IRV's Big and Tall now open! Two pulp mill workers now in business.

Mike Irving and his son Shawn have gone into business for themselves at the Bayshore Mall. Their store specializes in Big and Tall clothing. I worked with Mike for years in the Machine Room at the pulp mill. Mike was a good conscientious worker. Shawn was a Digester Operator at the mill and was also Treasurer when I was President of local 49. I very much appreciated his efforts for the union. I wish both of them all the very best in their venture.

Be sure to stop by and check it out!

It's official. Wiggins will not seek re-election. Elephant in room can be addressed.

Obviously something is wrong with Patricia. She has been fortunate to surround herself with great staff that have been trying to fend off problematic situations. I hope for the best for Patricia's health and well being. The stress of her position could not be helping the matter at all.

But the big question is........who will be taking her place? I would think that Patty Berg would be the likely front runner. Or her friend Bonnie Neely? This really opens the door to some madness for the 2nd District Senate race in 2010. Any predictions?

Richard Marks for Harbor Commissioner 2009 FPPC# 1320484

I finally recieved my Fair Political Practice Commission (FPPC) number yesterday. I had to file a "Statement of Organization Recipient Committee" form 410, if my committee expects to raise over $1,000 during the calander year. The FPPC# is the key to start raising funds for a person running for office. Most organizations need to justify or have proof of a candidates viability and campaign structure before they can cut a check for their organization to a candidate.

Just part of the nuts and bolts of a campaign I thought I would share. Oh yeah, there are lots of rules and regulations that are to be read and forms to fill. Not the fun part of a campaign.

Is Vick remorse for his actions or remorse he got caught?

I watched Michael Vick on 60 minutes last night and I can't help but think he would still be doing his dog fighting if he had not been caught. I don't think he knew the ramifications of his actions would be as severe as they were. I just am not buying into his rehabilitation. He admitted his handlers had prepared him for the interview. This was a publicity stunt that I just had a hard time believing. Anybody else feel that way?

John Ash saves Samoasoftball a bundle! Humboldt Dems holding out endorsements.

Today was the last day to file for candidacy in the 4th District Harbor race. John Ash paid for a candidates statement so that cuts my statement fee in half! Saves me $500. I am sure this is drop in the bucket for John, but substantial for me.

We had a lively Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee meeting tonight. We voted in 5 new associate members! When the subject of endorsement came up, HBHR&CD 5th District commissioner Patrick Higgins asked for an endorsement for 3rd District commissioner Mike Wilson. And the debate began on whether to endorse one Democrat over another in a spirited but respectful manner. The committee wants to hear both candidates in September, and will make a decision whether to endorse. So we shall see.

Talk about crappy timing to ask for an endorsement on my part. There was a first and second on the floor to endorse me, but after the hot debate concerning the 3rd district race, Shane Brinton motioned to table the subject in September on behalf of Mike Winkler. (Must have been my rooting for the Steelhead over the Crab's last weekend.) So I will have to wait until Septembers meeting also. (This really is the fair thing to do on behalf of Susan Penn, a fellow Democrat running for the position.)

Marks endorsed by Humboldt County Building Trades!

So far I have been endorsed by the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers local 49 and the Humboldt County Building Trades. Many thanks to both.

Here is the photo sent in by the campaign. The Times Standard used a photo they had on file from years back when I had long hair before I cropped it for "Locks for Love". I realize it is hard to get any decent picture of this face. I am not a model. I am what I am.


The TS also edited the press release and took literary liberty to add my past historical history of running for 4th District Supervisor against Bonnie Neely. No mention of myself garnering nearly 90% of the vote when I ran for the 4th District Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee seat.

Love me or hate me, I will continue to serve my community in what ever capacity our electoral decides I am deserving.

It's official. Marks for Harbor Commissioner.

Here is my Press release unedited:

Retired Pulp Mill worker Richard Marks has announced his candidacy for 4th District Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District Commissioner. “First of all, I would like to thank Dennis Hunter for his 20 years of service with the district and wish him continued success on his many community volunteer efforts,” Marks stated.

Richard and his wife Robin are lifelong residents of Northern California and lived, worked, and raised two sons within eye sight of the Humboldt Bay.

“I’m running for Commissioner to bring proactive, forward-thinking leadership to the district. We can create and retain good jobs that pay decent wages by supporting our aquaculture and fishing industries, encouraging light industrial growth, and investing in the infrastructure needed to support short sea shipping. We can increase recreational opportunities and transportation options around our bay by creating bicycle and pedestrian trails to connect our communities, while protecting the publicly owned railroad right-of-way for future possibilities. Finally, we can spearhead environmental restoration projects to preserve the fragile ecosystem that supports so many of our waterfront-dependent businesses and activities.”

Mr. Marks is the past President of Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers local 49 and former union organizer. He has also organized youth and adult sports in many north coast municipalities and is currently holding two elected positions; Director on the Samoa Peninsula Fire District and Member of the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee Executive Board. Richard is also currently on the Board of Directors for Humboldt Domestic Violence Services, as well as the President of Mad River Softball Association.

Feel free to e-mail Richard at votemarks@aol.com.

Let the insanity start.

UBC to the Pulp Mill's rescue?

The United Brotherhood of Carpenter's has taken on a new project; lobbying for investors for Freshwater Tissue. The UBC has been in contact with perspective investor's and will be a liaison in a potential meeting with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Robert Simpson. The process is being fast tracked by the UBC and has full support of the California Carpenter's. Local 751 Field Representative Marianne Hassler has been doing her best in gathering all the right people together. This all came about after AWPPW President John Rhodes and VP Greg Pallesen meet with UBC representatives and asked for help. So there is still hope out there.

Bombers beat Murphy's for Wildwood title.

The Bombers of Fortuna beat Murphy's from Arcata at Scotia to win the Wildwood Days Tournament. 12 Pack of Fortuna ended up 3rd and SOP of Eureka 4th. Murphy's lost their first game in a Tournament for the second straight week and still was there in the Championship for the second straight weekend. Don't know the last time that a team has pulled that off.

The weather was great and Scotia is a great place to play. The money raised went to the Rio Dell Fire Department. SOP players did a great job in hosting the event had the infield in great shape for the last games of the tournament and stayed right on schedule. 11 teams on on field made it a busy weekend.

This was the first men's open metal bat tournament in Humboldt County since last years Scotia Tournament! MRSA is hosting a USSSA "E" Qualifier metal bat tournament August 15th and 16th in Arcata.