Ben Shepherd's Position Paper

By Ben Shepherd

Community Voice, Public Safety, Budget, and Commitment are the key topics for Ben Shepherd

Public Safety: Every community in the 5th District has the same concern: not enough Sheriff's Deputies patrolling or assigned to their area. Ben's highest budget priority is to increase the number of Sheriff's Deputies on patrol or assigned to the communities of the 5th District. Ben supports expansion of the S.C.O.P.E. program and prioritizing funding for additional Sheriff Deputies. Ben supports the Law Enforcement Facility, LEF, in McKinleyville which will allow for an increased law enforcement presence in the northern part of the county. Ben will work to make our communities safe.

Budget: The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors must provide pro-active leadership and move from crisis to crisis management to long term planning. Each county department must start planning for the future by developing a comprehensive five-year plan focusing on goals. Each year these goals would be prioritized to form the basis for the budget. It is difficult for Humboldt County employees to be productive with instability caused by yearly layoff threats and huge budget shortfalls only to find money at the last minute. Ben Shepherd is committed to stable and responsible fiscal leadership.

Commitment: Ben Shepherd is the only candidate for 5th District Supervisor who was born and raised in Humboldt County. Ben Shepherd's family first came to Humboldt County in the 1860's. Ben was raised in the Arcata Bottoms on the family ranch, attended local schools, and graduated from HSU. Since his graduation, Ben has worked in education in Humboldt County. Ben has years of community involvement and leadership. Ben's roots in Humboldt County provide him a unique perspective. Ben and his wife, Wendy Wahlund have children, grandchildren, and many family members here. He is committed to this area and plans to spend the rest of his life here. Nothing can replace the understanding of our local area developed by a lifetime of community involvement, living and working here.