Herb Caen used to refer to election time as the Silly Season. I do not write a political blog (as I’m sure you’ve noticed) but politics certainly affects business and I don’t mind going public with my biases. The following is NOT intended to start a debate about the various candidates. Do that on LOCO. Or somewhere.
DA’s race: I volunteered for Paul Gallegos from the first recall attempt. My motive was the outrage of having a rich man try to buy his own DA. This time I have a Fleming sign on the lawn. I’m not going to be upset if Dollison or Firpo win. Dollison is a heckuva nice guy. I wish Firpo had more judicial experience.
4th District Supervisor: This one tears me up but I have to go with Kerrigan. What’s that old saying, “If you always do what you’re always done, you’ll get what you’ve always got” or something like that. I’m tired of the 4-1 split of the BOS and the fact that the developers are controlling the Planning Commission. Virginia is a very nice and very hardworking person but I fear for the future of this county if we have more appointments like McKenny or more gutting of the GPU.
5th District Supervisor: this race is so lopsided I really don’t have much to say. It’s Ryan’s to lose.
Finally, Humboldt County Sheriff Mike Downey is running unpposed. I don’t know whether this is because the entire HCSO backs him enthusiastically or not, but since he’s in a no-loss situation I suggest you do what I’m going to do. Leave your ballot blank. This would serve as a gentle reminder to the Sheriff that the People are unhappy with such policies as midnight releases and tired of hearing the same excuses (“no money”) when change is needed. Every family in this county is having to cope with rising prices and shrinking incomes. Let’s see some creativity.
Finally, I will vote enthusiastically for Jerry Brown for a fourth term. I will not vote for Gavin Loathesome, never have and never will. I will vote enthusiastically for Kamala Harris and John Chiang and for Rep Jared Huffman on the basis on his appearance on Rachel Maddow a few days ago when he addressed the ridiculous GOP proposal to rename most of the American coastal waters after REAGAN. Huffman suggested cutting to the chase and just naming the whole planet after Reagan and demonstrated a flair for deadpan comedy. Might come in handy if the Congress thing doesn’t work out.
Okay, now back to normal.
UPDATE: This afternoon it was announced that the Sheriff is making substantial changes to the midnight release policy. That’s good news but my advice would be the same. Don’t let them take us for granted.