Supervisors urged to appoint Joanna Franchesca as next ROV amid recruitment concerns

The Shasta County Board of Supervisors held a special meeting on March 27, 2025, where the primary focus was the appointment of a new Registrar of Voters (ROV). The discussion centered around the candidacy of Joanna Francesca, who has previously served in the election office and was seen as a strong candidate due to her extensive experience.

During the meeting, Supervisor Kullstrom expressed concerns about Francesca's commitment to the position, while Francesca herself affirmed her dedication, stating she had trained her successor, Tom Toller. The conversation highlighted the board's previous recruitment process, which had involved a thorough search for candidates just ten months prior. Several supervisors questioned the need for another recruitment cycle when Francesca was still a viable candidate.

Supervisor Jared Price emphasized the importance of loyalty and urged his colleagues to support Francesca's direct appointment, arguing that it would be a sensible decision given her qualifications and the challenges faced in the recent election. He pointed out that Francesca's guidance was crucial for the successful conduct of elections and criticized the idea of starting a new recruitment process.

The meeting concluded with a call for the board to make a decisive choice regarding Francesca's appointment, with the next election scheduled for November 2026. Supervisors were encouraged to consider the implications of their decision and the potential for public feedback in future elections. The discussion underscored the urgency of appointing a qualified leader to ensure the smooth operation of the election office moving forward.