Candidates Point of view - Gerhard

When I campaigned for Harbor Commissioner in 2022, I emphasized four principles: integrity, transparency, competency, and common sense. Those commitments still guide my work and my promise to you. I remain deeply honored that the people of Del Norte County placed their trust in someone who did not grow up here and has a foreign-sounding name. Those differences did not matter to you. You trusted me, as one of five commissioners, to use my best judgment and act on your behalf. Today, I am again asking for your trust and support. After some difficult years, the Harbor is finally moving toward growth, and I want to help guide it through this exciting new phase.

Political disagreement is healthy; personal attacks and manufactured scandals are not. Some candidates seem more interested in spreading rumors, making seemingly insane accusations, and stirring up controversy than in offering credible solutions. Voters have already rejected their bids for elected office-at least five times in one candidate's case and once in the other's. I trust Del Norte County voters to judge candidates by their results, not their rhetoric. Political theater will not repair a dock, balance a budget, or solve the challenges facing our Harbor.

My background provides the skills and experiences the Harbor needs. I have worked in commercial banking as a research department manager, as an MIS executive in the electronics industry, and for more than two decades as an educator and lead teacher. My work in education ranged from teaching accounting, entrepreneurship, computer programming, and digital graphics to coaching varsity girls' soccer. Those varied experiences in business and education have helped me understand the Harbor's operations, contribute to sound decisions, and improve its prospects for success. I hold a bachelor's degree in computer information systems, a single-subject teaching credential in business, and a master's degree in school administration.

In the campaign pamphlet I distributed in 2022, I outlined five goals. The first was to improve financial transparency, and I believe we have delivered. The Harbor belongs to the people of Del Norte County, and its owners deserve to see the financial picture clearly, whether the news is good or bad. Today, the public receives the same monthly financial information provided to commissioners.

My second goal was to strengthen financial oversight, particularly regarding the ratio of executives to staff. For a small organization like the Harbor District, having three executives was top-heavy and financially irresponsible. We addressed that arrangement by combining the finance director's duties with those of the Assistant Harbormaster. As staffing and operational needs changed, responsibilities continued to evolve, allowing greater flexibility and helping the District adapt to its financial circumstances.

My third goal was to improve the Harbor's website and public outreach. Previously, visitors seeking financial information through the Harbor website were directed to a state website that offered little of the detail they needed. After sustained efforts to overhaul our website, we now have a much-improved source of information, with continuous updates to strengthen transparency and communication with the public.

My fourth and fifth goals focused on business development, both immediate and long term. The Harbor District knows how to operate a harbor, but managing RV parks was not one of its strengths. We recognized that experienced private operators could do the job better, and we pursued a leasing strategy with an accomplished and innovative investor group. This lease is a major financial win: it is expected to bring millions of dollars in new revenue to the Harbor over its term, while allowing the District to concentrate on its core mission.

Beyond those five goals, I have been privileged to contribute to other important accomplishments. I proudly supported and voted for the appointment of our very successful Harbormaster, Mike Rademaker, whose leadership has attracted new businesses to the Harbor and laid the groundwork for economic benefits that will be felt for years to come. I also supported hiring our exceptionally capable finance contractor, Sandra Moreno, whose meticulous work and financial expertise have brought greater clarity and discipline to the District's financial management. And I recognize the outstanding contributions of Mike Bahr of Community System Solutions (CSS), whose work continues to help secure millions of dollars in grant funding for critical infrastructure, including Citizens Dock.

Four years ago, I asked for your trust and laid out five goals. Today, I offer something stronger than promises: a proven record of delivering on them. We have strengthened financial transparency, improved oversight, modernized communication, and opened new paths to revenue and growth. Our progress is real, but our work is far from finished. I ask for your vote to build on what we have achieved, complete the projects before us, and secure a stronger Harbor for the next generation.

Thank you, Gerhard Weber, Commissioner (Former Chair)