Rex Bohn First District Supervisor

Rex Bohn for Humboldt County 1st District Supervisor in 2020

Rex Bohn, well-known community leader, youth advocate and founder of Redwood Fields recreation complex in Cutten has announced his intention to focus his energy and dedication to seeking re-election in the First District Supervisor seat in 2020. Read the announcement here ».

Rex Bohn for First District Supervisor is now on Facebook. If you are on Facebook, please take a moment to Like Rex.

1st District: Rex Bohn

Rex Bohn walks the walk, even if we condemn some of his talk. Political differences aside, he’s our county’s hardest working politician, and the 1st District’s best choice.

Rex Bohn knows the 1st District and its communities inside and out. His record as a two-term Humboldt County supervisor and as a board member and past chairman of the Rural County Representatives of California shows him to be a tireless champion for his county’s interests at the regional and state level.

Whether or not we agree with him 100% of the time, all of Humboldt County benefits from Rex Bohn’s experience, depth of knowledge and unmatched hustle. In the coming years, Humboldt County’s going to need all three.

Bohn’s challenger, Cliff Berkowitz, whose politics are more in line with this newspaper’s editorial board, has demonstrated he’s not ready for prime time.

We expected from Berkowitz a brief discussion of his opponent’s infamously overheard tamale joke, its bigoted overtones, and the incumbent’s inadequate first apologies — all of which we’ve previously discussed at length on this page and condemned.

We did not expect Berkowitz to cap his brief discussion with a Richard Pryor impersonation in a clumsy attempt to illustrate the egregiousness of his opponent’s offense.

In doing so, Berkowitz might not have expected a racial epithet to come out of his own mouth, either, as it was hurriedly followed by a request not to quote him.

“Off the record,” as we afterward explained as a gift to Mr. Berkowitz, is a mutually agreed condition between reporter and source. What we left unsaid at the time, out of shock, was that “off the record” is not the equivalent of a broadcast delay — and that casually dropping a racial epithet during an endorsement interview does not signal vast readiness for public office.

The Times-Standard endorses Rex Bohn.

---

Rex Bohn, incumbent

1. When re-elected, my priorities as Supervisor include addressing the following: homelessness, roads, climate change, and economic development. Homelessness is a top prior it y. New state funding resources are being allocated to local jurisdictions to help address homelessness, addiction and mental health. We have a plan to access those dollars, and we’re doing it through leveraging existing partnerships within the county, to work toward long term solutions. Roads — SB 1 has doubled state funding for local roads. This year, the County will receive $7M for local repairs. Climate change — the County will complete and implement its Climate ActionPlan, a comprehensive roadmap to reduce GHGs: To compliment the plan, and at my recommendation, we’re including a climate action advisory panel that can help implement prompt local and regional action to reduce emissions and store carbon. Economic development— supporting the development of projects that benefit our economy and environment e.g. aquaculture, renewable energy, cannabis, and dairy industries.

2. I have eight years of on-the-job work experience, institutional knowledge, a proven track record of getting results— and I want to keep serving Humboldt County. Achievements that I am proud of include: 1) Working with PG& E to develop a plan to allow Humboldt County to operate as an “island” during future PSPS events. 2) The Salt River Restoration Project, which takes a holistic, watershed-wide approach to address sediment, fish passage, flooding, and drainage issues near Ferndale. 3) Securing funding for the Humboldt Bay Trail, and lead in the acquisition of McKay Forest for hiking, biking and equestrian access. 4) Serving as board member and past chairman of the Rural County Representatives of California to represent Humboldt’s interests at the regional and state level. 5) I have a demonstrated ability to work “across the aisle” to develop policies for our community. I am asking the people of District 1 to give me the honor of their vote on March 3.

3. As Supervisor, I have an “open door” for everyone in my district, and within the county. I am available seven days a week to listen to thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. In Humboldt County we have 11 tribes, as well as a diversity of ethnicities and races. It is imperative that the county continues to build its outreach mechanisms to ensure that people are aware of upcoming policy developments and understand when and how to participate, and engage. The best way for participation, is to understand that everyone has a seat at the table at all public meetings e.g. as Planning Commission hearing. Supervisor Board meetings, and ad hoc committees. Good policy is developed when a diversity of interests participates. And, if we’ve learned anything lately, is that we all have a little to learn from one another.

Rex Bohn for Humboldt County 1st District Supervisor | Vote March 3, 2020

Rex Bohn for Supervisor 2020 | Treasurer: John Fullerton | FPPC # 1339379