Community leaders and civil-rights groups criticize board conduct toward two supervisors; calls for consistent application of rules

A wave of public comment at the Solano County Board of Supervisors'9 Oct. 28 meeting centered on criticisms of recent in-chamber remarks directed at Supervisors Wanda Williams and Cassandra James and calls for consistent, respectful application of meeting rules.

Speakers from civic organizations, elected local officials and community groups said the board had treated the two supervisors unfairly after they engaged in district outreach and community presentations. "When rules are applied selectively, it creates division, not order," Liette Meitzenheimer said while reading a prepared letter from the Vallejo NAACP. The letter called on the chair to enforce decorum evenly and to avoid public admonishment of colleagues during meetings.

Marla Matim, executive director of Black Elected Officials of California, told the board the remarks in the prior session "undermine the standards of professionalism, decorum, and equity that public office demands" and said the BEO stands "firmly and unapologetically with supervisors Williams and James." Another caller representing a statewide black-women'9s organization urged the board to acknowledge and remedy the conduct and to ensure a respectful environment for women and leaders of color.

Several community speakers praised Williams and James for district engagement and town-hall events. "Their efforts to collaborate with government agencies and to host district tours connecting residents with vital services should be applauded and not criticized," Carolyn Fowler said on behalf of AERS Pac.

Supervisor Williams used her board comment time to say she felt attacked and said the conduct had prevented her from doing district outreach. Other supervisors and speakers noted the meeting in which the criticism occurred was broadcast and widely noticed by constituents, increasing the public concern.

The county did not record any formal disciplinary action at the Oct. 28 meeting; public callers asked for a public acknowledgement and consistent enforcement of rules by the chair. Several organizations requested that the matter be placed on a future agenda for formal review. The board did not vote on a specific remedial motion during the session.

The substance of the complaints focuses on governance norms and on ensuring that all board members can conduct community outreach without fear of selective rebuke. Speakers asked the chair to enforce equal treatment and to adopt clearer procedures about district outreach and staff involvement.