It is an honor and privilege to be elected Chair of the Board. I have been working on changes to the rules of procedure and a code of ethics for the board. The desired outcome is that the board communicates clearly and respectfully with each other, staff, and the public and that processes and expectations are transparent to everyone.
We have eliminated abstentions from voting. Supervisors can recuse themselves from an issue if there is a conflict of interest but, other than that, there is no reason not to vote on an issue. Changes will also streamline the meeting process. The goal of meetings should be to make informed decisions based on the known information. This requires both board Supervisors and staff to clearly communicate questions/answers that arise from the agenda summaries. If research is needed, this should be done before the meeting so that all are prepared to share their knowledge.
Another change I am implementing is that for the first time the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors is going to have a workshop on critical issues. This will be held on January 14-15. On the first day we will deal with decorum, the code of ethics, communication, the Strategic Plan and the important issues Supervisors see facing their districts and the county. We will also have panel discussions on public safety and homelessness.
Day 2 will focus on the budget and department priorities. Departments that will present will be Transportation, Planning and Building Services, Environmental Health and Human Resources.
My priorities are economic development, creating safer and healthier communities, and making sure that the county’s finances are stable and sustainable.
Some of the boards that I will be on this year are the Mendocino County Employee Pension Fund, First 5 Mendocino, the Great Redwood Trail Agency, Sonoma Clean Power, and North Coast Resource Partnership. This year, my responsibilities include other boards and commissions along with the normal duties of being Chair of the Board.
I look forward to working for positive changes in the 3rd District and Mendocino County. Positive change happens when we work together. We are a community and we need to support each other.I am available by email haschakj@mendocinocounty.gov or 707-972-4214.
Eliminating abstentions from voting is unconstitutional you douchebag. Every member who voted for that idea has shown ignorance of the law.
Speaking of ethics- is it ethical to let your campaign manager speak on any issue after you’ve already ended the comment time for it? You and Ellen Drell are an embarrassment to the county.
I’m sure it will be said. It’s not within your power. But all voices need to be for Saving Lake Pillsbury Scott Sam. Quote socal. “They are dipping in ocean and a nearby reservoir. Those super scoopers are helping with the fire”. All board members have to fight however they can for the life & property saving water storage in Lake & Mendocino County.