Trifecta. Photo by Elizabeth Mackay.

You knew he had the up-and-coming trail-centric activist types nailed down. But did you know that he's also pocketed the establishment?

That's Third District Supervisorial candidate Mark Lovelace, flanked by the once and future Wes Chesbro and outgoing Supervisor John Woolley. In other words: The two leading representatives of the machine that has run Arcata -- and much of the North Coast -- for the last 30-odd years. They are to unveil their Lovelace endorsement today.

Cue the boilerplate:

"Mark is passionate about the well-being of our community and he has the experience to use that passion effectively and practically," said Woolley. "His emphasis on smart, planned growth strikes the right balance and reflects his diversity of experience. He has the proven leadership ability to move us forward on this and other important issues."

"We know that Mark will work to preserve our unique small-town way of life, while growing our economy," [Chesbro] said.

So Lovelace has threaded the needle, squared the circle, done the impossible -- united the trail activists and the old train-based establishment behind his candidacy. Is there anyone else? In the Third District: Not really. If you're Bryan Plumley, Lovelace's principal opponent, you're feeling mighty lonely right now.

Click through for the entire Chesbro-Woolley press release.

Woolley and Chesbro endorse Lovelace for 3rd District Supervisor Seat

Outgoing 3rd District County Supervisor John Woolley and former State Senator Wesley Chesbro announced today that they are throwing their support behind Mark Lovelace, who is running for the seat that Woolley will be vacating, when his term ends later this year.

Woolley, who has served on the Board of Supervisors since 1997, said that he gave the endorsement "a lot of thought" and that he is confident that Lovelace is right for the job.

"Mark is passionate about the well-being of our community and he has the experience to use that passion effectively and practically," said Woolley. "His emphasis on smart, planned growth strikes the right balance and reflects his diversity of experience. He has the proven leadership ability to move us forward on this and other important issues."

Chesbro, who held the seat of 3rd District Supervisor from 1980-1990, agrees.

"We know that Mark will work to preserve our unique small-town way of life, while growing our economy," he said.

Lovelace said that he is proud to have the endorsements of both Woolley and Chesbro, and that he appreciates their many years of hard work and dedication to the community.

"It's an honor to have their support and to know that they have
confidence in my ability to move Humboldt County forward," he said.