Russell Green, a 40-year-old dispensary owner and software developer, is running for the District 3 seat on the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors. Green is the owner of the local Kure Wellness dispensary chain, which has locations in Ukiah, Willits, and Kelseyville.
District 3 covers the region including Covelo, Laytonville, and Willits. The current District 3 supervisor, John Haschak, will not seek reelection. Green is one of four candidates in the District 3 supervisor race. The other candidates running are Buffey Wright Bourassa, Clay Romero, and Eric Hart.
Green is a fifth-generation Mendocino County resident who was born in Ukiah, went to elementary school in Laytonville, and currently lives in Willits.
In an interview with The Mendocino Voice, Green said that he is passionate about addressing community issues and does not identify himself as a politician.
“People don’t really get represented that are struggling. I really care about the issues and I am interested, and I follow them,” Green said. “I am a business owner and I was tired of getting ignored. I am in a position to not be a corrupt politician and at least say hey, these are the real issues.”
Green said that if elected supervisor, one of his main goals would be to make it easier for people to start new businesses. He said that as a business owner himself, he saw firsthand the process of starting up a new venture and getting it approved by the county.
“Essentially the county itself is gatekeeping economic activity, whether it’s starting a simple business at all at your house, or whether it’s trying to build an accessory dwelling. Rather than trying to find a way to tell you yes you can, they always try to make there be 20 boxes to check,” Green said. “They say they are business-friendly, but when you actually go down to the counter, it’s not that experience.”
He also spoke about his perspective on the current Board of Supervisors and why he believes changes are needed in the county’s culture and how it serves its constituents.
“I’m afraid there’s a bit of a culture problem with the county, they think they’re our overlords rather than our servants,” Green said. “I feel like the supervisors aren’t representing their constituents.”
Green said he is an open book and welcomes community members to reach out and ask him questions.
“I’m happy to hear what anybody has to say and try to give them any support that I can, especially if I win,” he said.
The election that could decide the District 3 supervisor seat will be held June 2 during California’s statewide primary. If no candidate receives a majority of votes, the top two vote-getters will advance to the general election in November.
This story originally appeared in San José Spotlight.