Board censures Supervisor Bushnell despite overwhelmingly public support

 

(Former Supervisor Rodoni waiting with Supervisor Bushnell)

Before the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors went into closed session this afternoon, they took public comment former Humboldt County Supervisor Johanna Rodoni regarding Second District Supervisor Michelle Bushnell. 

Humboldt County Planning Commission member Thomas Mulder showed up after the BOS was in closed session.

The BOS went into session around 1:20 p.m. It is now 2:11 p.m. and we are waiting for the rest of the Board to return to chambers.

2:18 p.m. Humboldt County CAO Elishia Hayes said, "We havent finalized closed session. We will report at the end of the day."

Zach O'Hanen, director of HR spoke briefly.

2:19 Code of conduct item, Third District Supervisor Mike Wilson just read the staff report which is online. The censure is being discussed first. There are 6 witnesses. "I just want to get through the censure part." Opened to public comment. On Zoom, first caller. "How many have resigned positions? How many have initiated restraining orders?" The person did not identify themselves but it sounds like Kent Sawatzky. "I don't believe this raises to the level of censorship."

Laura Lasseter, second caller Zoom. Another positive comment for Supervisor Bushnell. "Supervisor Bushnell is vital to her constituents and Southern Humboldt."

Craig Johnson spoke next in person and agreed with Lassiter. Commended Supervisor Bushnell on her leadership. Thomas Mulder spoke in person."She fights for the Second District. She is passionate. I don't believe anyone is perfect."

There has not been one negative comment about Supervisor Bushnell. 

Third District Mike Wilson acknowledged public does not know much. Personally, as a resident of Humboldt County, his weak defense of protecting employees is bs.

First District Supervisor Rex Bohn asked to explain what censure is; CAO Hayes explained a public reprimand and that the Board does not agree with Supervisor Bushnell's behavior.

Supervisor Bushnell apologized. "I was loud. I felt wronged." She apologized for making Zach O'Hanen uncomfortable. Said she likes the two "hurt" employees very much. Supervisor Bushnell opened up about fight and flight response, a past abusive relationship. She said she will respect the Board's decision and wish she had handled it differently.

Fourth District Supervisor Natalie Arroyo made the motion to move this item forward. My personal opinion is that Supervisor Arroyo and Supervisor Wilson's lecturing is condescending to me as a constituent of this County. Even Supervisor Madrone, at least publicly, was not so aggressive but it is obvious that Supervisor Arroyo, Wilson and Madrone have closed minds. If these employees feel unsafe because of loudness and someone having a tough day, then they can go seek jobs somewhere where they have no human interaction.

Supervisor Arroyo and Supervisor Wilson are hypocrites to excuse Supervisor Madrone's behavior while lecturing Supervisor Bushnell.

Three Supervisors' bias is obvious and they get paid by the taxpayers; so do the employees.

Motion all 4 for censure.

Again, two callers on Zoom. Again Kent Sawatzky. Both recommending refer to Grand Jury.  

Craig Johnson. "I don't think any further action should be taken." You can listen the rest of his remarks on video.

Thomas Mulder stated, "This is my formal complaint you violated the Brown Act." You can also listen to his remarks live. He also reiterated no further action.

The three liberal Board of Supervisors had their minds made up. Today's vote was petty and partisan. Three Supervisors gave the finger to the public. 

3:11 Supervisor Wilson can go on and on. Put the information out there what was said. Your interpretation is not good enough.The media and public do not know what was said. 

Supervisor Wilson if this is how you treat your friends, I feel sorry for them. This is him referring to Supervisor Bushnell as a friend.

It is being referred to the Grand Jury. 

Supervisor Bohn made a suggestion that Supervisor Bushnell only step down for the three last meetings in 2025.

3:22: Rex just said, "I am going through this myself before someone leaks it out."

Rex no, 3-0 on Supervisor Madrone's agenda item.

On 11/4/25, Supervisor Bushnell posted a statement on Facebook. She said all this yesterday and I was present in person; covering it live.

Supervisor Bushnell statement:

Following yesterday’s meeting of the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, at which Second District Supervisor Supervisor Michelle Bushnell was censured by her colleagues and removed from her position as chair, Bushnell posted the following statement to Facebook:

I want to start by saying I understand the board’s decision, and I take responsibility for the part I played in the incident that brought us here. I’ve already acknowledged that my behavior that day wasn’t appropriate, and I’ve taken steps to address it personally and professionally.

That said, I don’t agree with all of the findings or with how this process was handled. I’ve retained legal counsel because I believe there is a significant issue with due process — and that matters, not just for me, but for the integrity of this board’s procedures going forward.

I also think it’s unfortunate that some of my colleagues have chosen to go beyond the facts of the investigation and make additional, unsubstantiated claims in public.

My focus remains on serving the people of the 2nd District, who know my commitment to this community. I’m going to keep doing the work I was elected to do — with transparency, professionalism, and respect.