The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors voted on November 4, 2025, to censure 2nd District Supervisor Michelle Bushnell following allegations of abusive behavior directed at county employees. The decision also included her removal from the position of board chair before the conclusion of her term.
Bushnell faced accusations of yelling, cursing, and slamming a door during a confrontation with staff. In a statement before the vote, she expressed regret for her actions, acknowledging that her behavior had made others uncomfortable. “I was very loud. I felt wronged, and I reacted badly,” Bushnell stated. “I do not have the right to raise my voice, slam a door, or cuss, and it’s something I work on.”
The board’s actions stemmed from findings presented in a report by Kramer Workplace Investigations. This document indicated that credible evidence suggested Bushnell had verbally assaulted employees, accusing one of lying multiple times without allowing her a chance to respond. The report also noted that another employee was subjected to accusations of disloyalty, during which Bushnell allegedly yelled and slammed her office door. Witnesses corroborated these claims, describing Bushnell’s behavior as aggressive.
In response to the censure, Bushnell retained legal counsel, citing concerns about the investigation process. She indicated to the local media that the censure items were included on the agenda due to her reaction to the findings. “I don’t agree with one of the findings, and I got an attorney because I feel there should be an appeal process,” she told the Times-Standard.
The board took two separate votes regarding the censure and Bushnell’s removal as chair. The censure passed with a vote of four in favor, while Bushnell abstained. The vote to remove her as chair also saw three in favor, with Supervisor Rex Bohn dissenting and Bushnell again abstaining.
Board members emphasized the necessity of the censure to protect county employees. Supervisor Mike Wilson remarked, “When we as people in power behave this way, it is often perceived as threatening.” He highlighted the concern employees feel about their job security when facing such behavior.
Supervisor Steve Madrone expressed worries about a pattern of conduct, noting that a similar incident involving Bushnell occurred in the fall of 2022. While the board accepted her apologies at that time, Madrone indicated he had witnessed similar behaviors since, raising ongoing concerns about bullying and intimidation.
Following the board’s vote, Bushnell took to social media to address the situation. On November 5, she reiterated her disagreement with the investigation’s conclusions and raised issues regarding due process. “I believe there is a significant issue with due process — and that matters, not just for me, but for the integrity of this board’s procedures going forward,” she posted.
On November 8, she reassured her constituents, stating, “I’m still proudly serving as your 2nd District Supervisor! While I’m no longer the Board Chair, this position changes every year, and it only affects who runs the meetings.” She reaffirmed her commitment to her role and the community.
In the wake of these developments, Supervisor Mike Wilson was selected to serve as chair for the remainder of 2025. The board’s actions have sparked discussions about workplace conduct and the need for an effective process to address code of conduct violations within the county.
