The Issues

Real problems need practical solutions. Here's where I stand on the challenges facing Mendocino County's 3rd District.

Fix Cannabis Regulation — Let Legal Businesses Survive

Mendocino County was supposed to lead the way on legal cannabis. Instead, we've strangled our own industry with fees, delays, and regulations that make it impossible to compete with the black market.

Key Priorities

Streamline permitting—90 days max, not 2+ years
Cut fees that punish compliance
Crack down on illegal grows that undercut legal operators and damage our environment
Keep cannabis tax revenue LOCAL

"I've been on the other side of the counter. I know what it's like to wait months for a permit and deal with regulations written by people who've never run a business."
— Russell Green

Rural Infrastructure That Actually Works

Our roads are falling apart. Cell service is a joke. Power goes out every time the wind blows. County government has been asleep at the wheel.

Key Priorities

Prioritize road maintenance with transparent spending
Push for broadband expansion to underserved areas
Work with PG&E and alternatives on grid reliability
Fight for our fair share of state and federal infrastructure dollars

"When I see a problem, I fix it. That's how I've run my business for a decade. That's how I'll approach county infrastructure."
— Russell Green

Housing People Can Afford

You can't keep workers if they can't afford to live here. You can't keep families if there's nowhere for them to go.

Key Priorities

Cut permitting delays for housing construction
Support ADU development and creative housing solutions
Balance growth with protecting what makes Mendo special
Prioritize housing for local workforce, not vacation rentals

"I've watched my employees struggle to find affordable places to live. This isn't a theoretical problem for me—it affects people I work with every day."
— Russell Green

Government That Serves, Not Rules

County government exists to serve the people—not to be their overlord. Somewhere along the way, Mendocino County forgot that.

Key Priorities

Government employees work for YOU, not the other way around
Simple over-the-counter permits for straightforward projects
End the 'gotcha' culture in Planning & Building
County offices should help you succeed, not obstruct you
Transparent processes with clear timelines—no more endless runarounds

"I've watched county departments treat business owners like subjects instead of the citizens they serve. That ends when I'm on the Board."
— Russell Green

Actually Pro-Business, Not Just Talk

I don't just say I'm business-friendly—I've built a business here. I know what it's like to deal with a county that seems designed to make things harder.

Key Priorities

Slash permitting times—weeks, not years
One-stop permitting for small business needs
Keep county bureaucracy out of your business unless there's a real reason
Support local hiring and local contracts
Stop treating employers like problems to be managed

"I'm running because I just got another letter from Planning & Building obstructing my business. I'm done complaining—I'm going to fix it."
— Russell Green

Public Safety Without the Politics

Safe communities aren't a partisan issue. We need deputies who can respond, fire services that are funded, and emergency systems that work.

Key Priorities

Support competitive pay to recruit and retain officers
Invest in fire prevention and emergency preparedness
Address mental health and homelessness with practical solutions, not just enforcement
Ensure 911 actually gets help to rural areas

"I'll work with anyone—Republican, Democrat, Independent—who wants to get things done for our community. Safe communities shouldn't be political."
— Russell Green

Have a Question About an Issue?

I want to hear from you. If there's an issue affecting your community that's not addressed here, let me know.

Contact Russell

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