[MUSIC] >> KEET-TV AND THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY PRESENT A FORUM FOR CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR THE OFFICE OF REPORTER-COUNTY CLERK, REGISTRAR VOTERS OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY.

VIEWERS MAY SUBMIT QUESTIONS DURING THIS FORUM BY CALLING 7(074)445-0811.

THIS FORUM IS ALSO BEING STREAMED LIVE AT OUR KEET.ORG WEBSITE.

AND NOW YOUR MODERATOR FOR THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS, BYRD LOCHTIE.

>> GOOD EVENING.

I'M BYRD LOCHTIE WITH THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY.

I'D LIKE TO WELCOME ALL OUR VIEWERS TONIGHT FOR A LIVE CANDIDATE FORUM WITH THE THREE CANDIDATES FOR THE OFFICE OF RECORDER-CLERK, REGISTRAR OF VOTERS.

CANDIDATES WITH US THIS EVENING ARE JUAN PABLO CERVANTES, TIFFANY NIELSEN, AND BENJAMIN HERSHBERGER.

THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS, A NONPARTISAN POLITICAL ORGANIZATION ENCOURAGES ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT, WORKS TO INCREASE UNDERSTANDING OF MAJOR PUBLIC POLICY ISSUES AND INFLUENCES PUBLIC POLICY THROUGH EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY.

THE LEAGUE NEVER ENDORSES CANDIDATES OR POLITICAL PARTIES.

WE DO TAKE POSITIONS ON ISSUES AFTER EXTENSIVE STUDY AND MEMBER CONSENSUS.

THE LEAGUE IS DEDICATED TO PROVIDING IMPARTIAL INFORMATION ABOUT VOTING AND THE PUBLIC PROCESS.

BEFORE WE BEGIN OUR FORUM TONIGHT, I'D LIKE TO SHARE SOMETHING WITH OUR CANDIDATES AND THE VIEWING AUDIENCE.

32 YEARS AGO, IT WAS SUGGESTED TO THE LEAGUE BOARD THAT WE HAVE TELEVISION CANDIDATE FORUMS.

BOARD PRESIDENT, JUDY BENNET, MET WITH ST. CLAIR ADAMS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF KEET AT THAT TIME, AND HE AGREED AND SO BEGAN OUR KEY PARTNERSHIP OF CANDIDATE FORUMS.

A FEW YEARS LATER, CAROL MASTERSON, ALSO A LEAGUE BOARD MEMBER, TOOK OVER THE JOB OF FACILITATING THESE EVENTS WITH KEET.

THIS PAST JANUARY, WE LOST CAROL TO LEUKEMIA, SO I WANT TO TAKE THIS MOMENT TO EXPRESS OUR GRATITUDE FOR ALL SHE DID TO MAKE THESE FORUMS A SUCCESS.

WE NOW HAVE A COMMITTEE DOING WHAT CAROL DID BY HERSELF FOR OVER 25 YEARS.

THANK YOU, CAROL, AND THANK YOU, KEET.

SO TO CONTINUE, LEAGUE MEMBERS ARE SERVING TONIGHT AS PHONE VOLUNTEERS, QUESTION SORTERS, TIME KEEPER AND COURIER.

THEIR NAMES WILL APPEAR IN THE CREDITS AT THE END OF THE PROGRAM.

SINCE OUR PROGRAM TONIGHT WILL INCLUDE THE CREWS OF QUESTIONS CALLED IN FROM VIEWERS, I ENCOURAGE YOU TO BEGIN CALLING IN YOUR QUESTIONS NOW TO (707)445-0811.

OUR VOLUNTEERS ARE WAITING TO TAKE YOUR CALLS.

THE FORMAT FOR TONIGHT'S FORUM WILL BE AS FOLLOWS.

EACH CANDIDATE WILL BE GIVEN A MAXIMUM OF ONE MINUTE TO RESPOND TO QUESTIONS PREVIOUSLY SENT TO THE LEAGUE OR PHONED IN BY THE VIEWING AUDIENCE.

AT THE END OF THE QUESTION PERIOD, EACH CANDIDATE WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A TWO-MINUTE CLOSING STATEMENT.

THE CANDIDATES HAVE DRAWN LOTS TO DETERMINE THE ORDER OF CLOSING STATEMENTS.

THE CLERK RECORDER REGISTRAR OF VOTERS RECORDS OR FILES VARIOUS DOCUMENTS AND MAPS, REGISTERS ALL BIRTHS, DEATHS, AND PUBLIC MARRIAGES OCCURRING WITHIN HUMBOLDT COUNTY.

ONCE RECORDED OR FILED, THE DOCUMENTS AND CERTIFICATES ARE MADE AVAILABLE FOR EXAMINATION WITHIN THE OFFICE FOR INTERESTED PARTIES.

CLERK FUNCTIONS IN THE CLERK RECORDER'S OFFICE INCLUDE ISSUING MARRIAGE LICENSES, PERFORMING MARRIAGE CEREMONIES, AND REGISTERING PUBLIC AND CONFIDENTIAL MARRIAGES.

THE OFFICE ALSO PERFORMS SERVICES RELATED TO THE FILING OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENTS, FILING OF NOTARY BONDS, REGISTRATION OF PROFESSIONAL AGENTS, AND SIMILAR SERVICES.

UNDER ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTION OF THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE, THE REGISTRAR OF VOTERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OPERATION, ADMINISTRATION, AND DIRECTION OF THE ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT.

WITH PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REGISTRATION OF VOTERS, THE HOLDING OF ELECTIONS, AND ALL MATTERS PERTAINING TO ELECTIONS AND TO DO RELATED WORK AS REQUIRED.

THE SALARY RANGES FROM 132,808 TO 150,250.

THE NUMBER TO CALL WITH YOUR QUESTIONS IS (707)445-0811.

FOR OUR FIRST QUESTION, WE WILL BEGIN WITH JUAN PABLO AND THE QUESTION IS WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO ENTER THE FIELD?

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT THIS OFFICE AND WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR HUMBOLDT COUNTY'S OFFICE IF YOU YOU YOU ARE ELECT?

>> WOW, THAT'S QUITE THE QUESTION.

I PUT MY NAME IN THE HAT AT A DIRECTION FROM A MENTOR IN THE WORKPLACE.

WHAT DRIVES ME IS A PASSION FOR DEMOCRACY, SOMETHING THAT'S KIND OF BEEN WITH ME MY HOLISTIC LIFE.

MY MOM GAINED HER CITIZENSHIP LATER IN LIFE.

THAT MOMENT WAS TRANSFORMATIVE FOR OUR FAMILY.

SHE HASN'T MISSED AN ELECTION SINCE THAT POINT.

THAT CARRIED OVER INTO BEING A POLL WORKER SINCE I WAS 17.

WHERE I SEE THE ELECTIONS OFFICE AND THE CLERK RECORDER'S OFFICE GOING FORWARD IS A MORE ACCESSIBLE PLACE, REGARDLESS OF YOUR GEOGRAPHY, ETHNICITY, CULTURAL BACKGROUND, YOU'LL HAVE EQUAL ACCESS TO BOTH ELECTIONS AND OUR OTHER SERVICES.

>> THANK YOU.

YOUR ANSWER, BENJAMIN?

>> THANK YOU.

I STARTED AT THE COUNTY ABOUT 26 YEARS AGO AND ABOUT 16 YEARS WITH THE COUNTY CLERK RECORDER'S OFFICE.

AND I WAS ASKED TO COME ON BOARD BY THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION AT THE TIME.

I'VE ALWAYS SAID POLITICS HAS NEVER BEEN AS INTERESTING UNTIL I STARTED WORKING IN THE FIELD WHERE THERE'S POLITICS.

AND I'M HAPPY TO BE PART OF THE SYSTEM WORKING WITH BOTH THE CLERK RECORDERS AND THE ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT.

I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE HERE AND SERVE THE COUNTY AS I HAVE FOR THE LAST 26 YEARS.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

TIFFANY, YOUR ANSWER, PLEASE.

>> MY LONG-TERM GOAL WAS ALWAYS TO BECOME THE ELECTED OFFICIAL IN THIS POSITION.

I STARTED AS A TITLE ASSISTANT AT THE TITLE COMPANY WHEN I WAS VERY -- I WAS 22 YEARS OLD AND I STARTED COMING UP TO RECORD DOCUMENTS IN OUR OFFICE.

AND I REALLY ENJOYED THE ENVIRONMENT THERE.

I CHOSE TO LEAVE THE TITLE COMPANY AND COME TO THE RECORDER'S OFFICE AFTER 17 YEARS AT THE TITLE COMPANY BECAUSE I WANTED TO BE ABLE TO SERVE THE PUBLIC BETTER HERE IN OUR OFFICE.

AND I WAS ENCOURAGED TO RUN FOR THE POSITION WHEN THE CURRENT ELECTED DECIDED NOT TO RUN BY A LOT OF PROFESSIONALS IN THE REAL ESTATE BUSINESS, BECAUSE THEY'D LIKE TO HAVE THEIR VOICES HEARD IN THE RECORDER'S OFFICE MORE PREVALENTLY.

MY VISION FOR THE OFFICE IS TO PROVIDE BETTER PUBLIC SERVICE.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

WE'LL BEGIN WITH YOU, TIFFANY, FOR THE NEXT QUESTION: WHAT ORGANIZATIONAL AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS DO YOU HAVE TO COORDINATE THE MANY PEOPLE AND FACILITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT?

>> MY LEADERSHIP SKILLS ACTUALLY STARTED WHEN I WAS VERY YOUNG.

I WAS RAISED AS A 4HER AND BECAME AN FFA MEMBER AS WELL.

I WENT TO SEVERAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES.

I WAS ALLOWED TO GO TO GIRLS STATE WHEN I WAS A JUNIOR IN HIGH SCHOOL.

I HELD ELECTED POSITIONS IN ALL THROUGH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL, PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT, SECRETARY, ALL OF THOSE POSITIONS, AND I REALLY ENJOY WORKING WITH PEOPLE IN THAT KIND OF FORUM.

SO MY LEADERSHIP HISTORY IS ACTUALLY I TAUGHT CLASSES FOR THE REAL ESTATE BUSINESS AND I TAUGHT FOSTER PARENT CLASSES FOR THE COUNTY IN THE PAST.

I WAS THE OPERATIONS ASSISTANT FOR THE TITLE COMPANY WHERE I TAUGHT THE CLASSES AND HELPED WITH THE HIRING AND TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.

>> THANK YOU.

YOUR ANSWER, JUAN PABLO?

>> MY LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS STEM BACK TO MY TIME AT HUMBOLDT STATE UNIVERSITY, CAL POLY HUMBOLDT STATE UNIVERSITY WHERE I WAS THE PRESIDENT OF AN ADVOCACY NON-PROFIT.

SINCE THEN, I'VE DONE GRADUATE COURSE WORK IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION THAT HAS FORTIFIED MY SKILL SET WHEN IT COMES TO RUNNING SUCH AN ORGANIZATION.

BEYOND THAT, I'VE DONE A LOT OF WORK WITH NON-PROFITS IN THE AREA WITH OUTREACH IN MIND AND PRESENTLY I'M THE ELECTIONS MANAGER OVERSEEING THE ELECTIONS OFFICE IN THE ELECTION WE'RE CURRENTLY IN.

>> THANK YOU.

YOUR ANSWER, BENJAMIN?

>> YES, THANK YOU.

SO WHEN I STARTED 16 YEARS AGO WITH THE CLERK RECORDER'S OFFICE, I WAS BROUGHT ON BOARD BY THE THEN ADMINISTRATIVE HEAD BECAUSE SHE NEEDED HELP WITH THE ORGANIZATION BETWEEN THE TWO DEPARTMENTS.

SHE NEEDED THE EXTRA EXPERIENCE WITH THE FINANCIAL, WHICH I DO THE BUDGETS FOR BOTH DEPARTMENTS.

DURING MY TIME THERE, I'VE PROGRESSED AND WORKED WITHIN BOTH DEPARTMENTS DOING TASKS THAT WERE GIVEN TO ME BY MY BOSS.

I THINK THAT THE SKILLS THAT I HAVE NOW WORKING WITH THE DEPARTMENTS HAVE ASSISTED ME IN BEING A GOOD CANDIDATE TO HELP BOTH DEPARTMENTS.

>> THANK YOU.

WE'LL BEGIN WITH YOU, BENJAMIN, FOR THIS QUESTION.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER THE CHALLENGES IN THIS DEPARTMENT?

>> I THINK THE CHALLENGES FOR THIS DEPARTMENT RIGHT NOW IS ESPECIALLY DURING COVID IS A NEED FOR TRAINING.

WE DEFINITELY NEED MORE PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH THE CHANGES THAT WE'VE GONE THROUGH FOR THE ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT TO MAKE SURE IT IS STILL ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC.

IT IS A VERY PROGRESSIVE DEPARTMENT THAT NEEDS TO CONTINUE THE WAY IT IS.

YEAH, THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

YOUR ANSWER, TIFFANY?

>> I SEE SOME CHALLENGES FOR THE RECORDER'S OFFICE AS PUBLIC SERVICE.

SOME PEOPLE ARE DISSATISFIED WITH THE SERVICE THEY'VE GOTTEN.

COVID DID BRING IN A LOT OF CHALLENGES IN OUR OFFICE BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO LET EVERYONE IN LIKE WE USED TO.

I THINK THAT WOULD BE A VERY VITAL CHANGE FOR OUR ENTIRE OFFICE.

FOR THE REGISTRAR'S OFFICE, I THINK THAT ACCESS IS AVAILABLE TO PEOPLE.

I DON'T THINK THEY'RE USING IT.

I DON'T THINK THEY'RE AWARE THAT THEY CAN ACCESS THE DEPARTMENT AND GAIN VOTER CONFIDENCE BY ASKING QUESTIONS IN THAT OFFICE.

I THINK THAT THAT'S NECESSARY FOR THE PUBLIC TO DO.

>> THANK YOU.

YOUR ANSWER, JUAN PABLO?

>> THE OFFICE IS A TWO-PART OFFICE WITH TWO DIFFERENT LOCATIONS AND TWO DIFFERENT SETS OF CHALLENGES.

IN ELECTIONS, MISINFORMATION IS SOMETHING THAT WE'RE CONSTANTLY BATTLING AS WELL AS A CHANGING FIELD BOTH LEGALLY AND PRACTICALLY WHEN IT COMES TO RUNNING ELECTIONS.

THE OTHER CHALLENGE THAT WE FACE IN ELECTIONS IS OUTREACH.

IT'S GOING OUT AND NOT JUST REGISTERING MORE VOTERS BUT MAKING OUR SERVICES FOR CANDIDATES MORE AVAILABLE BROADLY.

IN THE RECORDER'S OFFICE, THE CLERK RECORDER'S OFFICE, CUSTOMER SERVICE IS ONE OF THOSE CHALLENGES THAT WE NEED TO BEGIN ADDRESSING IN BUREAUCRACY.

IT'S OFTEN EXPECTED OF YOU TO HAVE THE RIGHT QUESTION IN ORDER TO GET TO WHERE YOU'RE WANTING TO GO AND THAT'S A PARADIGM THAT NEEDS TO SHIFT TO WHERE WE CAN COME TO OUR OFFICE AND WE CAN WALK YOU THROUGH WHATEVER PROCESS YOU NEED.

THE LAST CHALLENGE IS BEING MORE TRANSPARENT.

>> THANK YOU.

THE NEXT QUESTION, WE WILL BEGIN WITH YOU, TIFFANY.

DO YOU THINK VOTER DISENFRANCHISEMENT IS A PROBLEM IN OUR COUNTY?

IF SO, WHO DO YOU THINK IS DISENFRANCHISED AND WHAT WOULD YOUR PLAN BE TO ADDRESS THIS?

>> I THINK VOTER DISENFRANCHISEMENT IS AN ISSUE FOR DIFFERENT CULTURES AND DIFFERENT AREAS AND I BELIEVE THAT AN OUTREACH PROGRAM FOR THOSE DIFFERENT SOURCES -- WE ARE VERY RURAL, AND IF WE HAD PERHAPS SATELLITE OFFICES, PROBABLY NOT SATELLITE OFFICES, BECAUSE WE CAN'T REALLY OPEN AN OFFICE, BUT I WAS THINKING MAYBE WE COULD HAVE SOMETHING MOBILE SO PEOPLE COULD OUTREACH AND GO TO PUBLIC LOCATIONS IN OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES TO HELP SOLVE THAT ISSUE.

>> THANK YOU.

YOUR ANSWER, BENJAMIN?

>> I DON'T SEE IN HUMBOLDT COUNTY THAT THERE'S A PROBLEM WITH VOTER DISENFRANCHISEMENT.

I BELIEVE THAT OUR DEPARTMENT FOR THE ELECTIONS HAS BEEN VERY PROGRESSIVE IN REACHING OUT TO DIVERSE POPULATIONS IN HUMBOLDT COUNTY.

WE OFFER LANGUAGES IN HMONG AND SPANISH.

I BELIEVE THAT THIS DEPARTMENT IS PROACTIVE IN MAKING SURE THAT EVERYBODY HAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO REGISTER AND TO VOTE AND WOULD LIKE TO SEE THAT PROGRESS.

>> THANK YOU.

YOUR ANSWER, JUAN PABLO?

>> I THINK WE DO HAVE SOME VOTER DISENFRANCHISEMENT.

I THINK WE HAVE UNDERREPRESENTED COMMUNITIES.

I THINK THAT WE'VE SET A STRONG BASE IN TERMS OF PROCESS TO WHERE EVERYBODY HAS A SEAT AT THE TABLE, BUT I THINK THE NEXT STEP FORWARD IS GOING OUT AND BRINGING THE TABLE TO PEOPLE.

I THINK WE HAVE COMMUNITIES IN HOOPA, COMMUNITIES DOWN SOUTH THAT HAVE A HARDER TIME ACCESSING BOTH OUR CLERK RECORDER SERVICES AND OUR REGISTRAR VOTER SERVICES.

I THINK BROADER VOTER ENGAGEMENT IS KEY, AND I THINK THAT'S WORK THAT WE'RE CAPABLE OF DOING, BUT THAT WE NEED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT WE NEED TO DO IN ORDER FOR THAT WORK TO HAPPEN.

>> THANK YOU.

BEFORE WE GO TO THE NEXT QUESTION, I'D LIKE TO REMIND OUR AUDIENCE, PLEASE CALL IN YOUR QUESTIONS: (707)445-0811.

SO FOR THE NEXT QUESTION, WE WILL BEGIN WITH JUAN PABLO AND THE QUESTION IS WHAT THREE ENDORSEMENTS ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU?

>> SO THE FIRST ENDORSEMENT THAT COMES TO MIND IS THE CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL FOR HUMBOLDT COUNTY.

I WAS PREVIOUS A UNION STEWARD.

UNIONS HAVE BEEN A PRETTY STRONG FORCE IN MY LIFE AND I'M PROUD TO HAVE THAT ENDORSEMENT.

BONNIE KNEELY WHO IS A FORMER SUPERVISOR, HAS BEEN INCREDIBLY SUPPORTIVE THROUGHOUT THIS WHOLE PROCESS.

CAMPAIGNING IS A WEIRD AND DIFFICULT THING AND SHE'S BEEN A GUIDING FORCE IN GOING ABOUT DOING IT IN AN ETHICAL AND TRUE FASHION WITHOUT LOSING MY VALUES ALONG THE WAY.

THE THIRD ENDORSEMENT IS GARY EAGLES, FORMER SUPERINTENDENT.

HE WENT ABOUT THIS WORK IN A NONPARTISAN WAY AND THE ADVICE HE'S GIVEN ME IN THAT REGARD IN BRINGING SERVICE TO BEAR AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN INVALUABLE.

>> THANK YOU.

YOUR ANSWER, TIFFANY?

>> MY THREE BIGGEST ENDORSERS ARE THE LAND SURVEYOR'S ASSOCIATION OF HUMBOLDT, THE CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY, AND BILLY HANZEL, BUT ALSO THE OTHER REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS, ATTORNEYS, SURVEYORS, BROKERS.

THERE HAS BEEN AN OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT FOR ME AND I REALLY APPRECIATE IT.

>> THANK YOU.

YOUR ANSWER, BENJAMIN?

>> YES, THANK YOU.

SO I HAVE NOT ACTIVELY SOUGHT ENDORSEMENTS FOR MY CAMPAIGN.

I'VE PRIMARILY FINANCED AND PROMOTED MY CAMPAIGN ON MY OWN.

I WOULD SAY THAT MY BIGGEST ENDORSEMENTS WOULD BE THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE COME TO ME TO HELP PUT MY SIGNS OUT, PUT MY INFORMATION OUT, AND TO ASSIST WITH WHATEVER NEEDED TO BE DONE.

THAT WOULD BE THE BIGGEST ENDORSEMENT WOULD BE THE PEOPLE WHO ARE BEHIND ME.

>> THANK YOU.

OUR NEXT QUESTION WE WILL BEGIN WITH BENJAMIN.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH THE COUNTY?

>> THANK YOU.

LIKE I SAID, I'VE BEEN WITH THE COUNTY FOR 26 YEARS, STARTED AS AN ENTRY LEVEL IN PAYROLL IN THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE, MOVED MY WAY UP TO VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS TO WHERE 16 YEARS AGO I STARTED WITH THE COUNTY CLERK RECORDER ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT.

I'VE BEEN WITH THE COUNTY, WITH THAT DEPARTMENT, FOR 16 YEARS CROSSING BOUNDARIES BETWEEN BOTH DEPARTMENTS.

>> THANK YOU.

YOUR ANSWER, JUAN PABLO.

>> APPROXIMATELY SIX YEARS.

>> THANK YOU.

YOUR ANSWER, TIFFANY.

>> I WAS TECHNICALLY A COUNTY EMPLOYEE WHEN I STARTED FOSTER PARENT CLASSES.

I USED TO TEACH THEM AFTER I BECAME A FOSTER PARENT AND WE ADOPTED SOME OF OUR CHILDREN, SO TECHNICALLY I WAS A COUNTY EMPLOYEE SINCE 2010, BUT I'VE BEEN WITH THE RECORDER'S OFFICE FOR THREE YEARS.

>> THANK YOU.

WE'LL BEGIN NOW WITH JUAN PABLO AND THE QUESTION IS: I'VE HEARD THAT THE CLERK REPORTER, REGISTRAR, VOTERS OFFICE RUNS OFF A RELATIVELY SMALL BUDGET AND IS UNDERRESOURCED.

HOW WILL YOU ADVOCATE FOR MORE RESOURCES?

DO YOU HAVE PREVIOUS ADVOCACY EXPERIENCE?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

I THINK THERE ARE BOTH GRANT MONIES OUT THERE THAT ARE OUTSIDE OF THE COUNTY.

WE DON'T JUST NEED TO GO TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS COFFERS IN ORDER TO FURTHER OUR SERVICES.

I HAVE A BROAD AMOUNT OF EXPERIENCE ADVOCATING FOR THE CSU AND ENSURING THAT THEY GET THEIR FAIR SHARE OF STATE DOLLARS AND FEDERAL DOLLARS.

I THINK I COULD BRING THOSE SKILLS TO HUMBOLDT COUNTY AND SEE ABOUT MAKING THE OFFICE MORE ACCESSIBLE AND SECURE WITH MONIES THAT ARE COMING FROM SACRAMENTO.

>> THANK YOU.

YOUR ANSWER, BENJAMIN.

>> YES, THANK YOU.

SO I'M THE FISCAL OFFICE FOR BOTH DEPARTMENTS, SO I DO THE BUDGET FOR BOTH DEPARTMENTS.

I BUDGET VERY LIBERALLY, BUT I SPEND VERY CONSERVATIVELY TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE ENOUGH FUNDS TO MAKE IT THROUGH THE FISCAL YEAR FOR EACH DEPARTMENT.

EVERY FISCAL YEAR THAT I'VE DONE THE BUDGET, THERE HAS BEEN MAYBE ONE YEAR WHERE WE WERE CLOSE TO NOT MEETING OUR BUDGET.

I THINK THERE'S PLENTY OF MONEY IN THE COUNTY THAT FUNDS OUR DEPARTMENTS.

AGAIN, THERE ARE OTHER FUNDINGS THAT COULD BE DONE FOR ELECTIONS AND MAYBE THE CLERK RECORDER.

THE CLERK RECORDER'S OFFICE MAINLY FUNDS ITSELF.

>> THANK YOU.

YOUR ANSWER, TIFFANY?

>> I AGREE WITH BEN.

FINANCIALLY, THE CLERK RECORDER'S OFFICE BRINGS IN QUITE A BIT OF MONEY DAILY AND HE MANAGES IT WELL AND OUR ELECTED HAS MANAGED IT WELL AND THE RESOURCES THAT WE'VE REQUIRED, WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO ATTAIN.

AND I THINK THAT GRANTS ARE A GREAT IDEA FOR THE ELECTIONS OFFICE.

I THINK THAT WOULD BE A WONDERFUL WAY TO BRING IN EXTRA REVENUE FOR THAT SERVICE.

>> THANK YOU.

WE'LL BEGIN NOW WITH YOU, TIFFANY, FOR THIS QUESTION: WHAT DO YOU FEEL ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED IN THE DEPARTMENT?

>> IMPROVEMENTS?

ACCESSIBILITY FOR THE RECORDER'S OFFICE AND THE CLERK, BECAUSE PEOPLE DON'T FEEL LIKE WE ARE ACCESSIBLE.

WE ARE ON THE FIFTH FLOOR, IT IS COMPLICATED TO GET THERE, AND PEOPLE GET LOST.

IMPROVEMENTS, WE'VE ALREADY DONE FOR THE RECORDER'S OFFICE INCLUDE OUR E-RECORDING AND WE'VE RELEASED OUR INDEXES TO OUR WEBSITE.

PEOPLE CAN PURCHASE DOCUMENTS THAT WE RECORDED YESTERDAY, OKAY, TECHNICALLY FRIDAY BECAUSE TODAY IS MONDAY!

THEY CAN PURCHASE THOSE DOCUMENTS TODAY ON THE WEBSITE FROM THE COMFORT OF THEIR HOME OR BUSINESS.

IT IS VERY CONVENIENT AND A VERY USEFUL TOOL THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE NOT AWARE OF, SO I THINK THAT PUBLIC OUTREACH IS A GREAT IDEA TO PROVIDE THAT INFORMATION.

ALSO PUBLIC OUTREACH FOR THE ELECTIONS OFFICE IS AN IMPROVEMENT THAT COULD BE DONE.

>> THANK YOU.

YOUR ANSWER, JUAN PABLO?

>> I THINK OUR WEBSITE NEEDS A FAIR AMOUNT OF WORK.

I THINK THAT'S TRUE ACROSS THE COUNTY, BUT I THINK THAT'S ONE OF THOSE PLACES WHERE WE CAN SEE IMMEDIATE CHANGE AND A DRASTIC IMPROVEMENT AT A LOW COST.

CUSTOMER SERVICE TRAINING IS ANOTHER ONE.

I THINK WE CAN BENEFIT FROM BEING FAR MORE CUSTOMER ORIENT ORIENTED.

IN BUREAUCRACY, WE'RE SO RISK ADVERSE THAT SOMETIMES CUSTOMER SERVICE FALLS TO THE WAYSIDE AND I THINK THERE ARE ORGANIZATIONS OUT THERE SERVING THE PUBLIC IN A SECURE AND EFFICIENT WAY WITH VERY RESIDENT-ORIENTED FOCUS.

AND THE THIRD THING IS SATELLITE SERVICES.

HUMBOLDT COUNTY IS REALLY BIG GEOGRAPHICALLY.

GETTING A MARRIAGE LICENSE MEANS SOMETHING ENTIRELY DIFFERENT IF YOU LIVE IN HOOPA AS IF YOU LIVE IN EUREKA.

I THINK THAT MOBILE SERVICES, SOME KIND OF VEHICLE THAT WE CAN GET OUT TO THE REMOTE PARTS OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY ONCE OR TWICE A MONTH WOULD BE KEY IN ADDRESSING THOSE ISSUES.

>> THANK YOU.

YOUR ANSWER, BENJAMIN?

>> I THINK ONE OF THE BIGGEST IMPROVEMENTS THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE IS TRAINING.

AND A PROCEDURES IN PLACE FOR THE HIRES THAT ARE THERE.

ONE OF MY BIGGEST ISSUES RIGHT NOW IN THE DEPARTMENT IS THAT THERE ARE NO PROCEDURES WHEN NEW PEOPLE COME IN.

THEY GET LOST.

AND THAT TRANSLATES INTO CONFUSED SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC.

SO I WOULD ENCOURAGE TRAINING IN BOTH DEPARTMENTS AND A STRONGER PROCEDURE SYSTEM IN PLACE.

>> THANK YOU.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO CALL IN YOUR QUESTIONS.

(707)445-0811.

FOR OUR NEXT QUESTION, WITH WE'LL BEGIN WITH BENJAMIN.

WHAT WILL YOU DO TO INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY TO THE SERVICES FROM THIS DEPARTMENT FOR MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES IN HUMBOLDT COUNTY?

>> ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE DO IS IN THE RECORDER'S OFFICE, IF SOMEBODY NEEDS OUR ASSISTANCE, WE WILL GO TO THEM AND I THINK THAT CAN BE DONE THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY.

IF THEY'RE DISABLED AND THEY CAN'T COME INTO THE BUILDING, WE GO OUT TO THEM.

WE GET WHATEVER MATERIAL THEY NEED, GO BACK TO OUR OFFICE, PREPARE IT, GO BACK OUT TO THE PEOPLE.

SO I THINK THAT WE CAN DO THAT AS FAR AS THE COUNTY-WIDE DOING IT.

THE ASSISTANCE IS I THINK KEY TO HELPING THE PEOPLE.

>> THANK YOU.

TIFFANY, YOUR ANSWER, PLEASE.

>> INCREASING ACCESS TO THE RECORDER'S OFFICE HAS REALLY BEEN DONE.

YOU CAN APPLY FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE ON OUR WEBSITE.

YOU CAN GET VITAL RECORDS, BIRTH, DEATH, AND MARRIAGE CERTIFICATES THROUGH THE WEBSITE.

YOU CAN PURCHASE DOCUMENTS FROM THE WEBSITE.

ALL OF THESE THINGS ARE VERY ACCESSIBLE THROUGH THE INTERNET.

PEOPLE HAVE THEM ON THEIR PHONES.

IF THERE ARE ISSUES, WE ARE READY AND WILLING TO ANSWER THE PHONE.

WE'RE HAPPY TO HELP PEOPLE WHO COME INTO THE OFFICE.

I THINK WE HAVE TO KEEP OUR DOCUMENTS AS SECURE AS POSSIBLE ALSO, SO WE HAVE TO REMEMBER THAT IS A MAJOR ISSUE, SO ACCESSIBILITY IS IMPORTANT, BUT ALSO SECURITY.

>> THANK YOU.

YOUR ANSWER, JUAN PABLO.

>> I THINK WE NEED TO MEET PEOPLE WHERE THEY'RE AT.

IN HUMBOLDT COUNTY, WE HAVE A DIVERSE AND BROAD ARRAY OF PEOPLE OUT IN COMMUNITIES DOING MEANINGFUL WORK HELPING THOSE COMMUNITIES IN THE WAYS THAT THEY NEED.

I THINK OUR OFFICE CAN DO A BETTER JOB OF ENGAGING WITH THOSE STAKEHOLDERS IN ORDER TO AMPLIFY OUR SERVICES AMONGST THOSE COMMUNITIES.

I THINK WHEN IT COMES TO ACCESSIBILITY, IT CHANGES FROM COMMUNITY TO COMMUNITY.

AND WE NEED TO HAVE THOSE CONVERSATIONS SO THAT WE'RE OFFERING THE SERVICES THAT ARE BEING REQUESTED OF US IN THE WAYS THAT THEY NEED TO BE OFFERED.

>> THANK YOU.

FOR OUR NEXT QUESTION, WE'LL BEGIN WITH TIFFANY.

HOW WOULD YOU WORK TO INCREASE REGISTRATION AND VOTER PARTICIPATION IN HUMBOLDT COUNTY AND IN UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS?

>> OUTREACH IS IMPORTANT.

GETTING OUT THERE AND LETTING PEOPLE KNOW IT'S AVAILABLE.

PEOPLE DON'T ENJOY BEING BOMBARDED WHEN THEY WALK IN TO A SUPERMARKET AND ASKED IF THEY'RE REGISTERED TO VOTE.

I THINK THERE IS A LESS INVASIVE WAY TO DO THAT.

I THINK MOBILE ACCESS WOULD BE A GOOD WAY.

I BELIEVE TV ACCESS, PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW THEY CAN REGISTER ONLINE, THEY CAN ACCOMPANY THE ELDERLY AND HELP THEM WITH THAT.

I BELIEVE THAT'S VERY IMPORTANT.

>> THANK YOU.

YOUR ANSWER, PLEASE, BENJAMIN.

>> I THINK IN THIS COUNTY, WE HAVE A LOT OF RESOURCES THAT WE CAN USE.

WE HAVE PUBLIC ACCESS TELEVISION.

WE HAVE COMMUNITY SPONSORS GROUPS.

AND I THINK IT WOULD TAKE A SMALL TEAM FROM THE REGISTRAR'S OFFICE TO WORK WITH THOSE DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS TO REACH OUT TO THE COMMUNITY AND BUILD THOSE SATELLITE FRIENDSHIPS AND PROGRAMS, SO I THINK FOR GETTING OUT THERE TO VOTE AND GETTING THEM REGISTERED, WE SHOULD BE USING A LOT OF THE RESOURCES THAT WE ALREADY HAVE IN THIS COMMUNITY.

>> THANK YOU.

YOUR ANSWER, JUAN PABLO?

>> VOTER REGISTRATION PARTICIPATION IS SOMETHING WHERE WE AS A STATE DO A LOT OF WORK IN, WHETHER THAT'S THE MOTOR VOTER LAW THAT GETS YOU REGISTERED AT THE DMV, THERE ARE LAWS THAT OFFER YOU VOTER REGISTRATION WHEN YOU'RE GETTING SERVICES THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, BUT THERE'S ANOTHER KEY THERE.

THERE'S A TRUE ENGAGEMENT THAT'S THERE THAT WE CAN DO A BETTER JOB OF DOING.

THOSE UNDERREPRESENTED COMMUNITIES ARE OFTEN ASKED TO REGISTER TO VOTE SOMETIMES WITH THE MINDSET THAT WE WANT THEIR VOTE.

I THINK A STEP THAT WE CAN DO OR A THING THAT WE CAN DO TO INCREASE THEIR STAKE IN THE ELECTION PROCESS IS DOING A BETTER JOB OFFERING CANDIDATE SERVICES TO THEIR COMMUNITY MEMBERS.

WHEN A COMMUNITY HAS SOMEBODY FROM THEIR COMMUNITY AS A CANDIDATE ON THE BALLOT, THEIR LIKELIHOOD OF WANTING TO PARTICIPATE AND REMAIN ENGAGED IS MUCH HIGHER.

VOTING FOR YOUR NEIGHBOR DOES WONDERS FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION.

>> THANK YOU.

FOR OUR NEXT QUESTION, JUAN PABLO, WE WILL START WITH YOU.

IN YOUR OPINION, IS THIS DEPARTMENT TOO LARGE?

>> I DON'T THINK IT IS.

I DON'T FEEL THAT IT'S TOO LARGE.

I THINK THE CONNECTION THERE MAKES SENSE.

WE GET NOTICES, UPDATED VOTER ROLLS FROM VITAL RECORDS.

THE WORKLOAD DOES NOT SEEM SUCH THAT ONE PERSON CAN'T OVERSEE BOTH OFFICES.

YEAH, I DON'T THINK IT'S TOO BIG, AND I DEFINITELY THINK THAT THERE SHOULD BE AN ELECTED OFFICIAL THAT OVERSEES BOTH OFFICES.

>> THANK YOU.

YOUR ANSWER, TIFFANY.

>> I THINK TOO LARGE IS AN EXTREME.

HOWEVER, I DO BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE TIMES WHEN ONE DEPARTMENT GETS MORE ATTENTION AND IS NEEDED, REQUIRES MORE OVERSEEING THAN THE OTHER, AND IT GETS LEFT BEHIND.

AND SO I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO MANAGE OUR TIME WELL AND MAKE SURE THAT NOBODY GETS LEFT BEHIND.

>> THANK YOU.

YOUR ANSWER, BENJAMIN?

>> SO I THINK THAT BOTH DEPARTMENTS ARE CHALLENGING, BUT IT'S NOT UNMANAGEABLE.

I THINK IF YOU BUILD A GOOD TEAM IN EACH DEPARTMENT, A GOOD MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE IN EACH DEPARTMENT, THAT THAT WOULD BE ASSIST THE ELECTED HEAD.

THAT'S WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO DO IS BUILD A TEAM SYSTEM IN EACH DEPARTMENT THAT WOULD HELP AND THOSE NEEDS WHEN YOU CAN'T BE IN ONE DEPARTMENT OR THE OTHER.

>> THANK YOU.

PLEASE CALL IN YOUR QUESTIONS TO (707)445-0811.

THE NEXT QUESTION WE WILL BEGIN WITH BENJAMIN.

WHAT DRAWS YOU TO PUBLIC SERVICE?

>> I THINK I'VE ALWAYS BEEN DRAWN TO PUBLIC SERVICE TO ASSIST PEOPLE, TO HELP PEOPLE.

JUST ALWAYS BEEN SOMETHING THAT I'VE WANTED TO DO.

IN OUR OFFICE, I'VE ALWAYS ENCOURAGED PEOPLE OF ETHNICITY TO BE THE VOICE FOR THE PEOPLE THAT THEY KNOW.

WHETHER IT'S HISPANIC OR THE H HMONG, WE NEED THOSE PEOPLE IN OUR OFFICE TO SHOW THE DIVERSITY THAT WE HAVE AND TO ASSIST IN THE DIVERSITY OF OUR COMMUNITY.

>> THANK YOU.

YOUR ANSWER, JUAN PABLO?

>> BEING A FIRST-GENERATION MEXICAN-AMERICAN, I OFTEN FUNCTIONED AS MY PARENTS' TRANSLATOR.

BEYOND THAT, I FUNCTIONED AS THEIR ADVOCATE WHEN THEY ENGAGED WITH GOVERNMENT SERVICES.

THAT'S SOMETHING I CARRIED WITH ME, THAT INTERACTION, THAT BRINGING GOVERNMENT TO A PLACE WHERE IT'S ACCESSIBLE TO PEOPLE, TO WORKING-CLASS PEOPLE.

WHAT DRIVES ME IN PUBLIC SERVICE IS I WANT GOVERNMENT OFFICES THAT TREAT MY MOTHER IN THE WAY THAT I WANT HER TO BE TREATED.

I WANT ANYBODY TO COME INTO ANY OF OUR OFFICES AND GET TREATED RIGHTLY, WITH RESPECT, AND GIVEN EVERY OPPORTUNITY THAT THE REST OF US HAVE.

>> THANK YOU.

TIFFANY, YOUR ANSWER, PLEASE.

>> WHAT DRAWS ME TO PUBLIC SERVICE, WHEN I WAS IN 4H, ONE OF THE PART OF THE PLEDGE IS "MY HANDS TO LARGER SERVICE."

IT WAS SOMETHING I GREW UP AND IT WAS INSTILLED IN ME AND MY FATHER SERVED ON MANY BOARDS FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

HE WAS ON THE SCHOOL DISTRICT, THE LIVESTOCK BOARD, I WAS RAISED ON A CATTLE RANCH, AND I WAS TAUGHT THAT YOU SERVE OTHERS BEFORE YOU SERVE YOURSELF.

WE HAD TO TAKE CARE OF THE ANIMALS.

WE HAD TO TAKE CARE OF THE YOUNGERS, THE ELDERS, PRIOR TO HELPING OURSELVES TO ANYTHING.

AND THAT'S HOW I LIVE MY LIFE, THAT'S HOW I HELPED MY CHILDREN TO GROW, MY THREE ADOPTED CHILDREN.

THAT WAS PART OF THE SERVICE TO THEM, BUT IT WAS ALSO A SERVICE TO ME BRINGING THEM INTO OUR FAMILY.

AND I WANT TO IMPROVE THE WORLD.

AND HELP EVERYONE GET THE SERVICE THEY DESERVE.

>> THANK YOU.

OUR NEXT QUESTION, WE WILL BEGIN WITH YOU, JUAN PABLO.

HOW WOULD YOU MAINTAIN THE REPUTATION OF HUMBOLDT'S FAIR AND HONEST ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT?

>> I THINK WE CONTINUE WITH RADICAL TRANSPARENCY.

I THINK WE HAVE SOLID PROCESSES THAT ARE SECURE.

AND I THINK WE BROADCAST THEM FURTHER BEYOND THAT.

I THINK WE USE THE TOOLS AVAILABLE TO US WITH TECHNOLOGY IN ORDER TO GET OUT AND TO BRING PEOPLE IN.

WE CONNECT WITH OUR COMMUNITIES.

WE TALK TO STAKEHOLDERS AND HAVE THEM BE A PART OF THE PROCESS.

FOR ANY SKEPTIC, THE BIGGEST WAY THAT YOU CAN GET TO KNOW AND HAVE FULL CONFIDENCE IN OUR PROCESS IS TO JOIN US AS A POLL WORKER.

TO JOIN US AS AN ELECTION WORKER.

I ENCOURAGE THAT MINDSET GOING FORWARD, WHETHER IT'S SERVING AS A POLL WORKER OR WATCHING OUR ACCURACY TEST ON YouTube FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME.

OFFERING PEOPLE WAYS TO ENGAGE WITH US AND SEE THEIR TRANSPARENCY THAT MEETS THEIR NEEDS, I THINK THAT'S KEY.

>> THANK YOU.

BENJAMIN, YOUR ANSWER, PLEASE.

>> I AGREE.

I THINK THE TRANSPARENCY PROJECT IN HUMBOLDT COUNTY IS UNIQUE IN THE NATION AND I'M PROUD THAT WE HAVE THAT HERE.

I'VE WORKED WITH IT FOR THE LAST 16 YEARS, AND IT'S ALWAYS BEEN AMAZING TO ME THAT IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON, YOU HAVE AN NONPARTISAN GROUP THAT COMES IN AND CAN GET THAT OUT TO THE PUBLIC.

THEY DON'T JUST HAVE TO RELY ON THE ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT TO GIVE THEM THEIR INFORMATION.

THEY CAN GO IN AND THEY GET IT FROM THE PUBLIC.

THE PUBLIC IS A HANDS-ON ASSISTANT WITH US, KEEPING US HONEST, KEEPING US TRANSPARENT, KEEPING US ON THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW.

>> THANK YOU.

TIFFANY, YOUR ANSWER, PLEASE.

I THINK >> I THINK THE REPUTATION IS AMAZING FOR OUR TRANSPARENCY AND OUR LOCAL ELECTIONS ARE UPHELD AND TO THE UTMOST DEGREE.

I BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE WHO HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THAT NEED TO INITIATE A CONVERSATION AT LEAST IF THEY DON'T WANT TO BE A POLL WORKER, IF THEY DON'T WANT TO ENGAGE AND GO IN DEPTH INTO EMPLOYMENT THERE.

THEN THEY CAN JUST COME AND OBSERVE, OBSERVE ON THE YouTube CHANNELS AND SEE HOW THINGS REALLY DO WORK TO INSTILL THEIR CONFIDENCE BACK.

>> THANK YOU.

FOR OUR NEXT QUESTION, WE WILL BEGIN WITH YOU, TIFFANY.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER THE IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES OF THIS POSITION?

>> THE IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES OF THIS POSITION WOULD HAVE TO BE TRANSPARENCY FOR THE ELECTION.

THAT'S EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.

A GOOD LEADER.

SOMEBODY WHO KNOWS HOW TO MOTIVATE PEOPLE IN A POSITIVE WAY AND ENCOURAGES THEM TO EXPAND THEIR EDUCATION AND BECOME A MORE PRODUCTIVE EMPLOYEE AT THE COUNTY.

>> THANK YOU.

YOUR ANSWER, JUAN PABLO.

>> I THINK AN ANALYTICAL MIND IS ONE OF THE MAJOR COMPONENTS TO THIS JOB.

I THINK BEING ABLE TO ANALYZE ELECTION CODE AND GOVERNMENT CODE IS KEY TO BEING ABLE TO BE COMPLIANT WITH SAID CODE.

I THINK EMPATHY IS ANOTHER ATTRIBUTE THAT'S CRITICAL FOR THE JOB.

ANY TIME YOU OVERSEE PEOPLE, YOU REALLY NEED TO HAVE INSIGHT INTO HOW THEY'RE DOING IN ORDER TO NURTURE THOSE CAREERS.

THE FINAL ATTRIBUTE IS I THINK A GOOD SENSE OF ETHICS.

BEING ABLE TO UNDERSTAND BETWEEN RIGHT AND WRONG, UNDERSTAND THAT WE TREAT PEOPLE LIKE PEOPLE AND NOT THINGS, AND A HUMILITY IN WANTING TO BETTER ONE'S SELF.

>> THANK YOU.

BENJAMIN, YOUR ANSWER, PLEASE.

>> I THINK ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES IS LEADERSHIP.

THAT YOU HAVE TO BE ABLE TO DIVIDE YOURSELF BETWEEN TWO DEPARTMENTS AND TWO DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATIONS.

AND IN MORE THAN JUST BEING IN LEADERSHIP, I THINK THAT ANOTHER IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTE IS BEING AN ASSISTANT.

THAT YOU BE WILLING TO DO WHAT YOU'RE ASKING OTHERS TO DO AND TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE.

I TRY TO DO THAT EVERY DAY IN MY OFFICE, TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE, TO BE AN ASSISTANT, NOT JUST A LEADER, BUT HELP OUT WHEN I CAN, WHERE I CAN.

>> THANK YOU.

FOR OUR NEXT QUESTION, WE WILL BEGIN WITH YOU, BENJAMIN.

HOW MANY EMPLOYEES ARE IN THIS DEPARTMENT?

>> THERE ARE TEN EMPLOYEES, FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES WITH THE RECORDER'S OFFICE AND I BELIEVE WHAT I BUDGETED FOR THE ELECTIONS IS SIX FULL-TIME POSITIONS.

SO THERE'S A TOTAL OF 16 BUDGETED POSITIONS WITH THE COUNTY CLERK RECORDER REGISTRAR.

>> THANK YOU.

YOUR ANSWER, PLEASE, TIFFANY.

>> BEN WOULD KNOW, SO I'M GOING TO GO WITH 16 AS WELL.

>> THANK YOU.

YOUR ANSWER, JUAN PABLO?

>> I'LL DISAGREE.

WE HAVE 16 FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES, BUT WE HAVE MANY MORE EXTRA HELP EMPLOYEES AND POLL WORKERS CURRENTLY.

OUR OFFICE BALLOONS FROM SIX TO ABOUT 100, DEPENDING ON WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE YEAR.

SO, YEAH, MORE THAN 16 BUT LESS THAN 100.

>> THANK YOU.

TIFFANY, WE WILL BEGIN WITH YOU.

THE NEXT QUESTION IS HOW CAN THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORT THE RECORDER'S REGISTRAR OF VOTERS DEPARTMENT?

>> I DON'T BELIEVE THAT ANY OUTSIDE FORCE NEEDS TO SUPPORT THE RECORDER OR CLERK'S OFFICE.

THE REGISTRAR OF VOTERS, I BELIEVE YOU CAN ENCOURAGE MEMBERS TO VOLUNTEER THEIR TIME, ASSIST WITH POLLING STATIONS AND COME IN AND BE PART OF THE PROCESS.

>> THANK YOU.

BENJAMIN, YOUR ANSWER, PLEASE.

>> SO AGAIN FOR THE CLERK RECORDER, I WOULD AGREE THAT -- I DON'T KNOW HOW ASSISTANCE COULD BE OFFERED DOING THAT, BUT AS FAR AS THE REGISTRAR, I BELIEVE WE HAVE A GOOD PARTNERSHIP WITH THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS.

WE RELY ON THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS FOR FINDING WHERE OUR POLLING PLACES ARE, FOR ANY KIND OF ASSISTANCE WITH VOTING DRIVES, REGISTERING CANDIDATES.

OR THE PUBLIC, REGISTERING THE PUBLIC TO VOTE.

I THINK WE HAVE A GOOD PARTNERSHIP.

I THINK THAT KIND OF PARTNERSHIP CAN BE BROADENED INTO OTHER CIVIC COMMUNITIES.

>> THANK YOU.

YOUR ANSWER, JUAN PABLO.

>> COULD YOU REPEAT THE QUESTION, PLEASE?

>> YES.

HOW CAN THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORT THE RECORDER AND REGISTRAR OF VOTER'S OFFICE?

>> I THINK WITH FEEDBACK, ENGAGEMENT.

I THINK YOU'RE IN TOUCH WITH MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY AT A LEVEL THAT SURPASSES WHERE GOVERNMENT IS AT CURRENTLY AND ENGAGING WITH OUR OFFICES IS A GREAT WAY TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE EXPANDING OUR SERVICES IN THE WAY THAT THE PUBLIC NEEDS.

I THINK WHEN IT COMES TO SOME OTHER NON-PROFITS AND ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS, HELPING US UNDERSTAND HOW OUR SERVICES IMPACT YOUR CLIENTS AND YOUR CONSTITUENTS IS KEY.

IT'S IMPOSSIBLE FOR US TO HAVE THOSE KINDS OF CONVERSATIONS AT THE LEVELS THAT COMMUNITY LEADERS ARE HAVING WHEN THEY'RE DOING IT FULL TIME AND WE'RE CURRENTLY ENGAGED IN THE BUREAUCRATIC WORK.

SO HAVING THAT CONVERSATION I THINK WOULD BE CRITICAL.

>> THANK YOU.

FOR OUR NEXT QUESTION, WE WILL BEGIN WITH YOU, JUAN PABLO.

WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU LOOK FOR IN STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS?

>> I THINK EMPATHY.

I THINK EMPATHY IS ONE OF THEM.

I THINK BEING ABLE TO -- OUR WORK INVOLVES ENGAGING WITH THE PUBLIC, ENGAGING WITH EACH OTHER.

HAVING THE ABILITY TO WORK WITH ONE ANOTHER AND TO MEET PEOPLE WHERE THEY'RE AT IS KEY.

I THINK CRITICAL THINKING IS ANOTHER ONE.

I THINK OUR STAFF NEEDS TO HAVE AN UNDERSTANDING BEYOND ROTE MEMORIZATION.

THEY NEED TO HAVE AN ABILITY TO DEAL WITH SYSTEMS AND RELATIONSHIPS.

IN THE ELECTIONS OFFICE, ABOUT 20 LAWS GET PASSED EVERY YEAR THAT CHANGES THE WAY THAT WE DO BUSINESS.

WE HAVE THINGS LIKE COVID THAT IMPACT HOW WE CAN RUN PHYSICAL ELECTIONS.

HAVING STAFF THAT'S ABLE TO EMPATHIZE WITH THE PUBLIC, ANALYZE THE DIFFERENT SITUATION AND THE DIFFERENT PIECES OF CODE THAT HAVE BEEN PASSED, THAT'S KEY IN DOING OUR JOB.

>> THANK YOU.

YOUR ANSWER, BENJAMIN.

>> I THINK THE QUALITIES THAT WE LOOK FOR IN EMPLOYEES IS A WILLINGNESS TO LEARN.

AND IT'S ALWAYS A LEARNING PROCESS WHERE WHATEVER YOU DO IS GOING TO BE A LEARNING PROCESS, AND I THINK ANOTHER QUALITY THAT WE LOOK FOR IS WANTING TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY, WANTING TO SERVE PEOPLE, WANTING TO DO THE BEST THAT WE CAN TO HELP OUT THE COMMUNITY WHERE WE CAN, WHEN WE CAN, AND HOW WE CAN.

SO THOSE ARE I THINK THE BIGGEST QUALITIES I WOULD LOOK FOR IN EMPLOYEES IN THE DEPARTMENT.

I ALSO LOOK FOR EMPLOYEES THAT WOULD BE ABLE TO ASSIST IN THE OTHER COMMUNITIES IN OUR COMMUNITY LIKE THE HMONG AND THE SPANISH COMMUNITY.

>> THANK YOU.

TIFFANY, YOUR ANSWER, PLEASE.

>> THANK YOU.

QUALITIES I LOOK FOR IN STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS, I THINK THAT IT'S VERY IMPORTANT TO HAVE AN ATTENTION TO DETAIL QUALITY WHEN WORKING WITH ANY OF THESE.

THERE ARE STATUTES AND LAWS AND CODES AND REGULATIONS THAT WE ALL MUST FOLLOW ON A DAILY BASIS, MULTIPLE TIMES.

I THINK THAT A PERSONABLE PERSON IS GOOD FOR SERVING THE PUBLIC.

I WANT SOMEONE TO BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS, BECAUSE WE ALL WORK TOGETHER AND WE WORK AS A TEAM, AND IT'S VERY IMPORTANT THAT WE ARE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH ONE ANOTHER.

CRITICAL THINKING IS A KEY.

AND ALSO WILLINGNESS TO CROSS-TRAIN.

THESE TWO OFFICES DO HAVE TWO DIFFERENT LOCATIONS AND LOTS OF DIFFERENT SERVICES THAT WE PROVIDE AND IT'S MUCH SIMPLER IF SOMEBODY IS WILLING TO VOLUNTEER THEIR TIME.

IT'S NOT A VOLUNTEER, BECAUSE YOU'RE ACTUALLY PAID TO COME WORK ON WEEKENDS AND EVENINGS IF YOU'RE AT THE RECORDER'S OFFICE.

YOU CAN ACTUALLY GO OVER AND WORK AT THE ELECTIONS OFFICE AS WELL.

>> THANK YOU.

THIS WILL BE OUR LAST QUESTION, AND WE WILL BEGIN WITH YOU, TIFFANY.

HOW DO YOU SUPPORT YOUR EMPLOYEES?

>> I SUPPORT MY EMPLOYEES BY BEING WILLING TO DO ANYTHING THAT I ASK THEM TO DO.

I AM A FIRM BELIEVER IN BEING IN THE TRENCHES WITH EVERYONE AND IF I ASK SOMEBODY TO DO SOMETHING, I HOPE THAT I WOULD BE WILLING TO DO THAT SAME THING.

I WAS RAISED ON A CATTLE RANCH AND EVERY JOB, YOU HAVE TO SHOVEL STUFF, SO I THINK IT'S VERY IMPORTANT TO SUPPORT YOUR EMPLOYEES, HAVE COMMUNICATION WITH THEM, TALK TO THEM, UNDERSTAND WHERE THEY'RE AT.

WE ALL HAVE GOOD DAYS, WE ALL HAVE BAD DAYS, AND IT'S IMPORTANT TO BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS AS WELL.

>> THANK YOU.

JUAN PABLO, YOUR ANSWER, PLEASE.

>> I BELIEVE IN THE UPSIDE-DOWN PYRAMID OF LEADERSHIP.

MY JOB IS TO SUPPORT EMPLOYEES.

THAT'STHAT'S FIRST AND FOREMOSTY JOB.

THEIR JOB IS TO SUPPORT EACH OTHER AND THE PUBLIC AND IT GOES ON LIKE THAT.

PART OF THAT JOB IS TO HELP THEM THROUGH THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSES.

THEIR PAYCHECK, TIME KEEPING, HR ISSUES, ANYTHING REGULATORY, THE DISSEMINATION OF NEW STATUTES AND HOW THEY IMPACT THEIR WORK, THESE ARE ALL THINGS THAT'S IN MY PURVIEW TO DO FOR THEM SO THEY CAN BETTER HELP OTHERS.

AN ELECTION SPECIALIST SHOULDN'T HAVE TO BE A HUMAN RESOURCE SPECIALIST.

THEY SHOULDN'T HAVE TO BE A FINANCE SPECIALIST.

IT'S PART OF MY JOB TO INTERFACE WITH THOSE DEPARTMENTS FOR THEM AND TO SUPPORT THEM IN THOSE ENDEAVORS.

>> THANK YOU.

BENJAMIN, YOUR ANSWER, PLEASE.

>> SO HOW DO I SUPPORT THE EMPLOYEES IN MY OFFICE?

FIRST AND FOREMOST IS LEADERSHIP.

I KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON, I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING.

AND THAT I CAN IMPART THAT ON THEM.

AND THAT I GIVE THEM THE RESOURCES THAT THEY CAN USE TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THEIR POSITIONS.

I THINK WE HAVE A LARGE GROUP THAT COME IN AND OFTENTIMES THERE'S PEOPLE WHO JUST, LIKE, I NEED THIS, I NEED THAT.

AND A LOT OF PEOPLE COME TO ME AND SAY, WELL, HOW DO I DO THIS OR HOW DO WE GET THIS ON THE?

DONE?

I SAY THIS IS HOW YOU DO IT, THIS IS WHAT WE HAVE IN PLACE, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR PROCEDURES.

GO THROUGH THE PROCEDURES AND IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE, I'LL BE THERE BEHIND YOU AND HELP YOU 100% OF THE WAY.

>> THANK YOU.

IT'S NOW TIME FOR OUR CLOSING STATEMENTS AND WE WILL BEGIN WITH TIFFANY NIELSEN.

>> THANK YOU.

I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR HOSTING THIS EVENT TONIGHT AND ALLOWING US TO SHARE OUR QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE OFF.

MY EXPERTISE IS WITH THE LAND RECORDS.

I RESEARCHED, CREATED, AND RECORDED THE DOCUMENTS WHEN I WAS AT THE TITLE COMPANY AND NOW I RECORD THE DOCUMENTS PERTAINING TO REAL PROPERTY IN HUMBOLDT COUNTY EVERY DAY.

AS A RECORDER WITH TITLE COMPANY EXPERIENCE, I HAVE THE SUPPORT OF MANY IN THE REAL ESTATE BUSINESS.

NOT ONLY AGENTS AND TITLE PROFESSIONALS, BUT THE LAND SURVEYORS ASSOCIATION OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY HAS ENDORSED ME AS WELL AS MANY OTHER SURVEYORS INDIVIDUALLY.

ALSO LOCAL ATTORNEYS, BROKERS, LENDERS ARE AND LOTS OF PROPERTY OWNERS.

THE ELECTION TRANSPARENCY PROJECT IS A PRIORITY FOR ME.

I WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE HUMBOLDT COUNTY WITH ACCURATE, FAIR, AND TRANSPARENT ELECTIONS.

IF I'M ELECTED TO THE POSITION, I WILL IMPLEMENT AN EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR OUR COMMUNITY TO INSTILL CONFIDENCE IN OUR VOTING PROCESS.

I HAVE LIVED IN HUMBOLDT COUNTY MY ENTIRE LIFE.

I HAVE DEEP ROOTS HERE AND I AM COMMITTED TO OUR COMMUNITY.

OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS, I HAVE PROVEN EXPERIENCE IN ALL ASPECTS OF THE CLERK RECORDER'S OFFICE.

ON ONE SIDE OF THE COUNTER OR THE OTHER.

I HAVE ALSO WORKED IN THE REGISTRAR'S OFFICE DURING THE LAST FEW ELECTION CYCLES AND I WILL CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN THE INTEGRITY OF EACH AND EVERY ELECTION.

I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR VOTE BY MAIL OR ON JUNE 7TH.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

YOUR CLOSING STATEMENT, JUAN PABLO CERVANTES.

>> I'D LIKE TO THANK THE LEAGUE TO BEGIN WITH.

HAVING THESE EVENTS, ENGAGING WITH VOTERS AND GIVING THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET TO KNOW CANDIDATES, IT'S A GREAT HELP IN INCREASING VOTER ENGAGEMENT.

I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE THESE CONVERSATIONS AND TO HAVE PEOPLE GET TO KNOW ME.

MY PLATFORM IS ONE OF TRANSPARENT, ACCESSIBLE, AND EFFICIENT GOVERNMENT.

I'M THE ONLY CANDIDATE WITH EXPERIENCE ADMINISTERING ELECTIONS.

I'M THE ONLY CANDIDATE WITH AN EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION.

THESE ARE THE KEY COMPONENTS TO WHAT I'M RUNNING FOR.

I'M RUNNING TO MAKE THINGS MORE ACCESSIBLE TO DIFFERENT PARTS OF OUR COMMUNITIES AND I'M RUNNING WITH A MINDSET THAT I CAN KEEP THINGS RUNNING SMOOTHLY AND BRING THINGS FORWARD.

KELLY SANDERS AND CAROLYN, OUR PREVIOUS CLERK RECORDER AND REGISTRARS, HAVE CREATED A BEDROCK, A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR OUR PROCESSES, AND I BELIEVE I'M THE CANDIDATE WITH THE VISION TO TAKE THINGS FURTHER AND TO EXPAND ON THAT WITH OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT AT THE FOREFRONT OF WHERE I SEE THIS OFFICE HEADED.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

YOUR CLOSING STATEMENT, BENJAMIN HERSHBERGER.

>> THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE HERE.

IT'S BEEN EDUCATIONAL, IT'S BEEN INTERESTING.

I'VE ALWAYS SAID WHEN I STARTED OUT THAT I'M MORE OF A SUPPORT STAFF, SO NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, I WILL ALWAYS BE THE SUPPORT STAFF FOR WHOEVER IS ELECTED IN THIS POSITION.

I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I'M THE ONLY CANDIDATE THAT HAS 16 YEARS EXPERIENCE BETWEEN BOTH OFFICES DOING THE JOBS OF BOTH OFFICES.

I'VE DONE THE FINANCES FOR BOTH OFFICES.

IF YOU NEED TO KNOW WHAT THE FUNDINGS ARE, I'VE DONE THAT ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS.

THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS IN MY OFFICE.

I'VE EXPANDED JUST BEYOND THE FISCAL OFFICER OF THAT DEPARTMENT.

I EVEN WORK AS CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR THE CLERKS DOING VITAL RECORDS, MARRIAGE, BIRTH.

I'VE PERFORMED SEVERAL MARRIAGES.

ON THE ELECTION SIDE, I'VE LEARNED THE ELECTION SYSTEM.

I WAS A PART OF THE EVALUATION OF THE NEW ELECTION SYSTEM WE HAVE WITH HART AND THE NEW EQUIPMENT WE USE FOR THE VOTE-SORTING MACHINES, SO I THINK I OFFER A LOT OF EXPERIENCE NOT JUST IN THE CLERK RECORDER, BUT 26 YEARS WITH THE COUNTY IN WHOLE AND OTHER DEPARTMENTS.

>> THANK YOU.

THIS CONCLUDES TONIGHT'S PROGRAM.

I'D LIKE TO THANK KEET TEACH FOR AIRING THE PROGRAM TO HELP VOTERS BE MORE INFORMED ABOUT THEIR VOTING CHOICES.

MEMBERSHIP IN THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS IS OPEN TO WOMEN AND MEN 16 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER.

CALL (707)444-9252 TO LEARN MORE ABOUT IT OR GO TO OUR WEBSITE.

OUR WEBSITE INCLUDES A COMPLETE SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING CANDIDATE FORUMS AS WELL AS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT OUR LEAGUE.

KEET WILL BE AIRING TWO MORE CANDIDATE FORUMS.

THE NEXT ONE IS WEDNESDAY, MAY 25TH, AT 7 p.m. FOR THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE LAST ONE ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1ST, FOR SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE.

I'D LIKE TO URGE ALL OF OUR VIEWERS TO CONSIDER CONTRIBUTING TO KEET-TV.

IT IS THROUGH VIEWER MEMBERSHIPS AND CONTRIBUTIONS THAT KEET-TV CAN CONTINUE TO PRESENT THESE PROGRAMS WHICH ARE SO IMPORTANT TO OUR COMMUNITY.

I'D LIKE TO THANK THOSE OF YOU WHO TOOK THE TIME TO E-MAIL OR PHONE IN YOUR QUESTIONS.

WE HAVE ALL GOTTEN A CLEARER PICTURE OF THE ISSUES IN OUR COMMUNITY BECAUSE OF YOUR QUESTIONS.

AND FINALLY, I'D LIKE TO THANK THE CANDIDATES THEMSELVES FOR TAKING THE TIME FROM THEIR VERY HECTIC SCHEDULES TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS OF THE VOTERS.

THANK YOU ALSO FOR HAVING THE DEDICATION TO DEMOCRACY TO RUN FOR THIS IMPORTANT OFFICE.

THANK YOU ALL FOR WATCHING.

PLEASE RETURN YOUR VOTE BY MAIL BALLOT THROUGH THE U.S. MAIL, INTO A SECURE DROPBOX, OR AT ANY POLLING PLACE.

OR YOU CAN TURN IT IN AT YOUR OWN PRECINCT ON JUNE 7TH AND VOTE IN PERSON.

POWER IS IN YOUR VOTE.

PLEASE MAKE DEMOCRACY WORK.

THANK YOU.

THANK YOU ALL AND GOOD NIGHT.

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