Nevada County Supervisors’ Votes on Pride Proclamation Ignite Controversy
A proclamation designating June as Nevada County Pride Month sparked debate at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, exposing divisions over the role of symbolic gestures in local governance. District 2 Supervisor Robb Tucker’s decision to pull the item from the consent agenda and abstain from the vote drew praise from residents who value his focus on practical solutions. Meanwhile, District 4 Supervisor Sue Hoek, a self-described conservative Republican, faced sharp criticism from her base for supporting the measure, which passed despite the controversy. The clash has highlighted tensions between symbolic resolutions and the county’s pressing needs, such as public safety, housing, and economic stability.
Tucker’s Campaign Priorities Did Not Include Controversial Social Issues
The proclamation, intended to recognize the contributions of LGBTQ+ residents and affirm Nevada County’s commitment to equality, was initially listed on the consent agenda, typically reserved for routine, non-controversial items. Tucker, a Grass Valley native and former business owner who took office in January 2025, challenged its inclusion, arguing that it was not non-controversial and that the Board’s time would be better spent addressing tangible challenges. “I just don’t know if this is the best use of our time,” Tucker stated during the meeting. His abstention was not an outright rejection of the proclamation’s message but a reflection of his campaign priorities which prioritize actionable policies over symbolic gestures. According to Tucker’s campaign website, the issues on which Tucker promised to work if elected include public safety, small business focus, housing development, and government accountability. Tucker’s supporters see his stance as consistent with his platform, which emphasizes fiscal responsibility, public safety, and reducing regulatory burdens.
Tucker’s decision resonated with residents frustrated by what they perceive as the Board’s focus on divisive issues at the expense of urgent priorities. Nevada County faces significant challenges, including a housing shortage, rising costs, and heightened public safety risks—issues Tucker has tackled in his first five months in office. He has advocated for alternative funding sources, such as grants, to support critical infrastructure projects without raising taxes. By questioning the Pride Month proclamation, Tucker underscored his commitment to scrutinizing agenda items that may not directly address these pressing concerns. “Robb is doing exactly what he said he would—focusing on what matters most to the county,” said local GOP Chair Mac Young, a longtime supporter.
Hoek Seemingly Abandons Her Constituent Concerns
In contrast, Supervisor Sue Hoek’s vote in favor of the proclamation has drawn ire from her conservative constituents in Penn Valley. Hoek, re-elected in 2022, campaigned as a Republican prioritizing fiscal conservatism and community-driven solutions. Her support for the Pride Month resolution, however, has been viewed by some as a betrayal of those principles. Critics argue that her vote aligns more with progressive ideals than the expectations of her District 4 voters, who prioritize core services like road maintenance, public safety, and economic stability. “Sue ran as a conservative, but this vote feels like she’s pandering to a different crowd,” said Penn Valley resident Dave Tagg, echoing sentiments expressed on local social media.
Hoek’s record includes notable achievements, such as securing funding for infrastructure improvements and supporting small businesses. Yet her decision to back the proclamation has overshadowed these efforts, fueling perceptions that she is drifting from her conservative roots. The backlash highlights a broader challenge for Hoek: balancing the diverse needs of her constituents in a politically polarized county. While some residents praised her vote as a step toward inclusivity, others see it as a distraction from the county’s more immediate concerns.
Pride Month Highlights Virtue Signaling Rather Than Effective Governance
The debate over the Pride Month proclamation reflects a deeper tension in Nevada County: how to balance symbolic gestures with the demands of effective governance. For Tucker, the resolution represents a broader pattern of prioritizing feel-good measures over substantive policy. His abstention aligns with his leadership style, which emphasizes measurable outcomes and fiscal prudence. Since taking office, Tucker has pushed for streamlined regulations to support local businesses and advocated for proactive public safety strategies, earning him a reputation as a pragmatic leader. His supporters argue that his stance on the proclamation is not about opposing inclusivity but about ensuring the Board focuses on issues that directly impact residents’ lives.
Hoek, however, faces a more complex dilemma. Her vote has alienated a portion of her base, who expected her to align with conservative values. The criticism has been particularly vocal online, where some residents have called for her to clarify her position. Hoek has yet to publicly address the backlash, but her vote suggests an attempt to bridge divides in a county where progressive and conservative values often clash. The proclamation’s passage, while a victory for advocates of inclusivity, has intensified scrutiny of her leadership and raised questions about her political future.
As Nevada County navigates its challenges—public safety, housing shortages, and economic pressures—the contrasting approaches of Tucker and Hoek underscore the difficulty of governing a diverse community. The Pride Month proclamation has become a flashpoint, sparking broader discussions about the role of local government in addressing symbolic versus practical issues. Tucker’s abstention has solidified his support among those who value his focus on tangible solutions, while Hoek’s vote has left her vulnerable to accusations of straying from her campaign promises.
Voters Desire Effective and Efficient Local Government - Not Social Engineering
The controversy is unlikely to fade quickly, as both supervisors face ongoing pressure to define their priorities. Tucker’s leadership continues to resonate with residents who see him as a voice for practical governance, while Hoek’s decision has strained her relationship with conservative voters. As Nevada County looks ahead to a challenging summer, with its annual public safety concerns, looming and budget discussions on the horizon, the divide between symbolism and substance remains a defining issue for the Board of Supervisors.
