My name is Fred Nelson, I am a resident of Eureka, and I am speaking to you today as vice president of the Humboldt Taxpayers League.  As you just heard, I qualified myself before continuing so there will be no question as to my status, thus leaving no room for doubt or assumption as to who I represent.  At last weeks meeting, there were some assumptions made which, I think, were unfortunate.  Case in point; As David Elsebusch turned to leave the podium, after addressing the Board, Supervisor Neely voiced her dissatisfaction with the Taxpayers League stating that they were not “Playing by the Rules”.  David returned to the podium and replied that he was not addressing the Board as a spokesman for the Taxpayers League, but as a private citizen. He was correct in his statement.  Mr. Elsebusch, as you know, speaks to the board most frequently as a citizen and a taxpayer, but even though he is a member, he does not speak for the Taxpayers League.  Sending a message to the Taxpayers League through a person, present on other business was not necessary as Supervisor Neely has access to the Taxpayers League as a County Supervisor, a citizen and as a fellow League member, or she could have called a news media conference, which is also her prerogative.

Secondly, Supervisor Rodoni made a statement regarding an e-mail that he had received from a person who he mentioned as being a member of the Taxpayers League.  He did not like the content of the e-mail and referred to it in a derogatory manner.  If the e-mail was sent to Mr. Rodoni by a person claiming that he or she was a spokesperson for the Taxpayers League, the author was out of line.  If Mr. Rodoni recognized the author as a member of the League and assumed he or she was representing the League, then Mr. Rodoni is out of line.  The Taxpayers League does not take responsibility for the statements or opinions of its members unless they are authorized by the League.

What I am trying to say here today is that when a person steps up to the podium or writes a letter, they should qualify themselves well enough that there will be no room for assumption, on the Board’s part, as to why they are there. A person may belong to any number of groups or organizations but it should not be assumed as to why he or she is standing before you nor should you use them as messengers outside of the status that they are in at the time.

This statement is made in the hopes that improved communications can be attained with all of your constituents, not just the Taxpayers League, thus leading to a better understanding between the Board of Supervisors and the community.  Thank you.