Airport authority deadlocks on public-member pick, sends both names to county with Mark Weaver as primary and Jerry Hemmingsen as alternate

The Border Coast Regional Airport Authority interviewed two candidates on Aug. 6 to fill an open public‑member seat and deadlocked twice in roll‑call votes, prompting the board to forward both names to the Del Norte County Board of Supervisors with a specific primary and alternate recommendation.

After interviewing Mark Weaver and Jerry Hemmingsen, the commissioners held a first vote on Weaver that ended in a 4–4 tie and a second vote on Hemmingsen that also tied 4–4. Chair Finnegan proposed a substitute motion to present the county with a recommendation naming Weaver as the primary and Hemmingsen as the alternate; the substitute passed 5–3. The board instructed staff to prepare documentation for the county showing the split and the recommendation.

The interviews highlighted different strengths: Weaver emphasized long experience working at the airport and operational knowledge, saying the airport is “directly linked to the community” and describing its role in tourism and as an emergency lifeline. Hemmingsen noted long local ties, a pilot’s license from 1969 and prior service on the authority since its inception.

Public comment included an endorsement for Weaver from Chip Calvin, who said he represented “the private side” and urged more private‑sector representation, praising Weaver’s connection to pilots and general aviation. In discussing conflicts, counsel Bob Black told the board that employment by an airport contractor does not automatically disqualify a candidate but could create a situational economic interest requiring recusal on particular votes.

With the substitute motion approved, the authority’s final recommendation to the Del Norte County Board of Supervisors lists Mark Weaver as the primary public member and Jerry Hemmingsen as the alternate. The board did not itself make a direct appointment; the county will make the final decision.