Humboldt County Supervisor Jimmy Smith has told Johanna Rodoni that he would support the governor appointing her to finish the term of her late husband Roger Rodoni, who died as the result of a traffic collision last week near Rio Dell.

Yesterday, Smith said he confirmed on Monday with Johanna Rodoni that he would support her confirmation and work with her for the remainder of Roger Rodoni’s term.

In a letter to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger applying for her late husband’s seat, Johanna Rodoni wrote: “... Roger and I were partners in his political career. Along with being his adviser, and confidant, I also ran his campaigns. Our 30-year partnership will make my transition from Roger’s partner to Roger’s replacement on the board a seamless one. There is no one else who is in the position to carry forward Roger’s vision.”

The Eureka Reporter attempted to contact Johanna Rodoni on Tuesday, but she was not available by press time.

However, in an earlier part of the letter, she illustrated her importance to what many observers say is one of the strongest bonds a husband and wife could have as exemplified by the Rodonis: “My husband looked to me for counsel on difficult issues ... so that we could ... make informed decisions on what would be best for our county.”

Smith said he would help the Rodoni family any way he could.

“I also talked to Johanna and offered her and the family anything they needed,” he said.

Unconfirmed information received by The Eureka Reporter from multiple sources indicated that at least two supervisors made an effort to have someone else appointed, but this newspaper was unable to verify that report.

Smith and board Chairperson Jill Geist both strongly denied knowledge and/or participation in any such meeting.

In fact, Supervisor John Woolley expressed surprise when informed of the unconfirmed allegation by The Eureka Reporter.

“... It’s the first I’ve heard of that,” he said. “I have not got together with any colleagues on that matter (of Roger Rodoni’s replacement). It would be entirely insensitive. We do know there is interest in Johanna Rodoni.”

Woolley stressed that the board would remain neutral and “work with whomever is appointed” by the governor.

Supervisor Bonnie Neely also strongly denied that any meeting took place by saying, “The rumor is not true.”

When this newspaper contacted Governor’s Office spokesperson Rachel Cameron about an appointment, she said: “As with all personnel matters, the appointments process is confidential. The governor looks at appointing the best- and most-qualified individual for each gubernatorial appointment.”

She also mentioned that any community resident who would like to apply can go to the governor’s Web site at www.gov.ca.gov. Look for “Appointments,” and from there follow directions on the form and look for Humboldt County supervisor in a scroll-down menu to complete an application online.

She also said community residents unfamiliar with gubernatorial appointments can find more information at www.leginfo.ca.gov under Government Code. Enter “supervisors” and the information regarding appointments will say in part:

“Whenever a vacancy occurs in any board of supervisors, the governor shall fill the vacancy,” according to the code. “The appointee shall hold office until the election and qualification of his successor. ...”

Humboldt County Administrative Officer Loretta Nickolaus said that Roger Rodoni’s term expires Dec. 31.

Nickolaus said that Roger Rodoni, Cliff Clendenen and Estelle Fennell will be on the June ballot.

“If Roger takes 50 percent plus one of the votes,” Nickolaus said, “he will win the election. If that were to happen, the governor would appoint a ... person to fill the new term, which would begin in January ’09. We are waiting for clarification as to whether or not the new term would last the entire four years or only until the next general election which would be in 2010. It may only be until 2010.

“If someone else wins the election by 50 percent plus one, they would begin their term in January 2009 through December 2012.”

At press time, Nickolaus was still waiting for that clarification on the term.

“If Roger does not win the primary by 50 percent plus one,” she added, “he is off the ballot and the other two will be in a runoff in November.”

Rodoni’s memorial service will be held today at 2 p.m. in Belloti Hall at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds in Ferndale.

Memorial contributions can be made in Roger Rodoni’s memory to: Fortuna Sunrise Rotary, Roger Rodoni Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 274, Fortuna, Calif. 95540.