An issue that appointed Elections Chief Clint Curtis undoubtedly wishes would go away is now stretching through three Shasta County Supervisors Meetings. The discussion concerns whether Curtis violated state law or county government policy by making accusatory statements about his predecessors and his future political opponent. On January 15th, on county time, Curtis hosted a tour of the Elections Office for some gubernatorial candidates and others. During the tour, Curtis apparently promoted his campaign for his elected position and leveled criminal accusations against former Assistant Registrar Joanna Francescut, who he fired shortly after being appointed and who he’ll run against for the job this year. Supervisor Allen Long said he heard a lot of concerns from constituents, but the discussion was held over to the next meeting because it had to be agendized. County Counsel Patrick Larmour found Curtis not to be in criminal violation because Larmour believed it could be considered an incidental comment during what was otherwise a legitimate tour of a public facility. There was some uproar from the spectators in the chambers because no public comment was allowed following the discussion. The discussion is on the agenda for Tuesday’s meeting specifically to allow for public comment.
-Steve Gibson