Opinion and Commentary By Investigative Reporter, Linda Sutter – August 7, 2025 It is time to move forward and hit the Crescent City Harbor District where it hurts the most—their pocketbook. A pocketbook decapitated by gross mismanagement and lack of transparency, controlled by Harbormaster Michael Rademaker and his cohort, Sandy Moreno. It is time for the people of Del Norte County to take action and repeal the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) that was once intended to uplift the harbor but has now become a financial slush fund for failed leadership and fiscal recklessness. This tax, originally approved by voters to repay a USDA loan, has been co-opted by a Harbor administration that shows no regard for accountability, stewardship, or the taxpayers they claim to serve. Despite clear signs of incompetence and abuse, the District continues to collect and squander public funds without oversight or consequence. Repealing this tax is not just symbolic—it is essential. A History of Lawsuits and Laughable Leadership The Crescent City Harbor District has already faced lawsuits over transparency violations and corrupt practices. Rather than change course, the majority of commissioners laugh off their misconduct, confident that the public has neither the will nor the power to hold them accountable. They flaunt their disregard for ethics, daring the community to sue them again. And why wouldn’t they? litigation costs are paid with public money—your money. Ignoring the Grand Jury Adding insult to injury, the Del Norte County Grand Jury issued a damning report this year exposing misconduct, fiscal irregularities, and the toxic leadership culture embedded in the Harbor District. But instead of responding with transparency or humility, Mr. Rademaker and his loyal cadre of flying monkeys decided to do what they do best—ignore it. Their excuse? According to reports, Harbor District legal counsel Ryan Plotz allegedly advised them not to respond. This refusal to comply with basic government oversight is not just cowardly—it’s unlawful. It’s the latest in a pattern of stonewalling, obfuscation, and contempt for the public process. Let the People Decide This is not a call for another audit. Audits have proven to be toothless and inaccurate. This is a call for real action. If the Harbor District cannot manage its finances with integrity, then it should not be entrusted with our money. The time has come to repeal the TOT tax and return that revenue to the people and the county it rightfully belongs to. Let the voters decide. Let the people restore financial sanity. Let us put an end to enabling poor leadership through blind taxation. Once we achieve this the board members will need to step down, a new board will be appointed as well as a new Harbormaster and a real public accountant.