More Web Of Lies: "Board of Supervisors’ recent actions no great mystery"

◼ Richard Salzman opines. Or spins. The usual. Lies.

The only "mystery" here is why Ricard Salzman's sorry ass is involved in this one.

Oh, ok, here's the real link to his latest POS in the Times-Standard. ◼ Salzman's My Word (And by the way, Kimberley, you do your paper a great disservice when you give this liar a credible platform.)

You do understand that when it comes to the Sheriff and the Coroners Office, they've CONSOLIDATED two very distinct departments, don't you?

And what's this about County Counsel?

Salzman says: "For anyone who doesn’t remember, HumCPR once sued and County Counsel (including Carolyn Ruth) defended us, the people of Humboldt County. We lost, they won and in the end we had to pay HumCPR’s attorney Allison Jackson $100,000 in taxpayer money." See how he spins it? "Defending us, the people of Humboldt County" Ummm, not exactly, Richard, ol' buddy, ol' pal.

ACTUALLY - this one deserves some real clarification. Starting with the fact that Salzman is just pissed off that his guys lost several election. So he's out to defame the Board of Supervisors. Knowing that you are totally uninformed, he feels very safe in making his accusations.

Let's look at the facts, because the TRUTH is a matter of Public Record (very important). Recognizing that the job of County Counsel is to give good advice and keep the County and the Board out of trouble, make sure the law is followed and SAVE them from expensive losses in court, not allowing (his or her) petty personal agendas to get in the way. And then realizing what REALLY happened.

The simple fact is, County Counsel REFUSED to comply with a Public Records Act Request. Repeatedly refused. Stubbornly refused. And that refusal cost the County $100,000.

The attorney’s fees paid by the county for Ruth’s poor advice on the CPRA lawsuit (as well as all the other frivolous suits she got the county in) was to cover legal fees incurred by the public when she told the Board that the public has no right to know how much they had been spending in lawsuits. In fact, she wrote that the public was too stupid to understand the issues.

The arguments she advanced on the County’s behalf was that the trial court should make new law to allow the county to withhold from the public all costs of litigation for three reasons: 1) the public was too opinionated to correctly decide a good lawsuit from a bad one; 2) if the public found out about the costs of lawsuits they might use it as an election issue, and; 3) if the public found out the costs they might press for other alternatives to the lawsuit.

A person cannot make this stuff up. These concepts are what was in the county’s own brief as justification for the County’s position. Even the Times Standard wrote an article about the County’s position and cited commentators, questioning the wisdom of the County for taking these positions about the release of documents of costs that the taxpayers are ultimately shouldering.

The suit resolved when the county hired private counsel who told them that they would lose and that they would end up owing twice as much in fees and costs.

So much for "mystery solved."

As for County Counsel: The question now is to the Board and if and when they will re-review Ruth’s job description and revote on the issue. She should have never gotten any raise to do the very things within her job description and which she was already getting a boost in pay for.

What Carolyn Ruth claimed for the reasons justifying the raise were part already of her current job description as assistant county counsel and for which she was already getting additional money. Her job description is also public information and easy to find: ◼ Go to http://ca-humboldtcounty.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6122 then scroll down to pages 94-96.

This is QUITE different from consolidating two entire departments into one.

Isn't it now? Richard?

(Cue "Sara the Dog" Salzman's anonymous attacks in 1 - 2 - 3...)
__________________
◼ Calling Richard Salzman on his BS, I mean His Word - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ "You say compensation, I say spiking, compensation! spiking ! Let's call the whole thing off"; instead taxpayers get stiffed by Humboldt County unions and special MOUs - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ After two motions failed on Asst County Counsel and a heated discussion, a third motion passes - John Chiv/Words Worth

◼ Asst County Counsel "compensation" to be pulled off consent, Supervisors and other community members respond to my original post - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ Why is an Assistant County Counsel who is retiring, cost the County and taxpayers money in litigation being given a raise for doing her job? - John Chiv/Words Worth

◼ County Employees to Rally Outside Courthouse, Say They’re Understaffed, Unsafe - Ryan Burns/LoCo
◼ Downey Bumped Up: Supes Approve Sheriff-Coroner Pay Hike Unanimously - Hank Sims/LoCo

Because everyone should take advice from a known liar

◼ Profit Motive - Richard "R Trent" Salzman/LoCo

Yeah, the guy who creates phony names, shadowy groups, attack pieces mailed in plain brown wrappers, and who sneaks around in the dark of night sticking attack stickers on parking meters - yeah, that guy - wants to tell you how to vote. How to run your business. How to see the world is you're an employee.

The only question is - are you that stupid?

'Cause he's not gonna be there for you when you lose your job, or your employers closes his doors.
__________________

A little piece of history:

◼ Oct. 28, 2004: The Journal endorses

...That leaves the Eureka City Council Ward 4. First, the citizens of Eureka should be thankful that both these men are willing and most able to serve and there really is no wrong choice. However, of the two, we are backing Rex Bohn as the stronger candidate.

The last 3 ! / 2 years on the council Chris Kerrigan has demonstrated that he is hard-working, articulate and a good listener. He is on the right side of many issues we support -- quality of life issues such as beautification and trails, for instance. However, there were several instances in this campaign where issues of character arose and Chris came up a little short.

In campaign literature, Kerrigan takes credit for being "instrumental" in "saving and creating hundreds of jobs in our community." Well, not exactly. As a member of the Redwood Region Economic Development Commission, he is one of 18 people who represent cities and agencies throughout the county. About 80 (full-time equivalent) jobs have indeed been "created" since Chris joined the board in 2001, most outside Eureka. In addition, there are a number of local businesses reporting jobs were "saved" because they received RREDC loans, a claim that is always open to some skepticism.

In addition, Kerrigan has exaggerated his role in the effort to bring direct air service from Los Angeles. (Some credit goes to the Humboldt County aviation director and RREDC staff for doing the legwork, in conjunction with the city of Redding, which initiated the entire effort.)

Exaggeration is not all that uncommon, especially in politics. However, Kerrigan made a serious misstep when one of his supporters, activist Richard Salzman, sent out an e-mail using Kerrigan's phone number soliciting funds. In it Salzman wrote that challenger Rex Bohn was "out for himself a greedy oil executive bent on revenge." It is a failure of leadership that Kerrigan did not act in the wake of the controversy by publicly condemning Salzman's comment and by apologizing.

We are backing Bohn because he appears to be a man of strong character with a lifetime of real-life experiences to bring to the council, and he has a track record of getting things done.
__________________
That was then. ◼ THIS IS NOW - with Salzman at his side. And a little more carefully worded bio.

No mention of ditching his job in the middle to go on a quixotic quest to become a big-wig in the oh-so-honest-and-ethical John Edwards Presidential campaign.

So, Chris... what is it?

I'm assuming you (or "we") signed this. It is voluntary, though.

◼ CODE OF FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES ELECTIONS CODE SECTION 20440-20444

20440. At the time an individual is issued his or her declaration of candidacy, nomination papers, or any other paper evidencing an intention to be a candidate for public office, the elections official shall give the individual a blank form of the code and a copy of this chapter. The elections official shall inform each candidate for public office that subscription to the code is voluntary.

In the case of a committee making an independent expenditure, as defined in Section 82031 of the Government Code, the Secretary of State shall provide a blank form and a copy of this chapter to the individual filing, in accordance with Title 9 (commencing with Section 81000) of the Government Code, an initial campaign statement on behalf of the committee.

The text of the code shall read, as follows:

There are basic principles of decency, honesty, and fair play which every candidate for public office in the State of California has a moral obligation to observe and uphold in order that, after vigorously contested but fairly conducted campaigns, our citizens may exercise their constitutional right to a free and untrammeled choice and the will of the people may be fully and clearly expressed on the issues.

THEREFORE:

(1) I SHALL CONDUCT my campaign openly and publicly, discussing the issues as I see them, presenting my record and policies with sincerity and frankness, and criticizing without fear or favor the record and policies of my opponents or political parties that merit this criticism.

(2) I SHALL NOT USE OR PERMIT the use of character defamation, whispering campaigns, libel, slander, or scurrilous attacks on any candidate or his or her personal or family life.

(3) I SHALL NOT USE OR PERMIT any appeal to negative prejudice based on a candidate's actual or perceived race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, age, sexual orientation, sex, including gender identity, or any other characteristic set forth in Section 12940 of the Government Code, or association with another person who has any of the actual or perceived characteristics set forth in Section 12940 of the Government Code.

(4) I SHALL NOT USE OR PERMIT any dishonest or unethical practice that tends to corrupt or undermine our American system of free elections, or that hampers or prevents the full and free expression of the will of the voters including acts intended to hinder or prevent any eligible person from registering to vote, enrolling to vote, or voting.

(5) I SHALL NOT coerce election help or campaign contributions for myself or for any other candidate from my employees.

(6) I SHALL IMMEDIATELY AND PUBLICLY REPUDIATE support deriving from any individual or group that resorts, on behalf of my candidacy or in opposition to that of my opponent, to the methods and tactics that I condemn. I shall accept responsibility to take firm action against any subordinate who violates any provision of this code or the laws governing elections.

(7) I SHALL DEFEND AND UPHOLD the right of every qualified American voter to full and equal participation in the electoral process.

I, the undersigned, candidate for election to public office in the State of California or treasurer or chairperson of a committee making any independent expenditures, hereby voluntarily endorse, subscribe to, and solemnly pledge myself to conduct my campaign in accordance with the above principles and practices."

_____________ __________________________________ Date Signature

20441. The Secretary of State shall print, or cause to be printed, blank forms of the code. The Secretary of State shall supply the forms to the elections officials in quantities and at times requested by the elections officials.

20442. The elections official shall accept, at all times prior to the election, all completed forms that are properly subscribed to by a candidate for public office and shall retain them for public inspection until 30 days after the election.

20443. Every code subscribed to by a candidate for public office pursuant to this chapter is a public record open for public inspection.

20444. In no event shall a candidate for public office be require to subscribe to or endorse the code.
__________________
Of course you know it is meaningless. There are no teeth to it. You have a chance here. You can do the right thing. Or you can stay on your current path, with the current person who is causing you to have to answer this question. It's going to be interesting to see if you're made of the right stuff.

IT'S NOT A GOOD IDEA TO START OFF YOUR CAMPAIGN BY LYING

There was an interesting little tidbit, CHRIS KERRIGAN'S email/press release on ◼ Eric's post.

OUR CAMPAIGN OFFICE IS NOW OPEN!

(see, he starts out on a positive note)

The Kerrigan for Supervisor campaign will open its new office headquarters to the public for a Grand Opening Party this Friday(March 28th) at 6:00 PM!

This will be an opportunity for supporters to hear from the Kerrigan for Supervisor campaign, and learn about volunteer opportunities. Chris will be there to speak with guests about how we can move Humboldt County forward together!

Don’t miss this great opportunity to meet Chris and your fellow supporters! Refreshments will be provided.

Please RSVP to Mitra at or by calling 707-442-2220.

DATE: Friday, March 28
TIME: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
LOCATION: 427 F Street, Suite 213, above the Sewell Gallery in Old Town Eureka.

(Then the tone changes...)

Today’s Times-Standard explains the huge difference in the Board of Supervisors candidates’ fundraising. Incumbent Virginia Bass’s official disclosure brags about her war chest: (BIG LIE #2.)

“…Bass has raised a total of $17.926 since Jan. 1, but she already had a beginning cash balance of $59.035.”

It’s going to take a LOT of effort to match Bass and the big-moneyed interests who want to keep her in power. (Same tired old hate-filled mantra)

That’s where YOU come in. We need supporters like you to help Chris Kerrigan get elected and move Humboldt County forward.

(Forward? We're back to 2004 here)
____________________
But we're not done yet:

From Chris Kerrigan:

Thanks to so many of you we have a great start to this campaign. We are moving forward

(did he steal that from MSNBC or Obama?)

at a rapid rate. Last week we officially announced our candidacy

(WE? Is this gollum-speak?)

We had a great crowd of enthusiastic supporters, too. All around town I am constantly getting offers of support and offers to volunteer. I believe it is going to help us build the best grassroots campaign Humboldt County has ever seen!

This election is so important for the future of Humboldt County. Special interests groups (sic) like HUM CPR have taken control (sic) our local politics and have drastically reversed our General Plan.

(That's not true either)

In case you missed it you can read about it in this weeks (sic) North Coast Journal cover story

(as opposed to THIS cover story.)

I have two asks for you this week. First we (there's that "WE" again) are entering this race with ideas, momentum and vision, but we are up against a tremendous amount of big money.

(That's rich given that it was SALZMAN who has made it so expensive to run in this county)

The incumbent has raised over $60,000 prior to use even entering the race!

(Uh, gee weren't you planning to run for Mayor of Eureka, and changed your mind at the last minute, Chris?)

That war chest doesn't scare me however (sic). I know we (there's that WE again) can win because we have beat the big money before - remember when Rex Bohn spent upwards of $150,000 to unseat me on the city council (BIG LIE #1.) and failed!

(Good times, Richard, good times! That was before "I", Chris Kerrigan, not "WE," left my council seat to head off on my quixotic quest to become a big-wig in John Edwards' Presidency)

I need your help to close the gap. Our first campaign financial reporting deadline is tomorrow evening. I am asking you to make a contribution in the next 24 hours. Help us get our POSITIVE message and vision out to the voters!

(POSITIVE VISION? IT'S ALL ANTI, ANTI, ANTI, where's the positive?)

Please make a donation now: redacted

This weekend we moved into our campaign headquarters at 427 street, suite 212 (above the Sewell Gallery). This centrally located office will allow us to gather volunteers, host events, and effectively manage our growing campaign operations. We need help furnishing our office! Tables, desks, computers and phones are all items that would be very much appreciated. If you can help us please contact Mitra Abidi.... Feel free to stop in and visit us, or volunteer to help too. (after hours and weekends the buildings (sic) front door may be locked so call up to Mitra... and she'll come down and open the door.)

I know we can win this race. I need your help to do so. The time has come for a new era in Humboldt County politics. (Utter BS) One where ideas and innovation trump pessimism, and it's not who you are, but what you can contribute to our community that matters

(unless you're Rex Bohn and have helped actually BUILD Ballparks and stuff)

I (oh, it's back to "I") look forward to representing all of you

(well, ok, not ALL of you)

(as Eureka Mayor ooops, I mean...) on the Board of Supervisors. Together, we can move Humboldt County forward! (What fundraising email did he carp that off?)

Onwards,
Chris Kerrigan

____________________
What could have been a positive press release from the Kerrigan campaign touting the opening of his Campaign HQ is just more of the WEB OF LIES
____________________
Just call it Salzman's 2014 "WEB OF LIES" - THE SEQUEL

Apparently Chris hasn't learned anything in the last 10 years. You'd think he'd have had enough of lying, having been burned last time by one of Salzman's little missives, and then from his experience with failed Presidential candidate John Edwards, who had his own Web Of Lies.

IT'S NOT A GOOD IDEA TO START OFF YOUR CAMPAIGN BY LYING, CHRIS.

The campaign emails were sent from one of Salzman’s email lists “Redwood Progressive.” Signed by Kerrigan. Who wrote them? They reek of Salzman. And of cut-and-paste mixed with Salzman's own bug-a-boos.

BIG LIE #1.) Rex Bohn DID NOT “spend upwards of $150,000” in his 2004 Eureka City Council campaign against Chris Kerrigan. Maybe Chris/Richard can produce the 460s to back up his vastly overstated claim. The 10-17-04 through 12-31-04 460s show Rex with just over $1,000 more than Chris - REX: $84,863.94 vs. CHRIS: $83,198.90. A very close match.

BIG LIE #2.) Chris'/Richard's second email claims, “Incumbent Virginia Bass official disclosure brags about her war chest” when Virginia was never interviewed by the Times-Standard reporter, nor did she brag. The Times-Standard article merely what was reported on the 460s.

Fourth District
Fourth District Supervisor Virginia Bass has raised a total of $17,926 since Jan. 1, but she already had a beginning cash balance of $59,035.

The incumbent's monetary contributions totaled $11,596, and her nonmonetary contributions came to $6,330.

Eureka resident Shirley Bass was the top monetary contributor with a $1,000 donation. Virginia Bass received just over 40 monetary contributions this period.

Justin Zabel of Mercer-Fraser Company was the largest nonmonetary contributor with a $900 donation for a load of concrete.

Virginia Bass spent $14,590 in cash, which left her with an ending cash balance of $60,670.
Fourth District supervisor candidate Chris Kerrigan has raised a total of $9,613. He began with a cash balance of zero dollars.

Kerrigan's monetary contributions totaled $7,029 with 29 contributors, and he raised $2,584 in nonmonetary contributions.

Eureka resident Roy Grieshaber, Scotia resident Melvin Kreb, McKinleyville resident Ken Miller and L & A Enterprises President Anne Pierson all tie as Kerrigan's top monetary contributors with $500 donations.

Christina Anastasia, a jewelry designer and creator, was Kerrigan's top nonmonetary contributor with a $1,109 donation for hand-crafted jewelry.

Kerrigan has spent $6,222 of the available cash, and has an overall balance of $1,883.

____________________
THERE'S MORE TO IT THAN THESE TWO LIES, HOWEVER. There was no HumCPR back in 2004. The HATE Salzman has predates HumCPR. And he always has to stir up the cauldrons of hate with his emails. He's a one-trick pony with the same tired old hate-filled mantra. No matter what race he's involved in.

CHRIS KERRIGAN SHOULD RUN ON HIS MERITS, IF HE HAS ANY. NOT ON THIS TIRED OLD CAMPAIGN OF LIES AND HATE. He's had 10 years since that 2004 election. During that time his former opponent served his community tirelessly and selflessly as he had done for many years prior. When he finally ran for Supervisor, he was elected on his merit.

Again. Kerrigan sent out what should have been a positive email announcing the opening of his Campaign Headquarters (which is likely to cost a pretty penny, btw)

Why he either chose to - or allowed Salzman to - turn it into a dishonest attack email is something Chris should explain. Is this how it is going to go for the next 68 days? What else is in the pipeline, Chris? What is Salzman - or you - going to make up in the smear game?

BACK IN 2004, THE EUREKA REPORTER SAID: "We, as a community, cannot tolerate a campaign based upon smear, vitriol and name-calling." THE TIMES-STANDARD SAID: "It's about how we choose our elected leaders, and if we're willing to support the politics of personal attack as the nasty new standard in local elections." - THE EUREKA REPORTER called on Kerrigan to 'disavow the outrageous e-mail and dump Salzman as a campaign adviser for writing such scurrilous allegations.'.

That was then. This is NOW.

CHRIS CERTAINLY ISN'T MOVING US FORWARD AT ALL, IS HE.

◼ The Web Of Lies - The Journal 05
◼ MATTHEW IN THE MIDDLE: Campaign Season 2014 - Matthew Owen//Lost Coast Outpost
◼ Chris Kerrigan Targets Bass In Campaign Launch Speech - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost
◼ Chris Kerrigan to Make Run for Supervisor Officially Official Tomorrow - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost
◼ Chris Kerrigan Finally Makes Run for Supervisor More or Less Official - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost
◼ (AUDIO UPDATE) What Would You Ask Eureka Mayoral Hopeful Chris Kerrigan? - Andrew Goff/Lost Coast Outpost
____________________
Chris Kerrigan and Virginia Bass will be Kevin Hoover’s guests on KHSU’s Thursday Night Talk April 3rd from 7-8 PM. Tune it to KHSU/KHSU.org and call in with your questions and comments.

I suggest someone ask Chris about this.

FLASHBACK: 2004 Salzman's/Kerrigan letter(s) and the reaction

More of Salzman's Web of Lies, not part of the original expose, but a significant example nonetheless...

SALZMAN'S LETTER: Smearing Rex
THEN THE APOLOGY of sorts
THE AFTERMATH: Times-Standard Editorial
THE AFTERMATH: Eureka Reporter Editorial

Some of you are new to this county. You don't know past history. Once upon a time, Chris Kerrigan was a bright, shiny, rising star, a bright young elected Eureka City Councilman.... He had broad support. Then, when it came time to get re-elected, he got scared. And when he got scared, he sold his soul to the devil. And with that came all manner of negativity.

Richard Salzman sent out one of his nasty campaign emails, filled with lies and innuendo. When caught, Chris Kerrigan offered a weak semi-apology. The Times-Standard and The Eureka Reporter denounced the 'scurrilous' tactics. Salzman offered up a snarky semi-apology.

Since Kerrigan and Salzman are back to the same dirty tricks, it's worth reviewing what went before...
__________________
Dear Friend,

I am writing because we need your help to protect Humboldt County's natural beauty and our way of life.

Renner Petroleum oil executive Rex Bohn is going to spend big bucks in an attempt to defeat Eureka Councilman Chris Kerrigan. Why? Because last March Kerrigan stood up to Calpine, which wanted to build a massive, job-killing liquid natural gas plant on Humboldt Bay.

Rex Bohn is trying to pass himself off as a regular working man. The reality is this: Rex Bohn is a reactionary oilman out for revenge. He is trying to convince voters that we should undermine environmental protections and seduce out-of-town corporations to move to Humboldt.

Make no mistake. Rex Bohn has an extreme agenda. No matter where you live, we have to stand up for Humboldt County by standing up for Councilman Kerrigan. Please take moment now to make a contribution by clicking the
link below: paypal link

Here's a few facts on Rex Bohn:

- Rex Bohn is out for himself. Humboldt gasoline prices are some of the highest in the county. Yet Rex Bohn refuses to say what the role of his company, Renner Petroleum, is playing to keep gas prices so high. Rex Bohn lobbied for the Calpine liquid gas plant on Humboldt Bay but refuses to say what sort of deal his company, Renner Petroleum, cut with Calpine.

- Like PL, Rex is running a mean and sleazy campaign. This week his surrogates started going door-to-door to lie about Chris Kerrigan personal life - just like PL did to Paul Gallegos.

- Rex wants to create tax loopholes for big out of town corporations rather than helping existing Humboldt business to grow. Rex is part of the old boys'˙ network that wants to get rich quick by bringing in companies like Calpine and by allowing developers to convert farm and timberland into five acre monster home sites in a way that would destroy Humboldt's scenic beauty and way of life.

Rex Bohn must be stopped. We can stop him, but not without you. We need your help to get the word out through TV and newspaper ads. Please make a contribution: paypal link

Few politicians in Humboldt County better represent the best of both old and new Humboldt County than Chris Kerrigan. Consider the following:

- Kerrigan has guts. Like Paul Gallegos, who stood up to Pacific Lumber, Chris Kerrigan stood up to Calpine and its allies, PL and Rex Bohn.

- A Humboldt native, Chris Kerrigan is a honest and intelligent young man - „ and a hard worker. He is working his way through school at the College of the Redwoods.

- As chairman of the Redwood Economic Commission Kerrigan was instrumental in creating over 700 good local jobs and directing $6 million of investments to local businesses. Kerrigan has created a smart plan for a kind of economic development that creates good local jobs while protecting Humboldtâ•˙s scenic beauty and quality of life.

On March 2 the citizens of Humboldt County said no to PL's attack on District Attorney Paul Gallegos, 62% to 38%. Just a few weeks later we said no to Calpine's attempt to install a liquid natural gas plant on Humboldt Bay â•„ a project that would have killed fishing, crabbing and tourism jobs.

Now it's time we started saying something yes to our vision for the future. Yes to protecting the majesty of Humboldt's natural
environment. Yes to smart growth that creates good jobs. Yes to making Eureka a model of development for the whole county.

And yes to Councilman Kerrigan.

We need your help to protect Humboldt County and our way of life. This is a key race for ALL of Humboldt County -„ not just residents of Eureka. People are volunteering for the campaign and making contributions because they know that this is a crucial moment.

Click here to make a contribution: www.chriskerrigan.org or mail your check to the address below.

For our families and for our future-

Richard Salzman
Friends of Chris Kerrigan
P.O. Box 6341
Eureka Ca 95502
707.407.7347
***

Then the apology - of sorts:
Date:
Fri, 8 Oct 2004 14:45:03 -0400 (EDT)

From:
"Friends of Chris Kerrigan"   Add to Address Book
To: ______________
Subject: Friends of Chris Kerrigan Message
Dear Friends,

Welcome to the all new, friendly, factual, fundraising, format.

Thanks to you all who have given so generously to support Chris Kerrigan's re-election to Eureka City Council. If you would like to contribute now online, please go the web site  http://www.ChrisKerrigan.org, and click on the donation button.

Even Tom Cookman, said it best on KINS community Comment, ”The Eureka City Council race between Chris Kerrigan and Rex Bohn is going to shape the course of local politics in Humboldt County for years to come. There is a lot more at stake than the council seat.”

I agree, there is a lot at stake. And I admit, in my passionate support of Chris Kerrigan, I may have erred in judgment and perhaps the use of hyperbole in my private email, intended to bring the issues to your attention. I stand by the essence of my previous observations. I do, however, regret the fact, that in attacking me over the pilfered fund raising letter in the press, the Rex Bohn camp has been somewhat successful in keeping the important issues out of the public eye. I ask each and everyone one of you to focus on these issues, because this election will deeply impact the heart of the place we call home.

Chris has worked four hard years to put Eureka on the forward  path. It is our job to keep him on the council. He must continue his work for the future of this community. Make no mistake, Rex’s supporters wish to return to the thrilling days of yesteryear. They won't take “NO” for an answer! If you doubt it, read the guest editorial in the Eureka Reporter. An out of town energy industry player tries to reintroduce LNG into our town.

Since we're sticking to the facts about Rex, He did personally, send that letter of support to the voters, endorsing Calpine’s LNG processing

I pulled a few quotes from the Lumberjack to illustrate my points, but please, don't take my word for it, go to the Lumberjack online and read Rex's! It's worth the effort http://thejack.humboldt.edu/modules.phpop=modload&name=PagEd&file=index&page_id=522

"...The city should be open to any and all prospective businesses. You need to embrace everything that comes to town,”

“Taking inventory of land does not mean that more surveys and tests should be conducted, as he sees both as a waste of time and money.”

“Studies drive me nuts,” Bohn said. “Just build it and show me if it works.”

“I could be a liaison for outside business,” Bohn said.

According to the Jack, “Bohn had been thinking about running for the council position in the past and felt that now was the right time because incumbent Chris Kerrigan had not made any contribution to the community that Bohn could see.”


Rex and his friends have ponied up over $70K for Rex to get out their message.

We have a great TV spot ready for air. It is positive, and on target, speaking to the Kerrigan record in creating good local jobs. There is no mention of Rex and the gang. Chris gets to put his vision of Eureka's future to the people. We need your help to buy air time for this vital message. Please give what you can.

Donate now on line at http://www.chriskerrigan.org or send a check to Friends of Chris Kerrigan po box 6341 Eureka Ca 95570.

Tell everyone you know to support Chris...then tell everyone you don't know.

Yours for a brighter future,

Richard
--
To unsubscribe from: Friends of Chris Kerrigan, just follow this link:
http://www.ourhumboldt.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi?f=u&l=Kerrigan&e=______________.com&p=17619___
Click this link, or copy and paste the address into your browser.

***
__________________
The aftermath:

Times-Standard Editorial:
Article Last Updated: Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 6:11:52 AM PST

A vote against the politics of personal attack

Sometimes, in covering or observing a local community, you have to step back from what's happening and just take a deep breath.

The 4th Ward Eureka City Council race is one of those times.

Rex Bohn, community volunteer and a Renner Petroleum manager, is challenging incumbent Chris Kerrigan, who is experienced and personable, for the seat. They should debate the issues, campaign for what they believe in, and let the best man win.

But a recent e-mail, on behalf of the Kerrigan campaign, has left many shaking their heads in our community.

Last week, Richard Salzman, a Trinidad resident representing himself as part of Friends of Chris Kerrigan, sent an e-mail to hundreds of people asking for financial and other support for the Kerrigan campaign.


There's nothing wrong with that. As campaign manager for District Attorney Paul Gallegos during the recent DA recall election, Salzman -- who also opposed the recent proposed Calpine project -- proved himself to be articulate, tenacious and effective in political matters.

But the e-mail went a step beyond what we usually find in Eureka council contests, and indeed seemed more in line with the overtly and overly emotional appeals seen in the DA recall and Calpine battles.

Consider these examples, and we quote:

"Rex Bohn is a reactionary oilman out for revenge."

"Like PL, Rex is running a mean and sleazy campaign."

"Rex Bohn is out for himself."

Rubbish.

We've seen no evidence of revenge, meanness or self-centeredness about Bohn. The only real sleaze we've seen so far is the aforementioned e-mail sent out on behalf of Kerrigan -- which he has said he knew nothing about ahead of time, and which certainly seems out of character for the councilman.

But this editorial is not about supporting Rex Bohn or Chris Kerrigan, or even about Richard Salzman, who appears to have gotten a little carried away in his campaign enthusiasm.

It's about how we choose our elected leaders, and if we're willing to support the politics of personal attack as the nasty new standard in local elections.

We don't believe Eurekans want that kind of politicking in their town, whether they support Bohn or Kerrigan.

After all, it's a council race, not the final battle for Middle Earth.

The DA recall was, we hoped, an anomaly. But whether a one-time phenomenon or not, the conquer-or-die, win-at-all-costs hysteria seen in the recall -- and in the national presidential campaign -- can only serve to hurt us in the long run.

If we devote most of our energies to fighting among ourselves on the North Coast, to squabbling, insulting and tearing each other down, there won't be the energy, the vision, the strength found in unity and reasoned compromise, to lift this region into a better future.

As Salzman said, correctly, in kicking off his e-mail:

"I am writing because we need your help to protect Humboldt County's natural beauty and our way of life."

Who would disagree?

We need everybody's help, to overcome the real challenges facing us over transportation, employment, intelligent development and other issues.

But we won't get there by bashing the other guy over the head.

Let's hope for a reasoned, productive and civil debate over the 4th Ward seat and all the other campaigns facing us this political season.

That's what many of us say we want. Now's the time to prove it.
***
__________________Eureka Reporter Editorial
9/22/04
Kerrigan Should Dump Salzman, Apologize To Bohn

The e-mail recently sent out by Chris Kerrigan campaign adviser Richard Salzman is despicable.

At the least, Kerrigan should have disavowed the outrageous e-mail and dumped Salzman as a campaign adviser for writing such scurrilous allegations.

What is really needed is for Kerrigan and Salzman to apologize to Rex Bohn, who is challenging Kerrigan for the Fourth Ward City Council post.

We urge Eureka residents to read in this issue the appalling e-mail sent by Salzman. He makes scandalous accusations. If the City Council election weren’t so serious to the future of this city, Salzman’s contemptible claims would be hilarious.

For example, Salzman says a vote against Bohn is a vote against Pacific Lumber. How did PL get brought into a Eureka City Council election? What childishness.

Salzman disgracefully says that Bohn is running a mean and sleazy campaign, but we have not found that to be true. Salzman should look in the mirror.

Salzman shamefully claims that Bohn is out for himself. He says this about a man who has dedicated his life to serving the community. Bohn’s charitable works are many. He is a community-spirited man who has helped many organizations over the years. One of his biggest accomplishments was helping to spearhead the drive to establish Redwood Fields in Cutten. That’s hardly out for himself.

Kerrigan has four years with which to run his campaign on. He should stick to that and avoid campaign advisers like Salzman, because it is not worthy of a councilman to have an adviser wage such a sleazy, mudslinging effort at Bohn.

We, as a community, cannot tolerate a campaign based upon smear, vitriol and name-calling.

***

But the damage was done.

And now, it's 2014, and they're back to the same dirty tricks.

Pony up, Chris.

Bring out your 460's Chris. How much money did you and Rex Bohn each raise in the 2004 election?

Does your recent fundraising letter contain a mistake? Or a deliberate lie?

Is this how you are going to be conducting yourself throughout this election?
__________________
Chris Kerrigan, answer the question: Did Rex Bohn raise "upwards of $150,000" in your race in 2004?
__________________
The answer is NO. And the 460's prove it.

The 10-17-04 through 12-31-04 460s show Rex with just over $1,000 more than Chris - REX: $84,863.94 vs. CHRIS: $83,198.90. A very close match.

Will Salzman/Chris issue a correction?

Hey, candidates! Got someone on your team who can write, sort of?

Then you too should be allowed a "Guest column" at Lost Coast Outpost.

Yes, while "R Trent" Salzman is skulking around the DA campaign, and soliciting donations, and setting up to run Chris Kerrigan, he gets a free platform.

Yes, the man who brought EXPENSIVE campaigns to Humboldt County, the man who set up his own special "PAC" (remember the so-called Alliance For Ethical Business?) now gets to proselytize about campaign finance limits and reform.

◼ Maybe he can explain how one comes up with money to offer a journalist a $1,000 to write a hit piece.

To get YOUR free hit piece column, call up Hank at Lost Coast Outpost.

Get 'em while they're hot!
__________________
◼ Mielke soliciting supporters on LOCO; Salzman needs to do this county a favor and move on - John Chiv/Words Worth

John mentions "Redwood Progressive." That is one of Salzman's groups/listserves. AEB (Alliance For Ethical Business). Ourhumboldt.org, Redwood Progressive, Citizens for Real Economic Growth, SaveEurekaWaterfront.org, Behind the Redwood Curtain, and more. Like boiler room scammers. Orwellian names, really, for example, do you really think Citizens For REAL Economic Growth was ever about economic growth? No. It's always about destroying his target.
◼ Two new aliases for Richard "R Trent" Salzman
◼ One has to wonder...
__________________
In the comments thread at LoCo, Mitch tries deflecting criticism of Salzman with THIS gem: "And you know what they've found? That he signed his cat's name to a letter to the editor."

Not so fast little Mitchie.

In fact, he used the names of people who were indigent, and unable and unlikely to be aware that their names were being used. He used the names of supporters (after asking if it was ok that he signed their name to his letter, then using it again and again for his own purposes...caught because he wrote a letter attacking a FRIEND of said supporter, who did NOT approve being given author credit for Richard's hit piece.) And he made up names, and yes, he used the name of his dog, not his cat.

He did it over and over and over again.

And that's not all.

Sure, you can pretend it doesn't matter. But, Mitch, you profess to care about honesty. You're all about honesty in elections, right?

Apparently not.
__________________
KINS and other media outlets around here have always put 'columnists' on hiatus during the political season if they are involved in a campaign. I am sure Hank will do the same with BOTH Matthew and "R. Trent"/Sara the dog.

Who will Paul endorse?

◼ What if Paul changes his mind before the March deadline and runs? - John Chiv/Words Worth

John's analysis of what's gone on in the race so far.

Who's asleep at the editorial wheel?

It's not posted online yet - but a Times-Standard letter-to-the-editor from Richard W. "R Trent" Salzman opining on 'honesty in politics is a bit much. How'd that get by you guys? And WHO wrote the title? Did you do that with a straight face?

◼ Time for honesty in government - Richard W. Salzman/Letter-To-The-Editor/Times-Standard

Once again, the need for some institutional memory is startlingly clear.

Remember the ◼ "Web Of Lies"? Or did you excuse that away?

◼ At least we know can assume he is using his own name this time:
"Though the Williams letters were signed "R. Trent Williams," e-mails sent from "Williams'" e-mail address appeared in inboxes as coming from "Rick William." Salzman's full name is Richard William Salzman.

Reached Tuesday {September 2005) morning, Salzman declined to comment on the matter any further. He said that he would not provide a list of false names he has used."
_________

There's also a sudden spate of letters to the editor decrying 'big money' in politics.

What this means is - Salzman's faction is down and seeking to handicap 'the other side.'

Ken Miller's on the move as well, his latest puppet is running for the MCSD.

This election in November is a little one, and shouldn't have to become acrimonious, but all bets are off when sweet Ol' Ken is involved. And really guys, for what?

Next year promises to be bloody.

One has to wonder...

Did any of our local political orgs - Paykeeper, Humboldt Watershed Council, The so-called Alliance For Ethical Business, Healthy Humboldt, ERF, and others - have to answer questions like these asked by the IRS of 'conservative' groups:

List each past or present board member, officer, key employee and members of their families who:
a) Has served on the board of another organization. Has previously conducted similar activities for another entity.
b) Was, is or plans to be a candidate for public office. Indicate the nature of each candidacy.
c) Has previously conducted similar activities for another entity. (Like Humboldt Watershed Council/Healthy Humboldt?)(Like Local Solutions, Alliance for Ethical Business, Redwood Progressive, CREG, DUHC, Friends Of Paul Gallegos, Our Humboldt, Behind the Redwood Curtain, Curtain FOPG-Listserv
Friends of Chris Kerrigan, and God knows how many more...)
d) Has previously submitted an application for tax exempt status.

Please provide the following regarding your merchandise sales:
a) A vendor list. Indicate if the vendor is a related party.
b) A list of items sold.
c) Your cost for each item.
d) The selling price of each item.

Fully describe your youth outreach program with the local school district.

Provide information regarding the (Humboldt Democrat Central Committee, ERF) and your
relationship.

Provide a list of all issues that are important to your organization. Indicate your position regarding each issue.

It appears you have received training (______). Provide the following for all persons or organizations that have provided educational services to you:
a) The name of the person or organization.
b) A full description of the services provided.
c) The political affiliation of the person or organization.
d) A copy of the educational material used.

Provide details regarding your relationship with (Richard Salzman, Michael Shellenberger (sic).

Has your organization engaged in any activities with the news media? If so, please describe those activities in further detail and, if available, provide copies of articles printed or transcripts of items aired because of that activity. News media activity may include the following:

a) Newspaper advertisements
b) Press releases
c) Interviews with news media
d) Letters to the editor
e) Op-ed Pieces

A hard copy printout of the website – A PDF file emailed to the IRS will not suffice (and this is the high-tech Administration)

List all Social Media outlets being used (Facebook, Twitter, etc) and include hard copy printouts of every posting

A narrative description of every activity of your organization since June 30, 2010 (filing date) – And they do not want a mere description of the event, but full details – including; who conducted it, their qualifications, who was allowed to take part in the activities and how they were selected, was there a fee? (how much)

The IRS also wants to know about the members of the group and their roles and more, asking specifically for the “name, address, and corporate federal ID of all organizations that are members of our organization”
[...]
Public events are also under scrutiny with the IRS demanding to know the time, location and content schedule of each event.

Copies of any and all handouts must be included.

Names and credentials of all instructors and copies of any workshop materials used.
All speakers must be identified and copies of every speech must be included.

AND THERE'S MORE: “Have you attempted or will you attempt to influence the outcome of specific legislation? If so, provide the following … all communications, pamphlets, advertisements, and other materials.”

“Have you conducted or will you conduct candidate forums? If so, provide the following details… The issues that were discussed. Copies of all handouts provided.”

“The names of persons from your organization and the amount of time they will spend on the event. Indicate the name and amount of compensation that will be paid to each person.”

“All copies of your corporate minutes from inception.”

“Please identify your volunteers.”

“The names of donors, contributors, and grantors.”

“Do you encourage eligible voters to educate themselves, register to vote, and vote? Explain in detail how you do this.”

“You were formed 12/28/10. Provide actual financial information for 2010 & 2011, and a budget for 2012. Provide details regarding each item listed.”
______________

This level of inquiry goes well beyond the scope of the Form 1023 application for exempt status - and appears to be applied to one side and not the other.

In particular, we know that Humboldt Watershed Council and The AEB ran ads here locally, oh so many years ago. The AEB never showed up on any of my searches of IRS databases. Humboldt Watershed Council, on the other hand has a substantial record on Guidestar, and in the early days, at least, showed their 'educational' requirement was fulfilled.

It's quite a racket.

And, more than that, it's pretty disturbing when the full power of the federal Government/IRS is brought to bear on one side and not the other. There are thousands and thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of 'left-wing' orgs, we know they are formed and used and discarded just like boiler room stock scammers. Michael Shellenberger himself had quite a list, including Apollo Alliance, "The Rose Foundation," "The Committee of Concerned Maxxam Shareholders," "As You Sow Foundation" - No small potatoes there.

◼ Senior Internal Revenue Service officials knew agents were targeting tea party groups as early as 2011, according to a draft of an inspector general's report obtained by The Associated Press that seemingly contradicts public statements by the IRS commissioner. - AP

Richard Salzman and other email phonies (UPDATED)

◼ Web of Lies - The Journal

◼ Anoint Adams - Richard Salzman/The Journal

◼ Don't Anoint Susan - Sylvia De Rooy/Letter to Editor/The Journal

Shame on you, Richard Salzman (Mailbox, “Anoint Susan,” March 22). You told me you wouldn’t do that again and then you went and did it. You agreed that there was a question of ethics, and yet you done went and did it again. You wrote that long letter filled with your reasons to vote for Susan Adams but you left one critical piece of information out. You wrote that letter like you were just another John Q. Public voicing his free and honest opinions.

But, is it free and honest when you fail to point out that you are Susan Adams’ paid employee, her campaign manager for Humboldt County? I would like to believe that you know the answer to that, but then why did you do it? ...

Read it all - especially the response from Richard Salzman, admitting he is in fact Susan Adam's "Northcoast Field Organizer."

At least Richard is finally posting under his real name. At least sometimes.

What is he going to do for you exactly, Susan? Does it include scurrilous defamation under anonymous pseudonyms on the many forums throughout Humboldt County? Blogs? Times Standard? (Well, they kinda threw him off his game there by requiring Facebook log in… but you can bet he’s found a way around that by now.) What, exactly is he going to do for you? And are you ok with it? What names is he going to call your opponent? What lies will be offered up as fodder for voters to consider?

As far as I am concerned, any candidate who uses Richard’s services does not deserve to hold any office anywhere.

MORE:
◼ ‘Surly Cur’ Salzman - Paul Hagen responds to Sylvia De Rooy's Letter

The true insult and betrayal of his pernicious conduct is that all of us are now stuck with what the son of a bitch has done to our county and, as Ms. De Rooy’s letter so well demonstrates, will shamelessly continue to do.

The Gallegos Effect

◼ 'Meaner than a pit bull'; victim recounts harrowing home invasion, torture - Thadeus Greenson/Times-Standard

”They had to have been in this house before,” Doe said, adding that she, her husband and their children just moved into the place in August.

Humboldt County Sheriff's Office Detective Steve Quenell said there is some indication in the case that prior tenants of the Drake Hill Road home had a marijuana grow operation and possibly sold marijuana from the house.

Every day you see reports that show you the end result of having pot de facto legal in this community.

Every day innocent people pay the high price.

For whatever reason - I'm in moderation at the Mirror

Since May 29th. So, I waited, but... on the Richard Salzman Post, people in the thread are saying things like this:
Cell Block D, on May 29, 2011 at 9:08 am said:

It takes brave men like Richard to show us how conservative and corporate-owned the Arcata City Council is.

Power to the people!

So, I just want to say"

Brave?????? Bullshit.

Sneaking around sticking stickers on parking meters in the dark of night? Anonymous hit pieces in plain brown wrappers? Phony names for his self congratulatory/hit piece letters to the editor? The Web-Of-Lies? Worse, using the names of people whose caretakers said they couldn’t even sign their name much less write a letter to the editor?

I don’t think “brave” is the right term.

Trying to rehabilitate his image – the only thing you can say this time is he was forced to use his own name because the supply of willing dupes has dried up.

Protestors jump the shark

◼ Richardson Grove rally takes a violent turn
◼ Realignment - Critics of Caltrans’ Richardson Grove project stage a rally (they wish was) worthy of the Hurwitz era

And where are the ringleaders? They aren't the ones being hauled off to jail, are they?
No-o-o-o.

Look, kids, wake up. Learn a little bit about trucks and wheel bases before you go off half cocked doing someone else's bidding. If they really cared they'd be there getting arrested with you.

◼ Anon.r.mous' helpful picture guide to STAA trucks.
As you can see above, the ENORMOUS interstate highway sized trucks really aren't that much larger than the trucks that can currently get into Humboldt County. It's just the room for the sleeper. The Volvo VNL 300 (above) has a wheelbase of approx 166" and the VNL 670 (below) has one of approx 221". You can order them longer or shorter. We already allow large STAA style trucks into Humboldt County, and have for years. Some of the longest trucks on the roads are moving vans, which are allowed, and have been allowed on 101 for years. So far, the chaos that the special interest groups such as Paul Cienfuegos and Richard Salzman support has failed to happen

◼ Realignment - Critics of Caltrans’ Richardson Grove project stage a rally (they wish was) worthy of the Hurwitz era