The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors voted to censure 2nd District Supervisor Michelle Bushnell on November 4, 2025, following allegations of abusive conduct towards county employees. This decision came after a detailed investigation, leading to her removal as chair of the board before her term concluded.
Bushnell faced accusations of aggressive behavior, including yelling at staff, using inappropriate language, and slamming doors. Ahead of the board’s vote, she expressed remorse for her conduct, stating, “I was very loud. I felt wronged, and I reacted bad.” She acknowledged that her actions made employees uncomfortable, asserting, “Nobody should have to feel that way in their workplace.”
The board’s actions resulted from two separate votes, with four members supporting the censure while Bushnell abstained. In a related decision, the board also voted to pursue a grand jury investigation into the process for handling code of conduct violations.
A report from Kramer Workplace Investigations provided substantial evidence that Bushnell had verbally attacked a county employee multiple times, accusing her of lying and disloyalty. Witnesses corroborated these claims, describing Bushnell as the aggressor during the incidents, which included loud outbursts and inappropriate language.
Bushnell, who has since hired an attorney, expressed her disagreement with certain findings in the investigation. She stated, “As you can see, I don’t agree with one of the findings, and I got an attorney because I feel there should be an appeal process.” Her attorney highlighted concerns regarding the investigation’s integrity and the overall process.
Several board members discussed the broader implications of Bushnell’s behavior. 3rd District Supervisor Mike Wilson emphasized that such conduct from those in power can be perceived as threatening, saying, “People are concerned about their job, about their livelihood.” 1st District Supervisor Rex Bohn echoed this sentiment, asserting the board’s responsibility to protect and respect employees.
The board’s motion for censure was particularly noteworthy given Bushnell’s previous behavioral issues. 5th District Supervisor Steve Madrone pointed out that a similar incident occurred in the fall of 2022, which had led to a prior resolution rather than censure. Madrone voiced his ongoing concern regarding a pattern of bullying and intimidation associated with Bushnell’s conduct.
In response to the board’s decision, Bushnell took to social media, stating, “I don’t agree with all of the findings or with how this process was handled,” and stressing her commitment to continue her work in the community as the 2nd District Supervisor.
She clarified her continued role, despite her removal as chair, emphasizing that it does not affect her dedication to her constituents. “My commitment to representing the 2nd District hasn’t changed one bit,” she affirmed.
Following the censure, Mike Wilson was appointed to serve as chair for the remainder of 2025. The board’s actions and the subsequent public discussions reflect ongoing concerns about workplace conduct and the importance of maintaining a respectful environment for all county employees.
