WILLITS, CA, 11/113/17 — Willits resident and Willits public school teacher John Haschak announced his candidacy for Third District Supervisor today. Haschak is seeking to replace current Supervisor Georgeanne Croskey when she leaves the position in November, 2018. The third district includes Willits, Brooktrails, Laytonville, Covelo, and much of north county.
In late 2016, Haschak was one of at least five people who applied for the vacant seat left by former Supervisor Tom Woodhouse, for which Governor Brown subsequently appointed Croskey. Croskey has announced she will not run for election next year and will be moving out of the county because of her husband’s new job, and Haschak is the first candidate to announce a campaign for the seat.
Haschak is a long time Mendocino County resident who lives in Willits, and has taught in Willits public schools for 28 years. He is the President of the Willits Teachers Association and is the Vice Chair of the Budget Committee for the California Teachers Association. He previously spoke with The Mendocino Voice while applying for the seat left open by Woodhouse, and here’s more information about his background.
Of announcing his candidacy this morning, Haschak said in a phone call, “It seemed like the right time to announce it. I’ve been meeting with people, and going all around the third district, and hearing what the issues are.”
Haschak sees some of the future priorities for the district as ensuring disaster preparedness, and creating economic opportunity. “I think the main issues are public safety — and that means things like the second access route in Brooktrails, and making sure our disaster preparedness plans are all set — and creating opportunities for people. That would mean making sure career and technical education are boosted up in this area, making sure we have a sustainable economy, and that what the Board of Supervisors is doing is right for the third district — making sure we have as much as opportunity as possible in this area.”
He cited his work ethic as essential to his qualifications, stating: “I think I can bring effective, passionate leadership. I’m a hard worker, I won’t be outworked. I think some of the issues we’re confronting, whether it’s cannabis or disaster preparedness, will take a lot of hard work to get things right, and I’m ready to do it.”
You can read the full press release on Haschak’s candidacy announcement here:
“Willits Teacher and Activist John Haschak Enters District 3 Supervisor Race
For immediate release
Long time Mendocino County and Willits resident and public school teacher, John Haschak, has announced his candidacy for 3rd District Supervisor. John has taught in Willits public schools for 28 years and has been an educational leader and involved in community activities for many years.
Haschak sees a need for strong leadership, especially after the recent devastating fires and pledges to make public safety and disaster preparedness a priority in his campaign and in office. “We can count on seeing more such devastating events in the future, with the realities of climate change combined with our rugged and forested terrain,” said Haschak. “What we love so much about our County – its natural beauty, wilderness and rural atmosphere – also contribute to the danger of fires and other natural disasters.”
Haschak also wants to focus on creating greater opportunities for jobs, protection for our natural resources, common sense cannabis regulations and keeping a sharp eye on the budget.
“All of these things go together” says Haschak. “If we build a more sustainable and ultimately stronger community, we’ll be better able to work on disaster preparedness and create a strong tie between our local government and our citizens.”
Former Supervisor Hal Wagenet, spoke enthusiastically about John’s run: “Native son John Haschak is already a leader who listens and gets positive results in the school system. He will be a real asset to Mendocino County as our Supervisor.”
Echoing that sentiment, Blosser Lane Elementary Principal Nancy Runberg said, “John has been great for the kids and parents of our school district; warm, compassionate and a fierce advocate.” Willits Unified School District Trustee Chris Neary agreed, saying, “John’s skills will translate seamlessly into the job of County Supervisor. He cares.”
Haschak lives in Willits with his wife, Janice, also a public school teacher, and their two rescue dogs. They have two adult children, Flor and Ricardo. Haschak is active with the Willits Teachers Association, where he has served as President for 15 years, and with the California Teachers Association, serving as Vice Chair of the Budget Committee. Locally, he has been active in his church, PTO, coached basketball and track, and volunteered with Hospice.”
***Correction: This article originally stated that he taught at Willits High School.
Our community of Laytonville used to have twice a week MTA Bus service. Terminated years ago. I went before the Board of Supervisors years back. Johnny PICHES responded by saying” Denny , we just don’t make any money on that route. We’ll, I thought “win a few loose a few. Sir, please help. MTA advertising we service all of Mendocino County.