Friday, Jul 2 2010, 6:05 pm
By Susan Meeker/Tri-County Newspapers
Colusa County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Thompson impaneled his first grand jury Tuesday from a summoned group of eager and not so eager county residents.
The 19-member panel includes 17 members of the public, including the wife of county Supervisor Mark Marshall, and two members from the previous grand jury.
The new body includes Joanne Burnett, Suzette Dawley, Bradley Geiser, Celeste Miller, Roy Rominger, Audrey Taylor, Alma Villasenor, Stephanie Cotter, Sarah Dennis, Kylie Gonzales, Nancy Marshall, Michael Phenicie, Andrew Scofield, Perry Taylor, Cindy Sites, Perry Taylor, Craig Viera and Marolyn Williams.
George Pence and Monica Huey will serve a second term on the grand jury, with Huey serving as the body's forewoman.
The ceremony was conducted in the Colusa County Courthouse.
Three alternates were selected to serve in the event other jurors are unable complete their duties, which includes examining local agencies and the conduct of public officials — elected or appointed.
The alternates are Brady Myers, Deborah Sibley and Carolyn Troughton, wife of Williams Councilman John Troughton Jr.
Thompson reminded the grand jurors their meetings and discussions over the next year should be done in private, and that they cannot disclose the content of discussions, matters under consideration or evidence to the public. Nor should they allow themselves to be influenced by family members or anyone connected to their investigations.
Jurors may look at the needs of county or city offices that are currently in operation, being created or are being eliminated, and are to inquire into the operation of the county jail.
Jurors cannot interfere with the legitimate policy-making of elected or appointed local officials, Thompson said, but may be called upon to investigate complaints by citizens or allegations of wrongdoing. Those on county or city boards, commissions, councils and district bodies can and should be investigated.
"This is a civil grand jury, whose job is to be the watchdog of the affairs of Colusa County government," Thompson said. "Criminal indictments are handled by a separate grand jury."
At the end of the year, the jury will issue a final report on its findings that will be available to the public.
After seating the grand jury from an initial group of about 30 people, only one person refused to be administered the oath of office, citing an unwillingness to involve herself in government affairs or follow laws she doesn't believe in.
Thompson reluctantly dismissed the woman, following a quick admonishment for her unwillingness to uphold the U.S. Constitution.
http://www.colusa-sun-herald.com/news/grand-5026-county-jury.html
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