Shasta County District 2 Supervisor Leonard Moty.
While I’m not a big supporter of Shasta County District 2 Supervisor Leonard Moty, I have three legitimate concerns over how the current recall is being conducted.
First, I don’t like the outside influence being exerted by former Shasta County resident, Reverge Anselmo. He’s donated well over $400,000 to the recall effort even though he’s a resident of Connecticut. Frankly, he needs to stay out of our local politics.
Second, I feel many of the pro-recall advertisements are misrepresenting the facts and telling half-truths. One mailer from the Shasta General Purpose Committee mailer states:
“After receiving over $18 million in CARES funding, intended to help businesses hurt by the Covid shutdowns, Supervisor Moty distributed only $4 million to local small businesses, while spending $14 million on county programs, hiring new employees, and pay raises.”
There’s a clear implication that Moty failed to properly consider the needs of small businesses in dispersing CARES funding. According to Jake Mangas, President/CEO of the Redding Chamber of Commerce, that is untrue.
Mr. Mangas and his staff, under contract with the county to administer the $20 million in CARES funding, initially received $300,000 to disperse. This was quickly increased to $3 million. Jake’s team then identified the need for an additional $1 million which was also approved by county supervisors. According to Jake, county supervisors approved the dispersal of $4 million in CARES funding which met qualified local small business needs.
I’m convinced Mr. Mangas’ team properly executed CARES program funding requirements in accordance with required federal guidelines. If there’s a question to be asked it should be what did county supervisors do with the remaining $16 million in unspent CARES funding? The public has the right to know.
Finally, let’s not use the recall process to remove elected officials we disagree with. Let’s be sure to use it for more egregious incidents of malfeasance and misbehavior.
Dare I Say, 2024 will be here soon enough when voters will be given another opportunity to select the supervisor of their choice.
Pete Stiglich
