By Samuel Strait, Reporter at Large – January 29, 2021
It would appear that the show is on in the political arenas in the
City. The current Mayor Pro Tem, Alex Campbell has been charged by Del
Norte County’s District Attorney, Katherine Micks as failing to live in
the City’s town limits as required for a candidate to run for City
Council. This comes after an allegation was made to the City’s Manager,
Eric Wier that Mr. Campbell did not live within the city limits. Micks
has charged the councilman with three felonies, perjury, election fraud,
and false declaration of candidacy. According to City Manager Eric Wier, the allegation came as a result of a press release on Wednesday, and he
immediately passed the information to the District Attorney. The press
release authored by Jessica Cejnar writing for the Lost Coast Outpost.
Very efficient for government, informed on Wednesday, charges by press
time later Wednesday. It is almost as though it had all been planned
out. Nothing to see here folks.
One has to wonder in this curious case, “What is the underlying story
here?” More corruption at City Hall, maybe in the County’s government
as well. What exactly does Mr. Campbell know that has required the
abnormally swift action by the DA. Cases of much more importance take
years before the DA moves the case forward. This does not pass the smell
test. Mr. Campbell, according to the County’s DA will be arraigned on
February 19th. This will be quite the show.
Mayor Pro Tem Campbell for his part is currently living on I Street well
within the City’s limits. He occupies a room leased from a friend which
he has made his primary resident since May 1, 2020. While he does own
another property in the County, he spends more than fifty percent of his
time at the I Street residence as required by election code. Mr.
Campbell is clearly knowledgeable about requirements to run for office
within the city. It is difficult to accept that he would choose to
violate the law when he went to some lengths to establish legal
residency in the city and occupy that residence for more than thirty
days. I would think that DA Micks would have sent an investigator to the
I Street address to determine residency before charges were filed. It
does not appear that this was the case.
I see Eye On Del Norte has become involved making the next few weeks an important time for voters in the next election. Seems Eye on Del Norte
has focused on Former Mayor Blake Inscore, recently outed as the Mayor,
Eric Wier, the City’s Manager, DA Katherine Micks, Sheriff Eric
Apperson, Supervisor Gerry Hemmingsen, and Supervisor Chris Howard.
Voters should keep those names in mind over the next two years.
November 2022 is looking like a good year to clean house both in the
City and in the County.
Let’s see since DA Micks wants to be in the spotlight let’s talk about her record as a DA.
In 2017 a man was arrested for holding his family hostage with a firearm and shooting the firearm several times into the dwelling. 17 officers were called on that incident. Elias Mavris was charged and posted $50,000 dollars bail. Then failed to appear for court but DA Micks allows him his freedom. Why?
A lady in town was threatened by her neighbor with a gun. No charges from DA Micks. But by golly someone makes an allegation based on hearsay and sloppy investigation and she plans to prosecute to the letter of her law. Is she inadequate or is she waiting to pick up $60,000 dollars behind the bushes like she did for her former employer who eventually was fired?
Yes Ms. Micks before you start hopping down this political persecution I suggest she clean her own back yard.
As for revealing the Sheriff’s dirty laundry I will wait for a more opportune time.
Remember who Eric Wier’s buddies are… his papa who is currently under investigation for money fraud by FPPC, could Wakefield’s be involved? Or anyone else who worked on the measure S committee? Guess it is time to wash this cities dirty laundry…
What The Hell smells a lawsuit brewing. Let’s get rid of the dead wood- “kick ‘da bums out!”
I agree
Great Article Sam …. I really do find it interesting that DA Micks has jumped on this situation so quickly …. how do they know that MR. Campbell is not living in his rented Residence …. and of course the real question is Why was Alex Fallman allowed to live in Eureka and only come back to Crescent City for the City Councils Meetings… seem like this was a real shock to Mayor Inscore that he wasn’t going to serve his 6 th term in office !It is time that other Members have a chance to govern and have the responsibility of leading the City Council!