Opinion: The Ukiah Co-op has stopped two farmers from running for their board, here’s why they should change their policy

The opinions expressed in this piece do not necessarily reflect the views of The Mendocino Voice. We value the diverse opinions of our readers and we welcome robust, wide-ranging thoughts and ideas on subjects relevant to Mendocino County. Opinion pieces can be sent to info@mendovoice.com.

For all the problems we see in society at large, sometimes there are simple fixes that we can make on in our own communities, quickly and easily. Two local farmers, Halle Brady and Julia Dakin thought they could address some of the problems in our local food system by bringing some farm-fresh perspectives to the board of the Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op. They applied, produced quality, no-nonsense candidate statements nobody would disagree with, but were told they would not be allowed to run for the Co-op Board of Directors despite a combined 45+ years of shopping there, because their husbands’ names were listed as “primary members” on their account.