Full Biography for Ben Shepherd

Fifth District Supervisor is not an entry level position. Ben has 18 years experience as an elected member of the McKinleyville Community Services District Board. He has a leadership position in a countywide Redwood Region Economic Development Commission representing all of the major governmental entities in Humboldt County. When he heard the McKinleyville community asking for recreation, he led in the development of recreation for McKinleyville. Ben worked with the community to win two ballot measures for recreation and as a Board member he helped get land for sports fields, build the McKinleyville Activity Center and Azalea Hall at Pierson Park. Now there are many recreation activities for community youth along with the Senior Center at Azalea Hall. When the community asked for a new library for McKinleyville, he worked to pass Measure J to build the new library in McKinleyville. Ben has more than 20 years experience with land use planning as a community member and as a member of the 1985 McKinleyville Citizens Advisory Committee and the current CAC. Ben is recognized as a leader who gets things done and works hard for the community. Ben's wife, Wendy Wahlund, is a business owner and they know what it means to operate a business in our area. Ben has a proven record.