Meet Candidate
Buffey Wright Bourassa
About Buffey
With 12 years of experience in Mendocino County government, Buffey brings hands-on experience in budgeting, fiscal oversight, program management, and responsible stewardship of public funds. In her current role with the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, she manages the Inmate Services budget, including expenditures, contracts, and program resources. Previously, in Behavioral Health & Recovery Services and Public Health, she managed as many as 11 program budgets, including grant funding, forecasting, expenditure monitoring, and compliance.
Buffey also served three terms on the Sherwood Valley Rancheria Tribal Council, where she helped review and approve multi-million-dollar budgets, establish policies, and make funding and resource decisions.
This experience has prepared Buffey to make informed budget decisions, balance competing priorities, protect essential services, and ensure public dollars are managed responsibly and transparently.
Community Involvement
For MANY years, I've been involved in the community. Here are some of the projects I've worked with throughout the years.
Inmates Gaining
Job Skills
Programs at the Mendocino County Jail helping to train incarcerated persons who hold positions including cooks, line cooks, and dishwashers future work.
Restorative Justice
Program Manager
Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office Buffy Bourassa, shares her insights and experience working with the Ukiah Recovery Center.
Northern
Pomo Indians
Generations of Pomos are still here, and the Kelly House Museum’s exhibit shared the history and rich culture of the Northern Pomo Tribes.
SEIU Local
1021 Negotiator
Tentative Agreement provided immediate, limited relief to workers while setting the stage for further negotiations regarding the 2023-2026 contract.
California Native
Vote Project
Native power building fellowship and dedicated facilitator of communication. Collaborator among organizations, local governments, and Tribal nations.
Food
Security Solutions
Willits residents discuss food security strategies and solutions for an equitable future at the farmers table during the food security meeting.
Experience
With 12+ years of experience in Mendocino County government, Buffey brings hands-on experience in budgeting, fiscal oversight, program management, and responsible stewardship of public funds; including grant funding, forecasting, expenditure monitoring, and compliance. This experience has prepared Buffey to make informed budget decisions, balance competing priorities, protect essential services, and ensure public dollars are managed responsibly and transparently.
Leadership
Buffey also brings deep tribal governance and intergovernmental experience. A proud member of the Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians, she has served three terms on Tribal Council and has worked for her Tribe for more than a decade. Through her leadership, she has built strong working relationships with tribal governments, community partners, and federal agencies—giving her a unique understanding of intergovernmental processes, tribal sovereignty, and community-driven solutions.
Community
In addition to her public service, Buffey remains actively engaged in community leadership. She’s a member of Willits Rotary Club, serves as a board member on the Adventist Health Howard Memorial Hospital Community Board, Community Foundation Four Baskets Fund Board, and is a fellow of the California Native Vote Project Native Power Building Second Cohort – reflecting her ongoing commitment to service, local partnerships, and strengthening opportunities for community wellness.
Strength
Known for her strengths in community collaboration, program management, and fiscal responsibility, Buffey is prepared to navigate complex county challenges and bring people together to deliver real results.
Understanding
Seeking always to better understand our local issues, Buffey believes in community voice, transparency, and accountable leadership, and she is committed to working alongside residents, local leaders, and tribal governments to address Mendocino County’s most urgent priorities—including strengthening the county budget, improving road infrastructure, ensuring emergency preparedness, supporting public safety, enhancing access to state programs, and making responsible land-use decisions.
Commitment
Buffey is married and is the proud mother of four sons and grandmother to six grandsons, raising her family here in Mendocino County. Buffey’s family fuels her commitment to building a county where future generations can thrive. With deep rooted family ties, professional expertise, and a community-centered vision, Buffey Wright Bourassa is ready to serve Mendocino County with integrity, accountability, and heart.