: public relations and activism, framing debates, precinct work and candidate mentoring.
”We have an opportunity where we could just take a rest ... or we could really use the time more effectively,” said committee Secretary Elaine Gray.
A series of work groups met on the four topics on Feb. 3, and developed a list of issues and potential solutions that was presented to the committee.
Discussion centered around how the ideas should be fermented and forwarded, with some concerned with how the work groups would work with the party's existing committee structure. Some, for example, worried that the group focused on framing political debates might be stepping on the toes of the current
Advertisement
Communications and Education Committee.
But CEC Chairman Greg Conners said that lessons on framing messages are not necessarily the exclusive territory of his committee, although the message as put forth by the overall HCDCC should come first through his body.
Roger Smith pointed to the work of conservative partisans in honing their message, and said the discussions about how to frame debates is just about making sure everyone in the committee is equipped to eventually defeat Republicans in upcoming elections.
”There's a much bigger goal,” he said.
In other business, it seemed a good-natured homecoming when Richard Marks, former candidate for 4th District supervisor, was elected again to the HCDCC. Marks expressed frustration during the election when the committee chose to endorse a Republican -- current 4th District Supervisor Bonnie Neely -- over him.
But bygones were bygones, said committee Chairman Patrick Riggs, who ultimately voted to support Marks.
Marks was also asked if he'd exclusively vote to support Democratic candidates, given his recent support of Virginia Bass in the last Eureka mayoral election. Marks then pointed out that Democrats in the room had supported Neely against him. His election was almost unanimously supported.
James Faulk can be reached at 441-0511 or jfaulk@times-standard.com.
1.22.2007
Eye - Humboldt County Democratic Party corruption
Arcata Eye - Letters to the Editor – Jan. 16, 2007
Humboldt County Democratic Party corruption
I stated in a previous Letter to the Editor that although I felt that the leadership of the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee had violated the party’s by-laws and at the very least had some very serious ethical issues in endorsing Dave Meserve, a Green Party candidate, over Mark Wheetley, a Democrat and that I would remain a Democrat. Well, being true to my word this past Wednesday, Jan. 10, I went with my check in hand along with my completed application to become an Associate Member of the party and attend the monthly meeting.
Upon entering the room where the meeting was to take place I submitted my check and application to Mr. Riggs, who then told me that it would be taken to the Executive Committee. Does this mean that not all Democrats are welcome to become Associate Members of the Central Committee? Is there a screening process? Time will tell.
Shortly after that, at 7:10 in the evening the meeting began, and considering that it was after the election and that there would be no elections till 2008, it was well attended. The agenda moved quickly and was for the most part routine.
However, there are some very interesting changes coming up as to how our Central Committee is going to operate our party on our behalf as Democrats. As a result, two questions come to mind upon reflecting on the meeting. Is it going to advance mainstream Democratic principles or continue to move farther to the extreme and continue to merge with Local Solutions and the Green Party? Or is it going to look to achieve a balance that welcomes and is inclusive of all Democrats?
The first item that gives rise to these questions was the discussion and motion to approve on the budget for 2007. This year the budget will be devoted to building the party’s infrastructure, offer training for those wishing to run for political office in 2008, and staff development. These are great places to put the party’s funds and could certainly aid in providing better and stronger candidates in the future. However, it could also be used to weed out those potential candidates that do not toe the line of the party as defined by the present leadership of the Central Committee as was evident in this past election when the leadership attempted to keep the party from endorsing Mark Wheetley for Arcata City Council.
The next item that should give some concern to us rank-and-file Democrats was the “draft” of the Questionnaire for Individuals Seeking to Run for Elected Office. On the surface, like the new direction for using the budget this appears to be a great tool to help a potential candidate reflect and sell assess his/her real desires to run for an elected office, and how much work that entails. It would be an excellent way for a non-judgmental “mentor” to assist a future candidate prepare for what lays ahead in running for office.
However, When the chair of the Campaign Services Committee, Connie Stewart, went through and explained this tool, it became clear that although it may be a tool for potential candidates to use to assess their own readiness to run for elected office, it began to sound a lot more like a screening device. Therefore it became apparent, especially when one looks over the questionnaire and listens to the explanation of its use, that it will be used to screen out Democrats that are not walking the Party line as defined by the present leadership.
If you took each of these items on their own merits and we had a more open leadership that better reflected all aspects of the party or at the very least governed that way, these two items would be a real move forward in the party becoming proactive in assisting future candidates and helping members of the party to grow.
Yet, we rank-and-file Democrats need to be very cautious! This last election clearly demonstrated that our Central Committee leadership suffers from some real flaws in their ethics and their own commitment to the party as demonstrated by their personal endorsement of a Green Party candidate over the officially endorsed Democratic candidate. In addition, our party for the most part appears to be the predominant political party in Humboldt County and thus maintains the greatest power. As a result, the leadership may be suffering from that old saying; “power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
Thus, given the change in the way the budget will be used and the new tool for “mentoring” potential candidates, will our Central Committee continue to slide into the mind-meld with Local Solutions and the Green Party and further alienating the rank-and-file Democrat? Time will tell and so will our involvement in the party to assure that it represents Democrats and does not try to impose or define for us a single definition of a Democrat or our party.
We need a guiding philosophy, not demagoguery. I fear that left to their own devices and unattended scrutiny by the majority of the party membership we will not long be the party of FDR, Truman, Kennedy or Clinton here in Humboldt County.
Sincerely,
Rick Greene
Still a Democrat and maybe even and Associate
Arcata
Humboldt County Democratic Party corruption
I stated in a previous Letter to the Editor that although I felt that the leadership of the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee had violated the party’s by-laws and at the very least had some very serious ethical issues in endorsing Dave Meserve, a Green Party candidate, over Mark Wheetley, a Democrat and that I would remain a Democrat. Well, being true to my word this past Wednesday, Jan. 10, I went with my check in hand along with my completed application to become an Associate Member of the party and attend the monthly meeting.
Upon entering the room where the meeting was to take place I submitted my check and application to Mr. Riggs, who then told me that it would be taken to the Executive Committee. Does this mean that not all Democrats are welcome to become Associate Members of the Central Committee? Is there a screening process? Time will tell.
Shortly after that, at 7:10 in the evening the meeting began, and considering that it was after the election and that there would be no elections till 2008, it was well attended. The agenda moved quickly and was for the most part routine.
However, there are some very interesting changes coming up as to how our Central Committee is going to operate our party on our behalf as Democrats. As a result, two questions come to mind upon reflecting on the meeting. Is it going to advance mainstream Democratic principles or continue to move farther to the extreme and continue to merge with Local Solutions and the Green Party? Or is it going to look to achieve a balance that welcomes and is inclusive of all Democrats?
The first item that gives rise to these questions was the discussion and motion to approve on the budget for 2007. This year the budget will be devoted to building the party’s infrastructure, offer training for those wishing to run for political office in 2008, and staff development. These are great places to put the party’s funds and could certainly aid in providing better and stronger candidates in the future. However, it could also be used to weed out those potential candidates that do not toe the line of the party as defined by the present leadership of the Central Committee as was evident in this past election when the leadership attempted to keep the party from endorsing Mark Wheetley for Arcata City Council.
The next item that should give some concern to us rank-and-file Democrats was the “draft” of the Questionnaire for Individuals Seeking to Run for Elected Office. On the surface, like the new direction for using the budget this appears to be a great tool to help a potential candidate reflect and sell assess his/her real desires to run for an elected office, and how much work that entails. It would be an excellent way for a non-judgmental “mentor” to assist a future candidate prepare for what lays ahead in running for office.
However, When the chair of the Campaign Services Committee, Connie Stewart, went through and explained this tool, it became clear that although it may be a tool for potential candidates to use to assess their own readiness to run for elected office, it began to sound a lot more like a screening device. Therefore it became apparent, especially when one looks over the questionnaire and listens to the explanation of its use, that it will be used to screen out Democrats that are not walking the Party line as defined by the present leadership.
If you took each of these items on their own merits and we had a more open leadership that better reflected all aspects of the party or at the very least governed that way, these two items would be a real move forward in the party becoming proactive in assisting future candidates and helping members of the party to grow.
Yet, we rank-and-file Democrats need to be very cautious! This last election clearly demonstrated that our Central Committee leadership suffers from some real flaws in their ethics and their own commitment to the party as demonstrated by their personal endorsement of a Green Party candidate over the officially endorsed Democratic candidate. In addition, our party for the most part appears to be the predominant political party in Humboldt County and thus maintains the greatest power. As a result, the leadership may be suffering from that old saying; “power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
Thus, given the change in the way the budget will be used and the new tool for “mentoring” potential candidates, will our Central Committee continue to slide into the mind-meld with Local Solutions and the Green Party and further alienating the rank-and-file Democrat? Time will tell and so will our involvement in the party to assure that it represents Democrats and does not try to impose or define for us a single definition of a Democrat or our party.
We need a guiding philosophy, not demagoguery. I fear that left to their own devices and unattended scrutiny by the majority of the party membership we will not long be the party of FDR, Truman, Kennedy or Clinton here in Humboldt County.
Sincerely,
Rick Greene
Still a Democrat and maybe even and Associate
Arcata
1.06.2007
ER - The Friends Of Paul Gallegos
The Friends Of Paul Gallegos Strive To Keep Gallegos In Office
by Christine Bensen The Eureka Reporter
12/10/03
Photo submitted by Ted Kirby
Richard Salzman, campaign manager for the Friends of Paul Gallegos poses with FOPG spokesmen Patrick Riggs and John Ford at the First Saturday Night Arts Alive! event held at the FOPG Headquarters.
Richard Salzman, campaign manager for the Friends of Paul Gallegos and an artist representative who helps publicize and sell artists works for advertising and other purposes, moved to Humboldt County in January 2000. He said he first heard Paul Gallegos in a 2002 radio debate with then Humboldt County District Attorney Terry Farmer.
“I liked very much what he had to say,” he said.
Salzman said he noticed right away that Gallegos didn’t seem to be a “seasoned politician” and called Gallegos with some suggestions for his next debate.
After meeting Gallegos, Salzman said he liked him and what he stood for and joined his campaign for the last six weeks before the election.
Patrick Riggs, Alice Birney Elementary School second-grade teacher, has lived in Humboldt County for 20 years and is one of the spokesmen for the Friends of Paul Gallegos.
“The FOPG is the political action committee formed under … (the) Fair Political Practices Commission to run Paul’s campaign to keep him in office,” he said.
Riggs said people began discussing the idea in late spring and FOPG was officially established in July.
Riggs said he feels the FOPG is worth his effort. The recall election, he said, will determine whether the people of Humboldt County will make the decision that will affect their future or if they will let the “Maxxam-owned Pacific Lumber Co.” make the decision for them.
Eureka Realtor John Ford, one of the spokesmen and fund-raising chairman for FOPG and an associate of the Humboldt County Republican Central Committee, has lived in Humboldt County for more than two years.
Ford said Gallegos and his wife were some of the first people he and his wife met when they moved here and one of the first things he noticed about Gallegos was how important his family is to him.
“We’re both family oriented; that means a lot to me,” Ford said.
He said he started getting involved with the FOPG because of the “whole David and Goliath aspect.”
Ford said someone involved in the timber industry told Gallegos The Pacific Lumber Co. had committed fraud and after they presented proof, “Paul went for it.”
He said it wasn’t until after the lawsuit was filed that people started talking about the need for a recall.
“We have a democratically elected District Attorney who is clearly doing the job he was elected to do,” Riggs said. “It is not about Paul Gallegos as an individual -- it is about principles.”
Salzman said Gallegos’ strong belief that all people are equal under the law is inspiring.
“It shouldn’t seem like an original concept,” he said.
Riggs said the recall drive started after Gallegos filed the lawsuit against The Pacific Lumber Co. and PL’s funding helped keep it going.
“We have a situation where a corporation is trying to remove a publicly elected official who is trying to prosecute them,” he said.
Riggs said if a bank robber were trying to do the same thing people would not take it seriously. He said the issue is about “preserving democracy here in Humboldt County.”
Ford likens the recall to a person who receives a speeding ticket and tries to get the police officer who wrote it fired.
The point is that no one is above the law, Riggs said.
He said this is about America and the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.
“Everyone should stand as an equal before the law,” Riggs said.
“Everything we’ve seen him doing are things he’d talked about (before he was elected),” Salzman said.
“It’s surprising how many people will step up and support you,” Ford said.
He said he believes local media is somewhat responsible for making people think the issue is black and white among community residents.
Ford said he knows many people with varying political beliefs who are against the recall. He said part of the reason he was chosen to be one of the spokesmen was to create some “diversity” in look and political affiliation.
“It’s not as divided as people think,” Ford said.
Ford said for now he is focusing on his fund-raising responsibilities “arraigning fund-raisers, different parties and events.”
He said after March 2 he plans to start helping with the 2006 re-election campaign for Gallegos.
Riggs said the possibility of keeping the FOPG going after the March 2 recall election has been discussed, but no decision has been made.
“Hopefully on March 2 we can have a party and go back to our normal lives,” he said.
“The idea that he can inspire so many people … it’s something we’d like to see more of in elected officials,” Salzman said.
“(The FOPG has) no other intention than to keep a decent, honest person in office,” Riggs said. “The man is doing the job he was elected to do -- there’s no question about that.”
For more information about the Friends of Paul Gallegos visit www.votegallegos.org.
by Christine Bensen The Eureka Reporter
12/10/03
Photo submitted by Ted Kirby
Richard Salzman, campaign manager for the Friends of Paul Gallegos poses with FOPG spokesmen Patrick Riggs and John Ford at the First Saturday Night Arts Alive! event held at the FOPG Headquarters.
Richard Salzman, campaign manager for the Friends of Paul Gallegos and an artist representative who helps publicize and sell artists works for advertising and other purposes, moved to Humboldt County in January 2000. He said he first heard Paul Gallegos in a 2002 radio debate with then Humboldt County District Attorney Terry Farmer.
“I liked very much what he had to say,” he said.
Salzman said he noticed right away that Gallegos didn’t seem to be a “seasoned politician” and called Gallegos with some suggestions for his next debate.
After meeting Gallegos, Salzman said he liked him and what he stood for and joined his campaign for the last six weeks before the election.
Patrick Riggs, Alice Birney Elementary School second-grade teacher, has lived in Humboldt County for 20 years and is one of the spokesmen for the Friends of Paul Gallegos.
“The FOPG is the political action committee formed under … (the) Fair Political Practices Commission to run Paul’s campaign to keep him in office,” he said.
Riggs said people began discussing the idea in late spring and FOPG was officially established in July.
Riggs said he feels the FOPG is worth his effort. The recall election, he said, will determine whether the people of Humboldt County will make the decision that will affect their future or if they will let the “Maxxam-owned Pacific Lumber Co.” make the decision for them.
Eureka Realtor John Ford, one of the spokesmen and fund-raising chairman for FOPG and an associate of the Humboldt County Republican Central Committee, has lived in Humboldt County for more than two years.
Ford said Gallegos and his wife were some of the first people he and his wife met when they moved here and one of the first things he noticed about Gallegos was how important his family is to him.
“We’re both family oriented; that means a lot to me,” Ford said.
He said he started getting involved with the FOPG because of the “whole David and Goliath aspect.”
Ford said someone involved in the timber industry told Gallegos The Pacific Lumber Co. had committed fraud and after they presented proof, “Paul went for it.”
He said it wasn’t until after the lawsuit was filed that people started talking about the need for a recall.
“We have a democratically elected District Attorney who is clearly doing the job he was elected to do,” Riggs said. “It is not about Paul Gallegos as an individual -- it is about principles.”
Salzman said Gallegos’ strong belief that all people are equal under the law is inspiring.
“It shouldn’t seem like an original concept,” he said.
Riggs said the recall drive started after Gallegos filed the lawsuit against The Pacific Lumber Co. and PL’s funding helped keep it going.
“We have a situation where a corporation is trying to remove a publicly elected official who is trying to prosecute them,” he said.
Riggs said if a bank robber were trying to do the same thing people would not take it seriously. He said the issue is about “preserving democracy here in Humboldt County.”
Ford likens the recall to a person who receives a speeding ticket and tries to get the police officer who wrote it fired.
The point is that no one is above the law, Riggs said.
He said this is about America and the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.
“Everyone should stand as an equal before the law,” Riggs said.
“Everything we’ve seen him doing are things he’d talked about (before he was elected),” Salzman said.
“It’s surprising how many people will step up and support you,” Ford said.
He said he believes local media is somewhat responsible for making people think the issue is black and white among community residents.
Ford said he knows many people with varying political beliefs who are against the recall. He said part of the reason he was chosen to be one of the spokesmen was to create some “diversity” in look and political affiliation.
“It’s not as divided as people think,” Ford said.
Ford said for now he is focusing on his fund-raising responsibilities “arraigning fund-raisers, different parties and events.”
He said after March 2 he plans to start helping with the 2006 re-election campaign for Gallegos.
Riggs said the possibility of keeping the FOPG going after the March 2 recall election has been discussed, but no decision has been made.
“Hopefully on March 2 we can have a party and go back to our normal lives,” he said.
“The idea that he can inspire so many people … it’s something we’d like to see more of in elected officials,” Salzman said.
“(The FOPG has) no other intention than to keep a decent, honest person in office,” Riggs said. “The man is doing the job he was elected to do -- there’s no question about that.”
For more information about the Friends of Paul Gallegos visit www.votegallegos.org.
ER - Partisan politics doesn’t bode well for Eureka
Partisan politics doesn’t bode well for Eureka
by Leo Sears Op-Ed The Eureka Reporter
2/16/05
“Today, I am speaking to you with a sense of urgency. Some special interests are not only urging the rejection of Robert Fasic but advocating a local developer, who gave nearly $2,000 in reported campaign donations to Rex Bohn's run for council, be appointed instead,” said Councilmember Chris Kerrigan in a Jan. 25 e-mail.
“Special-interest developers with very deep pockets are attempting to stack the Planning Commission. They'd like to see it become a rubber stamp for their personal projects – to pave the way for unchecked subdivisions and development in Eureka,” said Mayor Peter La Vallee in his Jan. 30 “My Word” article in the Times-Standard.
“I must be concerned about politicizing a nonpartisan, nonpolitical commission. Every community, including Eureka, is made up of different political groups. I am not willing to appoint anyone to this nonpolitical committee who would be perceived as a ‘win’ for one group and a ‘loss’ for another group,” is what Councilmember Jeff Leonard said about the Eureka Planning Commission appointments.
La Vallee went on to say that “proponents of rampant development are forever using words like ‘jobs,’ ‘the economy’ and ‘our youth have to leave the area.’ But if you look a bit more closely at all these buzzwords, you find that Eureka's diversified economy is already the most effective and sustainable way to deal with all those issues.”
Those of you who have been reading my weekly columns are familiar with my use of words such as "jobs," "the economy," and "our youth have to leave the area,” and you know I’m a long way from supporting “rampant development.”
I’ve have advocated long and hard for economic development that creates sustainable living-wage jobs, and I continue to write about the failure of our local economy in providing the living-wage jobs we need for a healthy and vibrant community.
The mayor’s statement that our present “economy is already the most effective and sustainable way to deal with all those issues” appears to simply parrot the mantra of the “no-growth” elements of our community in their efforts to draw the Redwood Curtain even tighter.
The quote from Kerrigan seems to speak for itself – if you didn’t support my re-election, you’re an undesirable special interest.
As to the other the councilmembers, I believe they would agree when Leonard says: “The important issue is that our community must have confidence in our Planning Commission being both fair and impartial. We need a Planning Commission that does not reflect the political agenda of any single group. We need a Planning Commission whose judgment is respected – not questioned because of their political motivations.”
Although Leonard always seems to say a great deal more than is necessary, this time around he said a great deal that needed to be said.
Patrick Riggs, Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee chairman, and founding member of the Local Solutions Political Action Committee, said he will ask the DCC to take a position on the Planning Commission issue.
The DCC has a record of supporting candidates for local office (their support of La Vallee and Kerrigan being prime examples) and politicizing nonpartisan elected and volunteer positions.
The PAC said, “The momentum in winning the initial Paul Gallegos for district attorney campaign in 2003, defeating the MAXXAM-funded DA recall campaign a year later, turning away the LNG proposal in April 2004 and winning the elections of Chris Kerrigan and Kaitlin Sopoci-Belknap in November 2004 inspired us to formally establish.
“(They) believe that the quality of life in Humboldt County is being threatened by unsustainable development and resource extraction practices in the pursuit of private profit.”
Translation: “no growth” – “slam the door on any progress.”
The PAC founders include Michael Twombly, a founding member of the Green Party of California.
Twombly is currently a director of the Redwood Peace and Justice Center, as is Dave Meserve who recently received a national Courageous Resisters Award from Refuse and Resist! for his acts against “today’s national agenda of oppression.”
The RPJC is home to the Humboldt County Conscientious Objectors, Campus Greens, EarthSave Humboldt, Food Not Bombs and other like-minded endeavors.
According to its Web site, the PAC:
• Identifies opportunities for public service in elected and appointed positions;
• Recruits, advises and trains selected candidates;
• Raises contributions and provides direct financial support to local political campaigns;
• Coordinates volunteer campaign support;
• Fashions, frames and implements media and advertising campaigns;
• Assists in establishing and maintaining campaign and volunteer databases; and
• Provides critical campaign counsel and infrastructure needs to selected candidates.
Leonard is correct when he says, “We need a Planning Commission whose judgment is respected – not questioned because of their political motivations,” and is “concerned about politicizing a nonpartisan, nonpolitical commission.”
It is quite clear where the “politicizing” is coming from, and it doesn’t bode well for our community.
by Leo Sears Op-Ed The Eureka Reporter
2/16/05
“Today, I am speaking to you with a sense of urgency. Some special interests are not only urging the rejection of Robert Fasic but advocating a local developer, who gave nearly $2,000 in reported campaign donations to Rex Bohn's run for council, be appointed instead,” said Councilmember Chris Kerrigan in a Jan. 25 e-mail.
“Special-interest developers with very deep pockets are attempting to stack the Planning Commission. They'd like to see it become a rubber stamp for their personal projects – to pave the way for unchecked subdivisions and development in Eureka,” said Mayor Peter La Vallee in his Jan. 30 “My Word” article in the Times-Standard.
“I must be concerned about politicizing a nonpartisan, nonpolitical commission. Every community, including Eureka, is made up of different political groups. I am not willing to appoint anyone to this nonpolitical committee who would be perceived as a ‘win’ for one group and a ‘loss’ for another group,” is what Councilmember Jeff Leonard said about the Eureka Planning Commission appointments.
La Vallee went on to say that “proponents of rampant development are forever using words like ‘jobs,’ ‘the economy’ and ‘our youth have to leave the area.’ But if you look a bit more closely at all these buzzwords, you find that Eureka's diversified economy is already the most effective and sustainable way to deal with all those issues.”
Those of you who have been reading my weekly columns are familiar with my use of words such as "jobs," "the economy," and "our youth have to leave the area,” and you know I’m a long way from supporting “rampant development.”
I’ve have advocated long and hard for economic development that creates sustainable living-wage jobs, and I continue to write about the failure of our local economy in providing the living-wage jobs we need for a healthy and vibrant community.
The mayor’s statement that our present “economy is already the most effective and sustainable way to deal with all those issues” appears to simply parrot the mantra of the “no-growth” elements of our community in their efforts to draw the Redwood Curtain even tighter.
The quote from Kerrigan seems to speak for itself – if you didn’t support my re-election, you’re an undesirable special interest.
As to the other the councilmembers, I believe they would agree when Leonard says: “The important issue is that our community must have confidence in our Planning Commission being both fair and impartial. We need a Planning Commission that does not reflect the political agenda of any single group. We need a Planning Commission whose judgment is respected – not questioned because of their political motivations.”
Although Leonard always seems to say a great deal more than is necessary, this time around he said a great deal that needed to be said.
Patrick Riggs, Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee chairman, and founding member of the Local Solutions Political Action Committee, said he will ask the DCC to take a position on the Planning Commission issue.
The DCC has a record of supporting candidates for local office (their support of La Vallee and Kerrigan being prime examples) and politicizing nonpartisan elected and volunteer positions.
The PAC said, “The momentum in winning the initial Paul Gallegos for district attorney campaign in 2003, defeating the MAXXAM-funded DA recall campaign a year later, turning away the LNG proposal in April 2004 and winning the elections of Chris Kerrigan and Kaitlin Sopoci-Belknap in November 2004 inspired us to formally establish.
“(They) believe that the quality of life in Humboldt County is being threatened by unsustainable development and resource extraction practices in the pursuit of private profit.”
Translation: “no growth” – “slam the door on any progress.”
The PAC founders include Michael Twombly, a founding member of the Green Party of California.
Twombly is currently a director of the Redwood Peace and Justice Center, as is Dave Meserve who recently received a national Courageous Resisters Award from Refuse and Resist! for his acts against “today’s national agenda of oppression.”
The RPJC is home to the Humboldt County Conscientious Objectors, Campus Greens, EarthSave Humboldt, Food Not Bombs and other like-minded endeavors.
According to its Web site, the PAC:
• Identifies opportunities for public service in elected and appointed positions;
• Recruits, advises and trains selected candidates;
• Raises contributions and provides direct financial support to local political campaigns;
• Coordinates volunteer campaign support;
• Fashions, frames and implements media and advertising campaigns;
• Assists in establishing and maintaining campaign and volunteer databases; and
• Provides critical campaign counsel and infrastructure needs to selected candidates.
Leonard is correct when he says, “We need a Planning Commission whose judgment is respected – not questioned because of their political motivations,” and is “concerned about politicizing a nonpartisan, nonpolitical commission.”
It is quite clear where the “politicizing” is coming from, and it doesn’t bode well for our community.
ER - Local Solutions denies allegations
Local Solutions denies allegations
by Shane Mizer, 10/23/2005
At a Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee meeting on Oct. 18, Stephen Lewis challenged the political affiliations of committee Chairman Patrick Riggs.
Lewis, a Rio Dell resident and registered Democrat, was concerned about his fears that the Local Solutions Political Action Committee’s agenda has blurred party lines between local Democrats and Greens.
“The time has come for Democrats here to decide if they are going to allow our local Democratic Party to be the political arm of a special interest group that destroys jobs and creates severe community antagonisms or if our Democratic Party stands for helping Democratic families and the whole community,” Lewis said.
Lewis was also concerned about Riggs’ membership with Local Solutions. During the committee’s meeting, Riggs did not respond to Lewis’ accusations.
Riggs provided a statement to The Eureka Reporter in regard to the matter, which read: “To the best of my knowledge, Stephen Lewis has no education, background or any other qualifications to comment on political affairs. Despite his professing grave concerns about the impact on (The Pacific Lumber Co. regarding) the district attorney’s lawsuit against that company, he failed … to vote in the March 2004 recall election. He failed to vote in the 2004 presidential primary election; he failed to vote in the November 2003 election; he failed to vote in the 2003 special election; he failed to vote in the November 2001 general election as well as the 2000 presidential election.
“In fact, as far back as the November 1999 election, he has voted only once. I have absolutely no interest in responding to any allegations such a person would make.”
Lewis’ statement also attempted to draw correlations between Richard Salzman’s Alliance for Ethical Business and Local Solutions in an effort to create controversy.
Currently, Salzman is being investigated by the Trinidad Police Department for allegedly submitting e-mails to local newspapers – including The Eureka Reporter – under false names to support a number of his political causes.
The Eureka Reporter initiated the investigation by asking the Trinidad Police Department to investigate Salzman.
“(Local Solutions is) not involved in this investigation,” Trinidad Police Chief Thrailkill said. “I am not aware of any such connection.”
One of the founding members of Local Solutions, Dennis Huber, also denies that his committee has had any direct involvement with Salzman or the Alliance for Ethical Business.
Local Solutions identifies itself as a nonpartisan political action committee that supports progressive leaders and ideas around the community.
Local Solutions does not claim affiliations with any party, Huber said.
“I found that party politics often prevent people from coming together,” Huber said. “I would support anybody that makes sense.”
Local Solutions emerged last year after members had previously worked together on campaigns and fundraisers for local officers, including District Attorney Paul Gallegos, Eureka City Councilman Chris Kerrigan and Kaitlin Sopoci-Belknap of the Humboldt Municipal Bay Water District.
The defeat of both the 2004 recall of Gallegos and the liquid nitrogen gas proposal are other issues that helped unite Local Solutions PAC’s founding members: Huber, Michael Twombly, Alice Woodworth and Riggs.
Local Solutions has a goal to raise $100,000 in donations and contributions for 2005. It intends to achieve this milestone by requesting membership pledges of $99 from Web site subscribers.
According to Huber, Local Solutions has a few hundred members, but it anticipates further growth as elections near.
Local Solutions recently held a campaign event at the Wharfinger Building in Eureka that was designed to create opposition to propositions backed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in the Nov. 8 special election.
(Shane Mizer can be reached at shane@eurekareporter.com.)
Copyright (C) 2005, The Eureka Reporter. All rights reserved.
Local Solutions related stories:
Salzman's Empire The Local Solutions sham
No connection?
It's in the Headers
Local Solutions' 460 Campaign Statements
Any doubt what Local Solutions' agenda is?
What happened to Local Solutions?
Where is "Local Solutions"?
TS - Local Solutions by Michael Twombly
ER - Another local group decries toxins and big boxes
by Shane Mizer, 10/23/2005
At a Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee meeting on Oct. 18, Stephen Lewis challenged the political affiliations of committee Chairman Patrick Riggs.
Lewis, a Rio Dell resident and registered Democrat, was concerned about his fears that the Local Solutions Political Action Committee’s agenda has blurred party lines between local Democrats and Greens.
“The time has come for Democrats here to decide if they are going to allow our local Democratic Party to be the political arm of a special interest group that destroys jobs and creates severe community antagonisms or if our Democratic Party stands for helping Democratic families and the whole community,” Lewis said.
Lewis was also concerned about Riggs’ membership with Local Solutions. During the committee’s meeting, Riggs did not respond to Lewis’ accusations.
Riggs provided a statement to The Eureka Reporter in regard to the matter, which read: “To the best of my knowledge, Stephen Lewis has no education, background or any other qualifications to comment on political affairs. Despite his professing grave concerns about the impact on (The Pacific Lumber Co. regarding) the district attorney’s lawsuit against that company, he failed … to vote in the March 2004 recall election. He failed to vote in the 2004 presidential primary election; he failed to vote in the November 2003 election; he failed to vote in the 2003 special election; he failed to vote in the November 2001 general election as well as the 2000 presidential election.
“In fact, as far back as the November 1999 election, he has voted only once. I have absolutely no interest in responding to any allegations such a person would make.”
Lewis’ statement also attempted to draw correlations between Richard Salzman’s Alliance for Ethical Business and Local Solutions in an effort to create controversy.
Currently, Salzman is being investigated by the Trinidad Police Department for allegedly submitting e-mails to local newspapers – including The Eureka Reporter – under false names to support a number of his political causes.
The Eureka Reporter initiated the investigation by asking the Trinidad Police Department to investigate Salzman.
“(Local Solutions is) not involved in this investigation,” Trinidad Police Chief Thrailkill said. “I am not aware of any such connection.”
One of the founding members of Local Solutions, Dennis Huber, also denies that his committee has had any direct involvement with Salzman or the Alliance for Ethical Business.
Local Solutions identifies itself as a nonpartisan political action committee that supports progressive leaders and ideas around the community.
Local Solutions does not claim affiliations with any party, Huber said.
“I found that party politics often prevent people from coming together,” Huber said. “I would support anybody that makes sense.”
Local Solutions emerged last year after members had previously worked together on campaigns and fundraisers for local officers, including District Attorney Paul Gallegos, Eureka City Councilman Chris Kerrigan and Kaitlin Sopoci-Belknap of the Humboldt Municipal Bay Water District.
The defeat of both the 2004 recall of Gallegos and the liquid nitrogen gas proposal are other issues that helped unite Local Solutions PAC’s founding members: Huber, Michael Twombly, Alice Woodworth and Riggs.
Local Solutions has a goal to raise $100,000 in donations and contributions for 2005. It intends to achieve this milestone by requesting membership pledges of $99 from Web site subscribers.
According to Huber, Local Solutions has a few hundred members, but it anticipates further growth as elections near.
Local Solutions recently held a campaign event at the Wharfinger Building in Eureka that was designed to create opposition to propositions backed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in the Nov. 8 special election.
(Shane Mizer can be reached at shane@eurekareporter.com.)
Copyright (C) 2005, The Eureka Reporter. All rights reserved.
Local Solutions related stories:
Salzman's Empire The Local Solutions sham
No connection?
It's in the Headers
Local Solutions' 460 Campaign Statements
Any doubt what Local Solutions' agenda is?
What happened to Local Solutions?
Where is "Local Solutions"?
TS - Local Solutions by Michael Twombly
ER - Another local group decries toxins and big boxes
ER - The Progressives political machine
lThe Progressives political machine
4/4/2006
By Stephen Lewis
Well, well, Humboldt County has its own political machine and it isn’t even Republican or Democratic, but Green, the darling of the “Green community” as Larry Evans of EPIC calls it, and he should know since EPIC is such a solid gear driving the Progressives political machinery.
Other major cogs in the Progressives’ political machine now includes the host of anti-democracy groups pushing their undemocratic, un-Constitutional Measure T and the other myriad assortment of anti-Arkley, anti-PALCO, anti-Evergreen Pulp, anti-anything that doesn’t look like another Arcata under the thumb of anti-corporate lefties.
So welcome to the Progressive elitist and well-organized activist minority. But don’t be fooled that our local Progressives’ political machine isn’t capable of running over its political opposition.
That’s what they are busily trying to do with all these coordinated political attacks on Arkleys’ Balloon Track plans, on affordable housing in Humboldt County, on Evergreen Pulp, and on PALCO. They have a clear agenda to get rid of any and all large corporate businesses in Humboldt County and they don’t give a rat’s behind who suffers the consequences as long as they win.
I pity Greg Allen, steering committee chairperson for the Humboldt Greens, as he finds himself the target of ouster by fellow Greens for having a lawyer’s sense and knowledge of the un-Constitutionality of Measure T that the Green Party cog of the Progressives political machine has endorsed.
These people don’t care about Constitutional rights if Constitutional rights interfere with their overriding political agenda — which is destruction of the corporate capitalist system; in other words, the perennial goal of militant lefties for the past 150 years. Militancy means no deviation from the chain of command so Allen must go.
Democrats not affiliated with the Progressives political machine also pay the price of dissent as Local Solutions member of the Progressive political machine’s P.A.C., Patrick Riggs, guides the HCDCC to scrap its own democratic principles in order to derail fellow Democrats running for office like Worth Dikeman and Jill Geist. No deviation from the Progressives political machine’s agenda allowed.
Some will remember my column last year when Patrick Riggs used his Progressives Local Solution’s control over the HCDCC to rig Democratic Party rules in order to silence my or any other Democrat’s critical input at HCDCC meetings.
Months after the fact one recently reads that HCDCC rules are officially changed but the old rules were in place that allowed me to speak when I did but was formally banned by Riggs from doing so again to my fellow Democrats.
This is how Worth Dikeman is limited to three whole minutes to explain his platform to fellow Democrats while Paul Gallegos enjoys virtually unlimited access because Gallegos is the Progressives man carrying the Progressives political machine’s anti-PALCO, anti-corporate, anti-democracy agenda into the District Attorney’s Office.
This is the agenda that continues to bankrupt our county with ill-conceived lawsuits we end up paying for. This is the agenda that has taken away hundreds of jobs at PALCO through the environmental lawsuiting arms of the Progressives political machine, EPIC and Humboldt Watershed Council.
This is the agenda that wants to shut down Evergreen Pulp and take away 170 jobs. This is the agenda that seeks to stop Humboldt residents from finding reasonably priced homes; this is the agenda that seeks to stop Humboldt residents from finding the best prices for goods by derailing any discount department store building such as Home Depot.
Local shopkeepers fearing discount stores and eatery prices like Larry Glass, owner of The Works, and Jim Ferguson, owner of the Organically Delicious Cafe, have joined the Progressives political machine’s protest against Arkleys’ Home Depot and other Marina Center stores in order to thwart competition.
Humboldt County residents employed by corporations such as PALCO or Evergreen have already felt the Progressives political machine’s jaws. Who will be next in line to become political victims? Anyone who speaks out against the Progressive political machine such as Debi August, who paid the price for dissent.
Wake up, residents and take back your county from the Progressives political machine run by those who care only for their own politically correct anti-corporate Green community.
(Stephen Lewis is a Rio Dell resident who is a guest columnist.)
Copyright (C) 2005, The Eureka Reporter. All rights reserved.
4/4/2006
By Stephen Lewis
Well, well, Humboldt County has its own political machine and it isn’t even Republican or Democratic, but Green, the darling of the “Green community” as Larry Evans of EPIC calls it, and he should know since EPIC is such a solid gear driving the Progressives political machinery.
Other major cogs in the Progressives’ political machine now includes the host of anti-democracy groups pushing their undemocratic, un-Constitutional Measure T and the other myriad assortment of anti-Arkley, anti-PALCO, anti-Evergreen Pulp, anti-anything that doesn’t look like another Arcata under the thumb of anti-corporate lefties.
So welcome to the Progressive elitist and well-organized activist minority. But don’t be fooled that our local Progressives’ political machine isn’t capable of running over its political opposition.
That’s what they are busily trying to do with all these coordinated political attacks on Arkleys’ Balloon Track plans, on affordable housing in Humboldt County, on Evergreen Pulp, and on PALCO. They have a clear agenda to get rid of any and all large corporate businesses in Humboldt County and they don’t give a rat’s behind who suffers the consequences as long as they win.
I pity Greg Allen, steering committee chairperson for the Humboldt Greens, as he finds himself the target of ouster by fellow Greens for having a lawyer’s sense and knowledge of the un-Constitutionality of Measure T that the Green Party cog of the Progressives political machine has endorsed.
These people don’t care about Constitutional rights if Constitutional rights interfere with their overriding political agenda — which is destruction of the corporate capitalist system; in other words, the perennial goal of militant lefties for the past 150 years. Militancy means no deviation from the chain of command so Allen must go.
Democrats not affiliated with the Progressives political machine also pay the price of dissent as Local Solutions member of the Progressive political machine’s P.A.C., Patrick Riggs, guides the HCDCC to scrap its own democratic principles in order to derail fellow Democrats running for office like Worth Dikeman and Jill Geist. No deviation from the Progressives political machine’s agenda allowed.
Some will remember my column last year when Patrick Riggs used his Progressives Local Solution’s control over the HCDCC to rig Democratic Party rules in order to silence my or any other Democrat’s critical input at HCDCC meetings.
Months after the fact one recently reads that HCDCC rules are officially changed but the old rules were in place that allowed me to speak when I did but was formally banned by Riggs from doing so again to my fellow Democrats.
This is how Worth Dikeman is limited to three whole minutes to explain his platform to fellow Democrats while Paul Gallegos enjoys virtually unlimited access because Gallegos is the Progressives man carrying the Progressives political machine’s anti-PALCO, anti-corporate, anti-democracy agenda into the District Attorney’s Office.
This is the agenda that continues to bankrupt our county with ill-conceived lawsuits we end up paying for. This is the agenda that has taken away hundreds of jobs at PALCO through the environmental lawsuiting arms of the Progressives political machine, EPIC and Humboldt Watershed Council.
This is the agenda that wants to shut down Evergreen Pulp and take away 170 jobs. This is the agenda that seeks to stop Humboldt residents from finding reasonably priced homes; this is the agenda that seeks to stop Humboldt residents from finding the best prices for goods by derailing any discount department store building such as Home Depot.
Local shopkeepers fearing discount stores and eatery prices like Larry Glass, owner of The Works, and Jim Ferguson, owner of the Organically Delicious Cafe, have joined the Progressives political machine’s protest against Arkleys’ Home Depot and other Marina Center stores in order to thwart competition.
Humboldt County residents employed by corporations such as PALCO or Evergreen have already felt the Progressives political machine’s jaws. Who will be next in line to become political victims? Anyone who speaks out against the Progressive political machine such as Debi August, who paid the price for dissent.
Wake up, residents and take back your county from the Progressives political machine run by those who care only for their own politically correct anti-corporate Green community.
(Stephen Lewis is a Rio Dell resident who is a guest columnist.)
Copyright (C) 2005, The Eureka Reporter. All rights reserved.
ER - HCDCC not democratic
HCDCC not democratic
by Stephen Lewis, 4/22/2006
In last Friday’s Eureka Reporter was the misleading story of how “Democrats overwhelmingly vote to endorse Gallegos.”
It was misleading because it reports how Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee members “overwhelmingly” endorsed Paul Gallegos.
Humboldt Democrats are a bit larger in number than the 20 or so HCDCC members, so their endorsement only speaks for them, not the rank and file of the majority of Democrats in Humboldt County.
The endorsement shouldn’t surprise anyone as it is no secret that today’s HCDCC is solidly “Progressive” with no real distinction from Humboldt Greens in political philosophy and campaigns.
If you are a Democrat, your local Democratic Party representatives now only represent you if you agree with the Progressives’ anti-corporate, anti-PALCO, anti-Evergreen Pulp, anti-Arkley, anti-industrial development, anti-growth of any kind for Humboldt County that doesn’t look like Arcata.
Of course, you must also be solidly pro-Gallegos, the Progressives’ man in the District Attorney’s Office working hard for the Progressive political machine that got him elected, saved him from recall, and wants to return him to office again in spite of his dismal record doing their bidding, e.g., their failed lawsuit against PALCO, and special prosecutor Tim Stoen’s failed attempt to remove Debi August from office for her outspoken opposition to the PALCO lawsuit.
Both lawsuits have cost Humboldt County residents hundreds of thousands of dollars that our county government can’t afford. Gallegos is key to the Progressives political machine’s success. HCDCC voted to endorse Gallegos since Gallegos’ former campaign manager, Richard Salzman, set up the original Progressives political machine, the Alliance for Ethical Business, which morphed to become Local Solutions.
Conveniently, Local Solutions not only shares the same building as the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee but the same person, Patrick Riggs, is in charge of both groups. Riggs has rigged the HCDCC now so that any Democrat who opposes the Local Solutions political agenda doesn’t get recognized by his HCDCC.
“They are not active party Democrats,” says HCDCC subcommittee chairperson, Greg Conners.
In other words, if you don’t tow the HCDCC’s Progressives’ political line, you’re not really an active Democrat, which was news to me when Riggs used this same undemocratic reasoning and the power of his office to effectively deny me any input into HCDCC policies.
He seems to have done the same to Worth Dikeman and Jill Geist, both fellow Democrats, both good, solid Democratic candidates for office, yet both virtually ignored by HCDCC because these Democrats are seen as opposing the HCDCC “Progressive” political agenda and the HCDCC candidate choice for the District Attorney’s Office.
This then is “democracy” in action for Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee members who seem to have either an extremely poor understanding of what democratic principles are all about or an overriding political agenda that is quite willing to abrogate democratic principles when such principles get in the way of the real cause: Progressive destruction of our corporate-based economy.
High on the list of Progressives’ anti-corporate political actions is Measure T, which claims to protect democracy but actually does just the opposite, effectively disenfranchising Humboldt residents who happen to own or work for one of the many corporations that supply most of our goods and services and provide the majority of jobs in Humboldt County.
If Measure T should pass and become a law, it will be overturned as being unconstitutional and, once again, Humboldt County residents will end up paying the bill for another ill-conceived political attack on corporate industry in Humboldt County.
But remember, that’s OK to Progressives who want to use your tax money to buy their next anti-corporate political step: obtaining national publicity for Measure T by taking it to the Supreme Court if necessary.
What should be scary to the majority of Democrats in Humboldt County is that the Progressive political machine is now powerful enough to not only control our Democratic Party political policies through the current HCDCC, but it can also obtain political endorsements for their candidate for district attorney from major Democrats in office like Bill Lockyer, despite Paul Gallegos supporting the very un-Constitutional Measure T.
I hope that my fellow Democrats understand that what really matters for the District Attorney’s Office are two things: 1) dedication to upholding the Constitutional laws of the land, and 2) establishing a solid relationship of trust and teamwork with Humboldt County law enforcement which the district attorney heads as team captain.
(Stephen Lewis is Rio Dell resident.)
Copyright (C) 2005, The Eureka Reporter. All rights reserved.
Local Solutions related stories:
Salzman's Empire The Local Solutions sham
No connection?
It's in the Headers
Local Solutions' 460 Campaign Statements
Any doubt what Local Solutions' agenda is?
What happened to Local Solutions?
Where is "Local Solutions"?
TS - Local Solutions by Michael Twombly
ER - Another local group decries toxins and big boxes
by Stephen Lewis, 4/22/2006
In last Friday’s Eureka Reporter was the misleading story of how “Democrats overwhelmingly vote to endorse Gallegos.”
It was misleading because it reports how Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee members “overwhelmingly” endorsed Paul Gallegos.
Humboldt Democrats are a bit larger in number than the 20 or so HCDCC members, so their endorsement only speaks for them, not the rank and file of the majority of Democrats in Humboldt County.
The endorsement shouldn’t surprise anyone as it is no secret that today’s HCDCC is solidly “Progressive” with no real distinction from Humboldt Greens in political philosophy and campaigns.
If you are a Democrat, your local Democratic Party representatives now only represent you if you agree with the Progressives’ anti-corporate, anti-PALCO, anti-Evergreen Pulp, anti-Arkley, anti-industrial development, anti-growth of any kind for Humboldt County that doesn’t look like Arcata.
Of course, you must also be solidly pro-Gallegos, the Progressives’ man in the District Attorney’s Office working hard for the Progressive political machine that got him elected, saved him from recall, and wants to return him to office again in spite of his dismal record doing their bidding, e.g., their failed lawsuit against PALCO, and special prosecutor Tim Stoen’s failed attempt to remove Debi August from office for her outspoken opposition to the PALCO lawsuit.
Both lawsuits have cost Humboldt County residents hundreds of thousands of dollars that our county government can’t afford. Gallegos is key to the Progressives political machine’s success. HCDCC voted to endorse Gallegos since Gallegos’ former campaign manager, Richard Salzman, set up the original Progressives political machine, the Alliance for Ethical Business, which morphed to become Local Solutions.
Conveniently, Local Solutions not only shares the same building as the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee but the same person, Patrick Riggs, is in charge of both groups. Riggs has rigged the HCDCC now so that any Democrat who opposes the Local Solutions political agenda doesn’t get recognized by his HCDCC.
“They are not active party Democrats,” says HCDCC subcommittee chairperson, Greg Conners.
In other words, if you don’t tow the HCDCC’s Progressives’ political line, you’re not really an active Democrat, which was news to me when Riggs used this same undemocratic reasoning and the power of his office to effectively deny me any input into HCDCC policies.
He seems to have done the same to Worth Dikeman and Jill Geist, both fellow Democrats, both good, solid Democratic candidates for office, yet both virtually ignored by HCDCC because these Democrats are seen as opposing the HCDCC “Progressive” political agenda and the HCDCC candidate choice for the District Attorney’s Office.
This then is “democracy” in action for Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee members who seem to have either an extremely poor understanding of what democratic principles are all about or an overriding political agenda that is quite willing to abrogate democratic principles when such principles get in the way of the real cause: Progressive destruction of our corporate-based economy.
High on the list of Progressives’ anti-corporate political actions is Measure T, which claims to protect democracy but actually does just the opposite, effectively disenfranchising Humboldt residents who happen to own or work for one of the many corporations that supply most of our goods and services and provide the majority of jobs in Humboldt County.
If Measure T should pass and become a law, it will be overturned as being unconstitutional and, once again, Humboldt County residents will end up paying the bill for another ill-conceived political attack on corporate industry in Humboldt County.
But remember, that’s OK to Progressives who want to use your tax money to buy their next anti-corporate political step: obtaining national publicity for Measure T by taking it to the Supreme Court if necessary.
What should be scary to the majority of Democrats in Humboldt County is that the Progressive political machine is now powerful enough to not only control our Democratic Party political policies through the current HCDCC, but it can also obtain political endorsements for their candidate for district attorney from major Democrats in office like Bill Lockyer, despite Paul Gallegos supporting the very un-Constitutional Measure T.
I hope that my fellow Democrats understand that what really matters for the District Attorney’s Office are two things: 1) dedication to upholding the Constitutional laws of the land, and 2) establishing a solid relationship of trust and teamwork with Humboldt County law enforcement which the district attorney heads as team captain.
(Stephen Lewis is Rio Dell resident.)
Copyright (C) 2005, The Eureka Reporter. All rights reserved.
Local Solutions related stories:
Salzman's Empire The Local Solutions sham
No connection?
It's in the Headers
Local Solutions' 460 Campaign Statements
Any doubt what Local Solutions' agenda is?
What happened to Local Solutions?
Where is "Local Solutions"?
TS - Local Solutions by Michael Twombly
ER - Another local group decries toxins and big boxes
1.01.2007
Letter to Editor/Children Better Off
2/23/04
Children Better Off
With Gallegos As DA
Dear Editor,
As a second-grade teacher, I am deeply concerned with children’s safety in our community. My children and yours are better protected now, with Paul Gallegos as district attorney, than they have ever been before.
The facts on crime are that he has filed nearly 8,000 cases in his first year in office, a record-high number. Within this context, he has increased felony prosecutions by 15 percent and has obtained 366 convictions for domestic abuse alone, a 17 percent increase over the 2002 figure. Paul Gallegos is tough on crime.
False arguments to the contrary are merely a cover for Pacific Lumber’s attempt to buy its way out of being one of those 8,000 defendants.
According to official state documents, PL and its dependent contractors have contributed 94 percent of the $220,000 raised by the recall committee. Conversely, more than 3,000 Humboldt County residents have contributed personally to support Paul Gallegos.
It is an insult to all who live, work and vote in Humboldt County that this travesty of justice – spearheaded by an outside agitator hired by PL to, in his own words, “take him (Gallegos) out” – has been given any play whatsoever.
There is no ... deplorable action (that Safety Yes! spokesman Rob Flanigan) will not take in pursuit of his goal. Surely we – especially including the many honorable and hard-working employees of Pacific Lumber – are too smart to be taken in by this ruthless corporate power grab, and by the distorted arguments put forth by its hired guns.
Humboldt folks are a tough and fearless group. We will stand up for America’s democratic principles on March 2 by soundly rejecting the baseless Measure F recall. We will search our hearts and think clearly: Then we will vote for America and for democracy by voting no on Measure F.
Patrick Riggs
Stafford
Children Better Off
With Gallegos As DA
Dear Editor,
As a second-grade teacher, I am deeply concerned with children’s safety in our community. My children and yours are better protected now, with Paul Gallegos as district attorney, than they have ever been before.
The facts on crime are that he has filed nearly 8,000 cases in his first year in office, a record-high number. Within this context, he has increased felony prosecutions by 15 percent and has obtained 366 convictions for domestic abuse alone, a 17 percent increase over the 2002 figure. Paul Gallegos is tough on crime.
False arguments to the contrary are merely a cover for Pacific Lumber’s attempt to buy its way out of being one of those 8,000 defendants.
According to official state documents, PL and its dependent contractors have contributed 94 percent of the $220,000 raised by the recall committee. Conversely, more than 3,000 Humboldt County residents have contributed personally to support Paul Gallegos.
It is an insult to all who live, work and vote in Humboldt County that this travesty of justice – spearheaded by an outside agitator hired by PL to, in his own words, “take him (Gallegos) out” – has been given any play whatsoever.
There is no ... deplorable action (that Safety Yes! spokesman Rob Flanigan) will not take in pursuit of his goal. Surely we – especially including the many honorable and hard-working employees of Pacific Lumber – are too smart to be taken in by this ruthless corporate power grab, and by the distorted arguments put forth by its hired guns.
Humboldt folks are a tough and fearless group. We will stand up for America’s democratic principles on March 2 by soundly rejecting the baseless Measure F recall. We will search our hearts and think clearly: Then we will vote for America and for democracy by voting no on Measure F.
Patrick Riggs
Stafford
12.23.2006
ER - County is in need
County is in need of progressive, civic-minded individuals
12/22/2006
Dear Editor,
I, Shannon Gillespie, wish to offer my personal thanks to those 1,677 Democratic voters in the 3rd District who elected me on June 6 to represent their interests on the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee. Unfortunately, I will be unable to serve my elected two-year term of office.
The current members of the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee have selected Shane Brinton to take the central committee seat for which I was elected.
At Shane Brinton’s personal request, I had a conversation with him after my election to the HCDCC. I was impressed with his directness and honesty, especially regarding the well-known sad state of affairs concerning our local, entrenched Democratic politicians.
On June 10, Shane Brinton posted these forthright comments online at the Humboldt Herald (humboldt-herald.blogspot.com)
“Richard [Marks] pulled 25 percent without (HCDCC Chairperson Patrick) Riggs or Berg/Chesbro/Thompson. With Democratic and/or union support, he could have taken out Nancy Flemming, but people like Riggs and Loco Solutions don’t care. They want Nancy to look more powerful than she is, so that they can scare us and keep us in line. A runoff between Marks and Neely would have threatened established Democrats and created the possibility for a paradigm shift in the party and the local progressive community. It’s the same reason that Riggs withdrew his endorsement of me during my school board race. Real progressives are scary because we can actually create change. Yes, please vote for Bonnie. We have to beat Arkley/Flemming. But don’t forget how we got here. Don’t forget that 17 members of the Democratic Central Committee handed us a runoff between two Republicans.”
Furthermore, I would like to encourage anyone who may be interested in running for your political party’s central committee in the June 2008 primary election to contact the Humboldt County Elections Office at 707-445-7581 for more information.
You do not need any money to become a candidate. All it takes is a petition signed by 20 registered voters, and you are on the ballot.
Humboldt County is in need of progressive, civic-minded individuals who are willing to take a stand against the ineffective, unresponsive political “leaders” of our community. It is time for a change, and you can be part of it. Please, get involved.
Shannon Gillespie, Arcata
(Rob and Cherie Arkley own Security National, which owns The Eureka Reporter.)
Copyright (C) 2005, The Eureka Reporter. All rights reserved.
12/22/2006
Dear Editor,
I, Shannon Gillespie, wish to offer my personal thanks to those 1,677 Democratic voters in the 3rd District who elected me on June 6 to represent their interests on the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee. Unfortunately, I will be unable to serve my elected two-year term of office.
The current members of the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee have selected Shane Brinton to take the central committee seat for which I was elected.
At Shane Brinton’s personal request, I had a conversation with him after my election to the HCDCC. I was impressed with his directness and honesty, especially regarding the well-known sad state of affairs concerning our local, entrenched Democratic politicians.
On June 10, Shane Brinton posted these forthright comments online at the Humboldt Herald (humboldt-herald.blogspot.com)
“Richard [Marks] pulled 25 percent without (HCDCC Chairperson Patrick) Riggs or Berg/Chesbro/Thompson. With Democratic and/or union support, he could have taken out Nancy Flemming, but people like Riggs and Loco Solutions don’t care. They want Nancy to look more powerful than she is, so that they can scare us and keep us in line. A runoff between Marks and Neely would have threatened established Democrats and created the possibility for a paradigm shift in the party and the local progressive community. It’s the same reason that Riggs withdrew his endorsement of me during my school board race. Real progressives are scary because we can actually create change. Yes, please vote for Bonnie. We have to beat Arkley/Flemming. But don’t forget how we got here. Don’t forget that 17 members of the Democratic Central Committee handed us a runoff between two Republicans.”
Furthermore, I would like to encourage anyone who may be interested in running for your political party’s central committee in the June 2008 primary election to contact the Humboldt County Elections Office at 707-445-7581 for more information.
You do not need any money to become a candidate. All it takes is a petition signed by 20 registered voters, and you are on the ballot.
Humboldt County is in need of progressive, civic-minded individuals who are willing to take a stand against the ineffective, unresponsive political “leaders” of our community. It is time for a change, and you can be part of it. Please, get involved.
Shannon Gillespie, Arcata
(Rob and Cherie Arkley own Security National, which owns The Eureka Reporter.)
Copyright (C) 2005, The Eureka Reporter. All rights reserved.
12.07.2006
TS - Dikeman calls on Riggs to recuse himself
Dikeman calls on Riggs to recuse himself from DA endorsements
The Times-Standard
04/01/2006 4:09 PM PST
EUREKA -- Worth Dikeman, the deputy district attorney who is challenging his boss, District Attorney Paul Gallegos, Friday called on Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee Chairman Patrick Riggs to recuse himself from endorsing any candidate.
In a letter to the Democratic Central Committee, Dikeman said, "It is incomprehensible to me that this committee is considering endorsing one Democrat over another in the nonpartisan race for district attorney.
Both Gallegos and Dikeman are Democrats.
"As a spokesman for the Friends of Paul Gallegos, (Riggs) has been actively campaigning for Gallegos, both individually and through his political action committee Local Solutions (which lists as the top reason to join Local Solutions, 'Worth Dikeman may become your next district attorney.'"
Dikeman concluded, "I am asking you again, please do not endorse one Democrat to the detriment of another. Do not depart from historical precedent, If, however, you feel you must render an endorsement, I am the more qualified candidate."
Efforts to reach Riggs or the Humboldt Democratic Party for comment were unsuccessful.
The Times-Standard
04/01/2006 4:09 PM PST
EUREKA -- Worth Dikeman, the deputy district attorney who is challenging his boss, District Attorney Paul Gallegos, Friday called on Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee Chairman Patrick Riggs to recuse himself from endorsing any candidate.
In a letter to the Democratic Central Committee, Dikeman said, "It is incomprehensible to me that this committee is considering endorsing one Democrat over another in the nonpartisan race for district attorney.
Both Gallegos and Dikeman are Democrats.
"As a spokesman for the Friends of Paul Gallegos, (Riggs) has been actively campaigning for Gallegos, both individually and through his political action committee Local Solutions (which lists as the top reason to join Local Solutions, 'Worth Dikeman may become your next district attorney.'"
Dikeman concluded, "I am asking you again, please do not endorse one Democrat to the detriment of another. Do not depart from historical precedent, If, however, you feel you must render an endorsement, I am the more qualified candidate."
Efforts to reach Riggs or the Humboldt Democratic Party for comment were unsuccessful.
ER - Reader would vote for Dikeman even if he were a Republican
Reader would vote for Dikeman even if he were a Republican
by Mary Shively-Boughton, 4/9/2006
Dear Editor,
There are just a couple of things I’d like to add to Worth Dikeman’s recent article: Don’t worry too much about Patty Berg’s endorsement of Paul Gallegos. I’ve worked with her previously on a committee and she does not study issues thoroughly before having her mind made up.
You also might have mentioned that Mr. Gallegos does not always take advantage of expert witnesses that have been asked to testify for the state. When someone flies into Humboldt County for an important trial, it’s probably worth more than two quick questions.
The community has been wondering what is going on with the Democratic Party leadership, and I expect a few people to start taking action on things soon. It would be good for the Democratic Party to reassess any previous endorsements in the district attorney race for Humboldt County and not only because it is inappropriate to endorse one Democrat over another, causing dissension in the party. Is that really a good idea?
Most Americans would like to see politics become free of crime, scandal and embarrassment, and that could start here in Humboldt County. Paul Gallegos needs to answer to the charges brought up in Worth Dikeman’s article and Patrick Riggs needs to step down from his position as party chair if he values lobbying over representing the Democratic Party as a whole.
A final note: I want an experienced prosecutor with the knowledge and integrity to do what is right — not make excuses all the time. You just can’t get a prosecutor out of a defense attorney sometimes. I’d vote for Worth Dikeman even he were a Republican.
Copyright (C) 2005, The Eureka Reporter. All rights reserved.
by Mary Shively-Boughton, 4/9/2006
Dear Editor,
There are just a couple of things I’d like to add to Worth Dikeman’s recent article: Don’t worry too much about Patty Berg’s endorsement of Paul Gallegos. I’ve worked with her previously on a committee and she does not study issues thoroughly before having her mind made up.
You also might have mentioned that Mr. Gallegos does not always take advantage of expert witnesses that have been asked to testify for the state. When someone flies into Humboldt County for an important trial, it’s probably worth more than two quick questions.
The community has been wondering what is going on with the Democratic Party leadership, and I expect a few people to start taking action on things soon. It would be good for the Democratic Party to reassess any previous endorsements in the district attorney race for Humboldt County and not only because it is inappropriate to endorse one Democrat over another, causing dissension in the party. Is that really a good idea?
Most Americans would like to see politics become free of crime, scandal and embarrassment, and that could start here in Humboldt County. Paul Gallegos needs to answer to the charges brought up in Worth Dikeman’s article and Patrick Riggs needs to step down from his position as party chair if he values lobbying over representing the Democratic Party as a whole.
A final note: I want an experienced prosecutor with the knowledge and integrity to do what is right — not make excuses all the time. You just can’t get a prosecutor out of a defense attorney sometimes. I’d vote for Worth Dikeman even he were a Republican.
Copyright (C) 2005, The Eureka Reporter. All rights reserved.
Progressives should call themselves 'Regressives'
Progressives should call themselves 'Regressives'
5/8/2006
Dear Editor,
After reading Paul Calovitch’s letter to The Eureka Reporter on April 25, I feel I must respond, Calovitch’s letter wades through countless banter and personal attacks on Worth Dikeman quoting fact but citing none. His letter is reduced to personal attacks and name-calling. His final assault on Dikeman refers to a recent rape case in which he refers to Dikeman’s poor performance.
My question, how would he know how Dikeman’s performance was? He was not in the courtroom. I was. I was on the jury, and Worth Dikeman did an outstanding job presenting the facts on the case, only to lose due to inconsistent and contradictory testimony from the (alleged) victim.
Which brings me to another observation. Dikeman is belittled in recent letters to the editor by minions of the Progressive left wing of the local Democratic party. He is a career prosecutor with an outstanding record. The Humboldt County Central Democratic Committee, controlled by a minority of Progressives, has chosen Gallegos because of his progressive stance and personal vendettas toward PALCO, etc.; thereby issuing an edict to conservative Democrats they are not wanted nor needed.
Conservative Democrats basically need not apply. A litmus test must in place. Worth Dikeman is a career prosecutor with the law in mind, not a Progressive/Green agenda. He has my support, and we need a prosecutor who looks at law based on fact, not on what the local Humboldt County Central Democratic Committee dictates.
Which brings me to another observation. How does the Democratic Central Committee, which supposedly supports labor, go about trying to crush a business that employees the largest labor force in the county? I see the same thing with the Arkley project. The rail yard has been sitting idle for years, but when a political adversary has plans, then hell and damnation to stop them. Progressives? They should call themselves Regressives.
Ed Quier
Eureka
5/8/2006
Dear Editor,
After reading Paul Calovitch’s letter to The Eureka Reporter on April 25, I feel I must respond, Calovitch’s letter wades through countless banter and personal attacks on Worth Dikeman quoting fact but citing none. His letter is reduced to personal attacks and name-calling. His final assault on Dikeman refers to a recent rape case in which he refers to Dikeman’s poor performance.
My question, how would he know how Dikeman’s performance was? He was not in the courtroom. I was. I was on the jury, and Worth Dikeman did an outstanding job presenting the facts on the case, only to lose due to inconsistent and contradictory testimony from the (alleged) victim.
Which brings me to another observation. Dikeman is belittled in recent letters to the editor by minions of the Progressive left wing of the local Democratic party. He is a career prosecutor with an outstanding record. The Humboldt County Central Democratic Committee, controlled by a minority of Progressives, has chosen Gallegos because of his progressive stance and personal vendettas toward PALCO, etc.; thereby issuing an edict to conservative Democrats they are not wanted nor needed.
Conservative Democrats basically need not apply. A litmus test must in place. Worth Dikeman is a career prosecutor with the law in mind, not a Progressive/Green agenda. He has my support, and we need a prosecutor who looks at law based on fact, not on what the local Humboldt County Central Democratic Committee dictates.
Which brings me to another observation. How does the Democratic Central Committee, which supposedly supports labor, go about trying to crush a business that employees the largest labor force in the county? I see the same thing with the Arkley project. The rail yard has been sitting idle for years, but when a political adversary has plans, then hell and damnation to stop them. Progressives? They should call themselves Regressives.
Ed Quier
Eureka
12.03.2006
ER - The Progressives political machine
The Progressives political machine
4/4/2006
The Eureka Reporter
Op Ed By Stephen Lewis
Well, well, Humboldt County has its own political machine and it isn’t even Republican or Democratic, but Green, the darling of the “Green community” as Larry Evans of EPIC calls it, and he should know since EPIC is such a solid gear driving the Progressives political machinery.
Other major cogs in the Progressives’ political machine now includes the host of anti-democracy groups pushing their undemocratic, un-Constitutional Measure T and the other myriad assortment of anti-Arkley, anti-PALCO, anti-Evergreen Pulp, anti-anything that doesn’t look like another Arcata under the thumb of anti-corporate lefties.
So welcome to the Progressive elitist and well-organized activist minority. But don’t be fooled that our local Progressives’ political machine isn’t capable of running over its political opposition.
That’s what they are busily trying to do with all these coordinated political attacks on Arkleys’ Balloon Track plans, on affordable housing in Humboldt County, on Evergreen Pulp, and on PALCO. They have a clear agenda to get rid of any and all large corporate businesses in Humboldt County and they don’t give a rat’s behind who suffers the consequences as long as they win.
I pity Greg Allen, steering committee chairperson for the Humboldt Greens, as he finds himself the target of ouster by fellow Greens for having a lawyer’s sense and knowledge of the un-Constitutionality of Measure T that the Green Party cog of the Progressives political machine has endorsed.
These people don’t care about Constitutional rights if Constitutional rights interfere with their overriding political agenda — which is destruction of the corporate capitalist system; in other words, the perennial goal of militant lefties for the past 150 years. Militancy means no deviation from the chain of command so Allen must go.
Democrats not affiliated with the Progressives political machine also pay the price of dissent as Local Solutions member of the Progressive political machine’s P.A.C., Patrick Riggs, guides the HCDCC to scrap its own democratic principles in order to derail fellow Democrats running for office like Worth Dikeman and Jill Geist. No deviation from the Progressives political machine’s agenda allowed.
Some will remember my column last year when Patrick Riggs used his Progressives Local Solution’s control over the HCDCC to rig Democratic Party rules in order to silence my or any other Democrat’s critical input at HCDCC meetings.
Months after the fact one recently reads that HCDCC rules are officially changed but the old rules were in place that allowed me to speak when I did but was formally banned by Riggs from doing so again to my fellow Democrats.
This is how Worth Dikeman is limited to three whole minutes to explain his platform to fellow Democrats while Paul Gallegos enjoys virtually unlimited access because Gallegos is the Progressives man carrying the Progressives political machine’s anti-PALCO, anti-corporate, anti-democracy agenda into the District Attorney’s Office.
This is the agenda that continues to bankrupt our county with ill-conceived lawsuits we end up paying for. This is the agenda that has taken away hundreds of jobs at PALCO through the environmental lawsuiting arms of the Progressives political machine, EPIC and Humboldt Watershed Council.
This is the agenda that wants to shut down Evergreen Pulp and take away 170 jobs. This is the agenda that seeks to stop Humboldt residents from finding reasonably priced homes; this is the agenda that seeks to stop Humboldt residents from finding the best prices for goods by derailing any discount department store building such as Home Depot.
Local shopkeepers fearing discount stores and eatery prices like Larry Glass, owner of The Works, and Jim Ferguson, owner of the Organically Delicious Cafe, have joined the Progressives political machine’s protest against Arkleys’ Home Depot and other Marina Center stores in order to thwart competition.
Humboldt County residents employed by corporations such as PALCO or Evergreen have already felt the Progressives political machine’s jaws. Who will be next in line to become political victims? Anyone who speaks out against the Progressive political machine such as Debi August, who paid the price for dissent.
Wake up, residents and take back your county from the Progressives political machine run by those who care only for their own politically correct anti-corporate Green community.
(Stephen Lewis is a Rio Dell resident who is a guest columnist.)
Copyright (C) 2005, The Eureka Reporter. All rights reserved.
4/4/2006
The Eureka Reporter
Op Ed By Stephen Lewis
Well, well, Humboldt County has its own political machine and it isn’t even Republican or Democratic, but Green, the darling of the “Green community” as Larry Evans of EPIC calls it, and he should know since EPIC is such a solid gear driving the Progressives political machinery.
Other major cogs in the Progressives’ political machine now includes the host of anti-democracy groups pushing their undemocratic, un-Constitutional Measure T and the other myriad assortment of anti-Arkley, anti-PALCO, anti-Evergreen Pulp, anti-anything that doesn’t look like another Arcata under the thumb of anti-corporate lefties.
So welcome to the Progressive elitist and well-organized activist minority. But don’t be fooled that our local Progressives’ political machine isn’t capable of running over its political opposition.
That’s what they are busily trying to do with all these coordinated political attacks on Arkleys’ Balloon Track plans, on affordable housing in Humboldt County, on Evergreen Pulp, and on PALCO. They have a clear agenda to get rid of any and all large corporate businesses in Humboldt County and they don’t give a rat’s behind who suffers the consequences as long as they win.
I pity Greg Allen, steering committee chairperson for the Humboldt Greens, as he finds himself the target of ouster by fellow Greens for having a lawyer’s sense and knowledge of the un-Constitutionality of Measure T that the Green Party cog of the Progressives political machine has endorsed.
These people don’t care about Constitutional rights if Constitutional rights interfere with their overriding political agenda — which is destruction of the corporate capitalist system; in other words, the perennial goal of militant lefties for the past 150 years. Militancy means no deviation from the chain of command so Allen must go.
Democrats not affiliated with the Progressives political machine also pay the price of dissent as Local Solutions member of the Progressive political machine’s P.A.C., Patrick Riggs, guides the HCDCC to scrap its own democratic principles in order to derail fellow Democrats running for office like Worth Dikeman and Jill Geist. No deviation from the Progressives political machine’s agenda allowed.
Some will remember my column last year when Patrick Riggs used his Progressives Local Solution’s control over the HCDCC to rig Democratic Party rules in order to silence my or any other Democrat’s critical input at HCDCC meetings.
Months after the fact one recently reads that HCDCC rules are officially changed but the old rules were in place that allowed me to speak when I did but was formally banned by Riggs from doing so again to my fellow Democrats.
This is how Worth Dikeman is limited to three whole minutes to explain his platform to fellow Democrats while Paul Gallegos enjoys virtually unlimited access because Gallegos is the Progressives man carrying the Progressives political machine’s anti-PALCO, anti-corporate, anti-democracy agenda into the District Attorney’s Office.
This is the agenda that continues to bankrupt our county with ill-conceived lawsuits we end up paying for. This is the agenda that has taken away hundreds of jobs at PALCO through the environmental lawsuiting arms of the Progressives political machine, EPIC and Humboldt Watershed Council.
This is the agenda that wants to shut down Evergreen Pulp and take away 170 jobs. This is the agenda that seeks to stop Humboldt residents from finding reasonably priced homes; this is the agenda that seeks to stop Humboldt residents from finding the best prices for goods by derailing any discount department store building such as Home Depot.
Local shopkeepers fearing discount stores and eatery prices like Larry Glass, owner of The Works, and Jim Ferguson, owner of the Organically Delicious Cafe, have joined the Progressives political machine’s protest against Arkleys’ Home Depot and other Marina Center stores in order to thwart competition.
Humboldt County residents employed by corporations such as PALCO or Evergreen have already felt the Progressives political machine’s jaws. Who will be next in line to become political victims? Anyone who speaks out against the Progressive political machine such as Debi August, who paid the price for dissent.
Wake up, residents and take back your county from the Progressives political machine run by those who care only for their own politically correct anti-corporate Green community.
(Stephen Lewis is a Rio Dell resident who is a guest columnist.)
Copyright (C) 2005, The Eureka Reporter. All rights reserved.
ER - Democrats talk election, initiative
Democrats talk election, initiative
The Eureka Reporter
by Nathan Rushton, 10/19/2005
During a meeting Tuesday evening, the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee approved support of an initiative that would seek to prohibit non-local corporations from making political contributions in local elections.
The initiative, which is being readied for the June election, was drafted and is being promoted by the Humboldt Coalition for Community Rights, a group of residents dedicated to protecting local control of the elections.
Under the language of the initiative, only local corporations — those whose owners and employees live and work in Humboldt County and are not owned by another corporation from outside the county — would be allowed to participate in local elections and contribute funds.
According to the Humboldt Coalition for Community Rights Web site, the ordinance is necessary to protect the integrity of the county’s elections and local democracy.
A discussion during Tuesday’s meeting among Democratic Committee members raised concerns that the initiative was not constitutional as written.
Democratic Party member Allison Jackson, a former attorney with the District Attorney’s Office, said she had read the initiative and had “deep concerns” about the constitutionality of it.
A Supreme Court case she was familiar with lead her to believe it was not constitutional, she said.
The HCDCC also reported that members were busy getting the word out to voters for November’s special election.
Central Committee Chairman Patrick Riggs said many democrats are opposed to the election or dislike the governor and some feel that staying home is a good way to protest.
“That is a good way to shoot ourselves in the foot,” Riggs said.
Also during the meeting, Stephen Lewis, a democrat who claimed to have been prevented from speaking at a previous meeting, read from a prepared statement that questioned Riggs’ affiliation with Richard Salzman and the Local Solutions PAC, which Lewis said was created by Salzman.
Salzman has recently been investigated by the Trinidad Police Department for providing letters to the editor to numerous publications under false names, which is misdemeanor in California.
Lewis also asked, but received no response from Riggs or other members, why there seemed to be a takeover of the Democratic Party by the Green Party agenda, which was anticorporate.
(Nathan Rushton can be reached at nathan@eurekareporter.com.)
Copyright (C) 2005, The Eureka Reporter. All rights reserved.
The Eureka Reporter
by Nathan Rushton, 10/19/2005
During a meeting Tuesday evening, the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee approved support of an initiative that would seek to prohibit non-local corporations from making political contributions in local elections.
The initiative, which is being readied for the June election, was drafted and is being promoted by the Humboldt Coalition for Community Rights, a group of residents dedicated to protecting local control of the elections.
Under the language of the initiative, only local corporations — those whose owners and employees live and work in Humboldt County and are not owned by another corporation from outside the county — would be allowed to participate in local elections and contribute funds.
According to the Humboldt Coalition for Community Rights Web site, the ordinance is necessary to protect the integrity of the county’s elections and local democracy.
A discussion during Tuesday’s meeting among Democratic Committee members raised concerns that the initiative was not constitutional as written.
Democratic Party member Allison Jackson, a former attorney with the District Attorney’s Office, said she had read the initiative and had “deep concerns” about the constitutionality of it.
A Supreme Court case she was familiar with lead her to believe it was not constitutional, she said.
The HCDCC also reported that members were busy getting the word out to voters for November’s special election.
Central Committee Chairman Patrick Riggs said many democrats are opposed to the election or dislike the governor and some feel that staying home is a good way to protest.
“That is a good way to shoot ourselves in the foot,” Riggs said.
Also during the meeting, Stephen Lewis, a democrat who claimed to have been prevented from speaking at a previous meeting, read from a prepared statement that questioned Riggs’ affiliation with Richard Salzman and the Local Solutions PAC, which Lewis said was created by Salzman.
Salzman has recently been investigated by the Trinidad Police Department for providing letters to the editor to numerous publications under false names, which is misdemeanor in California.
Lewis also asked, but received no response from Riggs or other members, why there seemed to be a takeover of the Democratic Party by the Green Party agenda, which was anticorporate.
(Nathan Rushton can be reached at nathan@eurekareporter.com.)
Copyright (C) 2005, The Eureka Reporter. All rights reserved.
ER - HCDCC not democratic
HCDCC not democratic
Op-Ed by Stephen Lewis, 4/22/2006
The Eureka Reporter
In last Friday’s Eureka Reporter was the misleading story of how “Democrats overwhelmingly vote to endorse Gallegos.”
It was misleading because it reports how Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee members “overwhelmingly” endorsed Paul Gallegos.
Humboldt Democrats are a bit larger in number than the 20 or so HCDCC members, so their endorsement only speaks for them, not the rank and file of the majority of Democrats in Humboldt County.
The endorsement shouldn’t surprise anyone as it is no secret that today’s HCDCC is solidly “Progressive” with no real distinction from Humboldt Greens in political philosophy and campaigns.
If you are a Democrat, your local Democratic Party representatives now only represent you if you agree with the Progressives’ anti-corporate, anti-PALCO, anti-Evergreen Pulp, anti-Arkley, anti-industrial development, anti-growth of any kind for Humboldt County that doesn’t look like Arcata.
Of course, you must also be solidly pro-Gallegos, the Progressives’ man in the District Attorney’s Office working hard for the Progressive political machine that got him elected, saved him from recall, and wants to return him to office again in spite of his dismal record doing their bidding, e.g., their failed lawsuit against PALCO, and special prosecutor Tim Stoen’s failed attempt to remove Debi August from office for her outspoken opposition to the PALCO lawsuit.
Both lawsuits have cost Humboldt County residents hundreds of thousands of dollars that our county government can’t afford.
Gallegos is key to the Progressives political machine’s success. HCDCC voted to endorse Gallegos since Gallegos’ former campaign manager, Richard Salzman, set up the original Progressives political machine, the Alliance for Ethical Business, which morphed to become Local Solutions.
Conveniently, Local Solutions not only shares the same building as the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee but the same person, Patrick Riggs, is in charge of both groups. Riggs has rigged the HCDCC now so that any Democrat who opposes the Local Solutions political agenda doesn’t get recognized by his HCDCC.
“They are not active party Democrats,” says HCDCC subcommittee chairperson, Greg Conners.
In other words, if you don’t tow the HCDCC’s Progressives’ political line, you’re not really an active Democrat, which was news to me when Riggs used this same undemocratic reasoning and the power of his office to effectively deny me any input into HCDCC policies.
He seems to have done the same to Worth Dikeman and Jill Geist, both fellow Democrats, both good, solid Democratic candidates for office, yet both virtually ignored by HCDCC because these Democrats are seen as opposing the HCDCC “Progressive” political agenda and the HCDCC candidate choice for the District Attorney’s Office.
This then is “democracy” in action for Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee members who seem to have either an extremely poor understanding of what democratic principles are all about or an overriding political agenda that is quite willing to abrogate democratic principles when such principles get in the way of the real cause: Progressive destruction of our corporate-based economy.
High on the list of Progressives’ anti-corporate political actions is Measure T, which claims to protect democracy but actually does just the opposite, effectively disenfranchising Humboldt residents who happen to own or work for one of the many corporations that supply most of our goods and services and provide the majority of jobs in Humboldt County.
If Measure T should pass and become a law, it will be overturned as being unconstitutional and, once again, Humboldt County residents will end up paying the bill for another ill-conceived political attack on corporate industry in Humboldt County.
But remember, that’s OK to Progressives who want to use your tax money to buy their next anti-corporate political step: obtaining national publicity for Measure T by taking it to the Supreme Court if necessary.
What should be scary to the majority of Democrats in Humboldt County is that the Progressive political machine is now powerful enough to not only control our Democratic Party political policies through the current HCDCC, but it can also obtain political endorsements for their candidate for district attorney from major Democrats in office like Bill Lockyer, despite Paul Gallegos supporting the very un-Constitutional Measure T.
I hope that my fellow Democrats understand that what really matters for the District Attorney’s Office are two things: 1) dedication to upholding the Constitutional laws of the land, and 2) establishing a solid relationship of trust and teamwork with Humboldt County law enforcement which the district attorney heads as team captain.
(Stephen Lewis is Rio Dell resident.)
Copyright (C) 2005, The Eureka Reporter. All rights reserved.
Op-Ed by Stephen Lewis, 4/22/2006
The Eureka Reporter
In last Friday’s Eureka Reporter was the misleading story of how “Democrats overwhelmingly vote to endorse Gallegos.”
It was misleading because it reports how Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee members “overwhelmingly” endorsed Paul Gallegos.
Humboldt Democrats are a bit larger in number than the 20 or so HCDCC members, so their endorsement only speaks for them, not the rank and file of the majority of Democrats in Humboldt County.
The endorsement shouldn’t surprise anyone as it is no secret that today’s HCDCC is solidly “Progressive” with no real distinction from Humboldt Greens in political philosophy and campaigns.
If you are a Democrat, your local Democratic Party representatives now only represent you if you agree with the Progressives’ anti-corporate, anti-PALCO, anti-Evergreen Pulp, anti-Arkley, anti-industrial development, anti-growth of any kind for Humboldt County that doesn’t look like Arcata.
Of course, you must also be solidly pro-Gallegos, the Progressives’ man in the District Attorney’s Office working hard for the Progressive political machine that got him elected, saved him from recall, and wants to return him to office again in spite of his dismal record doing their bidding, e.g., their failed lawsuit against PALCO, and special prosecutor Tim Stoen’s failed attempt to remove Debi August from office for her outspoken opposition to the PALCO lawsuit.
Both lawsuits have cost Humboldt County residents hundreds of thousands of dollars that our county government can’t afford.
Gallegos is key to the Progressives political machine’s success. HCDCC voted to endorse Gallegos since Gallegos’ former campaign manager, Richard Salzman, set up the original Progressives political machine, the Alliance for Ethical Business, which morphed to become Local Solutions.
Conveniently, Local Solutions not only shares the same building as the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee but the same person, Patrick Riggs, is in charge of both groups. Riggs has rigged the HCDCC now so that any Democrat who opposes the Local Solutions political agenda doesn’t get recognized by his HCDCC.
“They are not active party Democrats,” says HCDCC subcommittee chairperson, Greg Conners.
In other words, if you don’t tow the HCDCC’s Progressives’ political line, you’re not really an active Democrat, which was news to me when Riggs used this same undemocratic reasoning and the power of his office to effectively deny me any input into HCDCC policies.
He seems to have done the same to Worth Dikeman and Jill Geist, both fellow Democrats, both good, solid Democratic candidates for office, yet both virtually ignored by HCDCC because these Democrats are seen as opposing the HCDCC “Progressive” political agenda and the HCDCC candidate choice for the District Attorney’s Office.
This then is “democracy” in action for Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee members who seem to have either an extremely poor understanding of what democratic principles are all about or an overriding political agenda that is quite willing to abrogate democratic principles when such principles get in the way of the real cause: Progressive destruction of our corporate-based economy.
High on the list of Progressives’ anti-corporate political actions is Measure T, which claims to protect democracy but actually does just the opposite, effectively disenfranchising Humboldt residents who happen to own or work for one of the many corporations that supply most of our goods and services and provide the majority of jobs in Humboldt County.
If Measure T should pass and become a law, it will be overturned as being unconstitutional and, once again, Humboldt County residents will end up paying the bill for another ill-conceived political attack on corporate industry in Humboldt County.
But remember, that’s OK to Progressives who want to use your tax money to buy their next anti-corporate political step: obtaining national publicity for Measure T by taking it to the Supreme Court if necessary.
What should be scary to the majority of Democrats in Humboldt County is that the Progressive political machine is now powerful enough to not only control our Democratic Party political policies through the current HCDCC, but it can also obtain political endorsements for their candidate for district attorney from major Democrats in office like Bill Lockyer, despite Paul Gallegos supporting the very un-Constitutional Measure T.
I hope that my fellow Democrats understand that what really matters for the District Attorney’s Office are two things: 1) dedication to upholding the Constitutional laws of the land, and 2) establishing a solid relationship of trust and teamwork with Humboldt County law enforcement which the district attorney heads as team captain.
(Stephen Lewis is Rio Dell resident.)
Copyright (C) 2005, The Eureka Reporter. All rights reserved.
ER - Democrats overwhelmingly vote to endorse Gallegos
Democrats overwhelmingly vote to endorse Gallegos
The Eureka Reporter
by Rebecca S. Bender, 4/14/2006
After initially divided testimony from registered Democrats on whether the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee should endorse District Attorney Paul Gallegos in his bid for re-election, Central Committee members overwhelmingly voted in the affirmative.
The discussion continued well into Wednesday night, but the results were clearly conclusive: 20 members voted to endorse, while one voted against and one abstained.
Greg Conners, chairperson of the Central Committee’s subcommittee on campaign services, which brought the recommendation forward, said that the strength of the vote spoke favorably to Gallegos’ record.
“Paul Gallegos is to be admired,” he said. “This is his third campaign in four years, and I think it speaks highly to his abilities ... to have such a strong record.”
Many of the attendees who spoke at the beginning of the meeting — registered Democrats but not Central Committee members — urged the committee to refrain from making an endorsement, blaming the issue for creating schisms within the party.
“The concept of division is something that the right wing would like to believe is the case here, and that certainly hasn’t been shown to be true,” Central Democratic Committee Chairperson Patrick Riggs said.
Conners observed that many of those speakers support Gallegos’ opponent, Worth Dikeman.
“They are not active party Democrats,” Conners said, “at least to my knowledge.”
As some of the speakers had come directly to the Central Committee meeting from Dikeman’s campaign headquarters’ grand opening, he added, the early public comment was not necessarily representative of the Democratic party’s opinions.
The headline in yesterday’s paper — “Local Democrats Still Divided” — was almost a “Dewey Defeats Truman” type of headline, Conners joked.
“When you have a 20 to 1 vote, obviously you don’t have a lot of people speaking against,” Riggs said.
He called the evening’s discussion “very civil” and praised the members of the Central Committee for being very thoughtful and thorough in considering their decision.
“That’s what we really strive for: a positive atmosphere where people can civilly discuss their ideas,” he said. “We’re trying to be a strong voice to as many people as we can.”
Copyright (C) 2005, The Eureka Reporter. All rights reserved.
The Eureka Reporter
by Rebecca S. Bender, 4/14/2006
After initially divided testimony from registered Democrats on whether the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee should endorse District Attorney Paul Gallegos in his bid for re-election, Central Committee members overwhelmingly voted in the affirmative.
The discussion continued well into Wednesday night, but the results were clearly conclusive: 20 members voted to endorse, while one voted against and one abstained.
Greg Conners, chairperson of the Central Committee’s subcommittee on campaign services, which brought the recommendation forward, said that the strength of the vote spoke favorably to Gallegos’ record.
“Paul Gallegos is to be admired,” he said. “This is his third campaign in four years, and I think it speaks highly to his abilities ... to have such a strong record.”
Many of the attendees who spoke at the beginning of the meeting — registered Democrats but not Central Committee members — urged the committee to refrain from making an endorsement, blaming the issue for creating schisms within the party.
“The concept of division is something that the right wing would like to believe is the case here, and that certainly hasn’t been shown to be true,” Central Democratic Committee Chairperson Patrick Riggs said.
Conners observed that many of those speakers support Gallegos’ opponent, Worth Dikeman.
“They are not active party Democrats,” Conners said, “at least to my knowledge.”
As some of the speakers had come directly to the Central Committee meeting from Dikeman’s campaign headquarters’ grand opening, he added, the early public comment was not necessarily representative of the Democratic party’s opinions.
The headline in yesterday’s paper — “Local Democrats Still Divided” — was almost a “Dewey Defeats Truman” type of headline, Conners joked.
“When you have a 20 to 1 vote, obviously you don’t have a lot of people speaking against,” Riggs said.
He called the evening’s discussion “very civil” and praised the members of the Central Committee for being very thoughtful and thorough in considering their decision.
“That’s what we really strive for: a positive atmosphere where people can civilly discuss their ideas,” he said. “We’re trying to be a strong voice to as many people as we can.”
Copyright (C) 2005, The Eureka Reporter. All rights reserved.
ER - Democrats divided on District Attorney endorsement
Neal Latt of Eureka asked that the Democratic Central Committee be allowed to go through the process of endorsement. Opinion of registered Democrats was nearly evenly split as the Central Committee considered making an official endorsement of District Attorney Paul Gallegos in his bid for re-election. Katie O’Neill/The Eureka Reporter
Democrats divided on District Attorney endorsement; no decision by press time
The Eureka Reporter
by Rebecca S. Bender, 4/13/2006
Local Democrats were divided just about evenly last night as the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee weighed the decision to endorse District
Attorney Paul Gallegos in his bid for re-election.
The recommendation to endorse Gallegos came from the Committee on
Campaign Services, which committee member Greg Conners said had entertained “intense discussion” on the issue.
“I would like to refute the notion that the Democratic Central Committee hasn’t done its homework on this one,” he emphasized.
The meeting room in Democratic Central Headquarters was full to overflowing, and a live video feed was set up in a second room to accommodate the additional attendees.
Though the source of the higher-than-usual head count was near the end of the agenda, under old business, registered Democrats not on the committee were invited to speak as the meeting began.
Opinion appeared to be split between those who wanted to throw their weight as a group behind Gallegos, and those who were disheartened by the discord the issue was raising.
“This has caused a lot of division and concern in our party,” said Ken Bareilles.
“And we don’t need that.”
He said that he personally supported Gallegos’ opponent Worth Dikeman, but he was more concerned with the process by which the committee had reached its decision.
“Who was contacted? What was the basis for the recommendation?” he asked.
“Who was the source of the information that gave the central committee the basis and the foundation for the recommendation?”
Dikeman’s brother-in-law Darrell Johnson urged the party to avoid putting its name behind a candidate altogether.
“Don’t endorse anybody,” he suggested. “We’re not the party that says we’re going to tell you what to believe.”
Gallegos has been endorsed by many local individual Democrats, including most recently Assemblywoman Patty Berg.
Dikeman has publicly criticized the endorsements as polarizing and the product of political bias.
Bill Bragg, a criminal defense attorney, worried that the endorsement could detract attention from the issues, leading residents to vote based on the names listed behind a candidate rather than on the substantive record.
“I don’t support either one of ’em right now,” he said. “I’m interested in a completely fair and open debate.”
Endorsement supporters spoke simply, praising Gallegos’ record in office.
“I urge you to do the right thing and represent the Democrats of Humboldt County,” said Chuck Powell.
Ernie Behm, secretary and treasurer of the Labor Council of Humboldt and Del
Norte Counties, observed that the Central Labor Council and Building Trades
Council have both endorsed Gallegos.
Former Arcata Mayor Bob Ornelas, who converted to the Democratic Party about a week ago after a 17-year stint as a Green Party member, described the shift in his allegiance as directly related to the help and support local Democrats have always provided.
“The future of Humboldt County lies with the Democrats,” he said.
Though he hadn’t intended to speak to the endorsement issue, he added, “If you decide that Paul Gallegos is your man, that’s good.”
No decision had been reached by press time.
Copyright (C) 2005, The Eureka Reporter. All rights reserved.