DA elect Maggie Fleming and Probation's Bill Damiano make an excellent case for Measure Z

DA elect Maggie Fleming and Probation's Bill Damiano gave a presentation on Measure Z at today's Eureka City Council meeting.

Eureka Police Chief Andy Mills, Maggie and Mr. Damiano before the meeting exchanged brief pleasantries. Supervisors Virginia Bass and Rex Bohn attended the Council meeting to support Maggie and Mr. Damiano.

This was the best presentation I have attended at any government meeting. Maggie passed out a handout to the audience and at the conclusion of their joint presentation, Maggie said that she and Mr. Damiano would be glad to speak to any group interested in learning more about Measure Z.

Measure Z is on the November ballot and it is one half cent sales tax that expires in 5 years and "it will maintain and improve essential Humboldt County Services."

Maggie and Mr. Damiano took turns reading highlights from their presentation, giving key points on why Measure Z is needed.

Mr. Damiano said that these funds are to be used locally and cannot be taken away by the State. In the past 22 years, Sacramento has taken significant revenue from Humboldt County, decreasing public safety and essential services.

Due to budget constraints, Sheriff's patrols have been greatly reduced and this means when someone calls, it can take several hours for  Deputy to respond. Maggie used the example of Sohum saying when someone calls, they want to know when a Deputy can get there. Measure Z would help with response times.

Mr. Damiano said these funds could be used to deal with eradicating meth labs and cleaning up large marijuana grows that harm the environment. Treatment and prevention programs for people suffering from drug addiction could be funded as well as assistance for child abuse and elder abuse victims.

A Citizen's Advisory Board would advise the Board of Supervisors on usage of the funds, said Mr. Damiano.

Councilmember Marian Brady brought up that the City has a  measure on the November ballot, Measure Q with the same amount of tax. The City estimates a total of 4 million in revenue. She said the County estimates 6 million. Will spending be proportional to what Eureka contributes with prosecution and increase in jail space? She brought this up stating it seems Eureka would provide the bulk of revenue for Measure Z.

Mr. Damiano said the County already provides services to Eureka such as the jail, fire services in the greater Eureka area and the Coroner. "60 per cent of the offenders in my
department have Eureka listed as their residence. You are already getting those services."
He added that it would be the Board of Supervisors who will decide how the money is spent."