By Donna Westfall – February 14, 2023 Last month, Supervisor Dean Wilson spent an hour with our staff answering questions and discussing the state of affairs in Del Norte County. Since the latest brouhaha in the Board of Supervisors chambers centers around the "Consent Agenda," we started there. Will you support public participation and free speech in BOS Meetings? YES. It's not realistic to lump so many things under the consent agenda. Should remove them for discussion as needed. 2. Do you believe the Del Norte County government should downscale or eliminate dysfunctional departments before seeking additional taxes? Yes. 3. What would you do to cut waste in Del Norte County's budget? Deal with Juvenile Hall first. Huge budget, overtime costs, 6 persons getting paid and only one juvenile recently. I'm pushing towards closure. 4. Do you believe it is better to eliminate one executive management position paying $250,000 per year, or lay off five boots-on-the ground workers earning $50,000 annually? Eliminate one executive position. 5. Do you support the secession of Del Norte County from the State of California to either join the greater State of Idaho or the independent State of Jefferson. No to Idaho because it's not contiguous. Yes to State of Jefferson. 6. Do you support a 2nd Amendment Sanctuary (which prevents confiscation of guns and ammunition) declaration for Del Norte County. Yes. 7. Years ago, public schools had gun safety classes. Would you be in favor of bringing those back? YES 8. When you were Sheriff for 12 years, did you work within your budget? Yes 9. Do you support a Declaration in Del Norte County refusing to comply with California's blanket illegal immigration sanctuary status? YES 10. The Department of Health and Human Services is the lion's share of the budget. Any suggestions? Most of that budget comes from the State. I would be in favor of breaking up DHHS into welfare and mental health. Any last comments? Lately, the BOS seems to be driven by department heads. It is the responsibility of the Board of Supervisors to lead and not the other way around.