The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Crescent City Times.com By Investigative Reporter, Linda Sutter – October 9, 2025 On October 8, 2025, the Crescent City Harbor District convened for a marathon session that ran from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., only to leave attendees and observers with more questions than answers. What was intended to be a productive day of meetings quickly devolved into confusion, frustration, and a glaring lack of progress. The morning session revealed two troubling discoveries. First, Finance Officer Sandy Moreno announced a “balanced” budget that was, in reality, $373,000 in the red. Moreno attempted to put a positive spin on the deficit, claiming that without the lingering debt from the fashion blacksmith, the district would be financially sound. This optimistic framing did little to reassure those concerned about the district’s fiscal health. Second, it was disclosed that Charter net, the district’s internet provider, had terminated services due to issues related to pornography. Speculation suggests this action may be linked to the presence of registered sex offenders residing in the district’s RV park—a matter previously brought to public attention and controversially defended by Harbormaster Mike Rademaker. Despite the lengthy agenda, the meetings failed to produce any tangible accomplishments. No new goals were set, no plans for revenue generation were discussed, and the persistent problem of vacant RV park spaces remained unaddressed. The lack of accountability and vision for the future was palpable. After a lunch break, the afternoon session featured a presentation by Crede, which proved so uninspiring that board members John Evans, Mike Rademaker, and public attendee Roger Gitlin were seen napping on video. The presentation offered little more than recycled rhetoric, echoing promises and proposals that have yet to yield meaningful results for the harbor. During the meeting, Commissioner Dan Schmidt presented a proposal to hire his brother, Dennis Schmidt, ( his brother actually said he would work for 1.00 per hour as he does not need money) whose expertise could help revitalize the harbor. However, board members Evans, Shepherd, and Weber dismissed the idea, labeling it as “nepotism” and thereby blocking a potentially transformative opportunity for the district. Dennis Schmidt brings significantly more experience in managing struggling institutions than Harbormaster Mike Rademaker, who frequently relies on government codes to deflect public scrutiny rather than demonstrating transparency and accountability. Ultimately, the commissioners chose to place their trust in Rademaker—despite his track record of incompetence—instead of embracing the chance for meaningful change that Dennis Schmidt’s involvement could offer. The only glimmer of responsibility came from board member Annie Nehmer, who took it upon herself to address the district’s response to an impending grand jury report. The original 17-page draft, authored by Rademaker, was rife with blame-shifting and excuses, failing to provide the transparency and accountability demanded by the public. Nehmer insisted on revising the document to reflect genuine accountability, standing in stark contrast to her colleagues, who resisted these changes and, in some cases, advocated for further delays. Rademaker’s approach to governance has repeatedly undermined the integrity and public trust in the Crescent City Harbor District. His reliance on narrow legal interpretations to justify questionable administrative practices has shifted the focus from ethical responsibility to self-preservation, eroding the very foundation of public confidence. As the day concluded, it was clear that the district remains mired in dysfunction. Without a commitment to transparency, accountability, and proactive leadership, the Crescent City Harbor District risks further decline—and the community it serves deserves far better.