Although some local Republicans attended Monday’s press briefing by Gavin Newson, some others who were not invited apparently felt slighted. Newly elected Republican Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick was there, and several people spoke positively about the bipartisan spirit of the jobs initiative. Matt Plummer, who will replace Patrick Jones on the Board of Supervisors in two weeks, was also there standing behind the Governor. County Public Information Officer David Maung showed up as well. However, Shasta County Executive Officer David Rickert issued a terse letter about the event. Speaking for the entire county, he opened with “Shasta County is Disappointed” and said the Governor did not engage or coordinate with local elected officials. The letter was very similar in tone to one issued last week by Colusa County’s Administrative Officer after Newson made a stop there. Newsom’s staff denies snubbing the Supervisors of either county.
-Steve Gibson