A Note About the Humboldt County Voter Information Guide

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Unfortunately, my candidate statement in the recently mailed Humboldt County Voter Information Guide was affected by excessive ink coverage and blurred printing, making portions of it very difficult to read.

My 92-year-old mother-in-law tried to read it, finally put it down, and told me, "Sorry, Gregg, I can't read it."

I've since met with the Humboldt County Elections Office and provided two original copies of the guide so they can investigate the printing problem.

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I appreciate the Elections Office taking the time to review my concerns.

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For anyone who experienced the same difficulty reading my statement, I'm reproducing the complete statement below in a clear, readable format.

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The statement below is the same one submitted for publication in the official Voter Information Guide.

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Thank you,

Gregg Gardiner

 

CANDIDATE'S NAME: GREGG GARDINER

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My life has been defined by a deep commitment to public service, country, and community accountability. Raised by a single mother who was a World War II veteran, I learned early that personal responsibility means stepping up when your community needs you most. I carried these values into the U.S. Marine Corps, serving honorably during the Vietnam War—an experience that permanently shaped my dedication to others.

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I bring unique, proven utility leadership to this position. As the co-founder and six-year Founding Chair of the Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative, I guided the historic $215 million acquisition and conversion of an investor-owned utility into a member-owned nonprofit. Under this framework, it transformed from Hawaii's most expensive electric utility into its least expensive, driven by an unparalleled shift toward renewable energy. This massive effort proved that utility systems function best when they are directly accountable to the public.

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Since moving to Eureka in 2003, I have embedded myself in our local community. Since 2012, I have brought this baseline of utility governance and fiduciary oversight to our neighborhoods as an elected Board Member for the Humboldt Community Services District. Alongside safeguarding our water, wastewater, and street lighting, I have served as Past President of the Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Eureka, chaired the $30 million Measure S school bond campaign, and coordinated our regional Toys for Tots program for over 20 years, striving to ensure no child is without a Christmas.

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As your Director, I believe major infrastructure investments must protect both today's ratepayers and our future needs. Every decision must be based on facts, long-term value, and deep respect for the families and businesses who fund our public utilities. For assets built to last 50+ years, we must utilize smart, balanced long-term financing rather than forcing current ratepayers to bear the entire upfront burden. This approach ensures fairness, protects household budgets, and prevents the traps of deferred maintenance.

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Managing a community services district requires proven technical expertise. My credentials as a Credentialed Cooperative Director reflect my strict adherence to best practices in public finance. If re-elected, I will continue to leverage my background to protect our water infrastructure, maintain strict budgetary discipline, and deliver dependable services. I ask for your vote to keep experience, integrity, and reliable leadership working for Humboldt.

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/s/ Gregg Gardiner