Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced Wednesday the appointment of Supervisor Roger Rodoni’s wife, Johanna, to fill the vacancy on the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors after his recent death.

“Johanna is deeply rooted in Humboldt County and has been an active member of the local community for years,” stated Schwarzenegger. “She is a dedicated public servant and I am confident that she will continue to build on the extraordinary contributions made by her late husband, former Supervisor Roger Rodoni.”

Schwarzenegger’s appointment for the position, which runs through Jan. 5, 2009, came less than two weeks after the vehicle accident that killed the Second District Supervisor outside of Rio Dell on April 24, while he was driving to a re-election fund-raiser in Fortuna.

In his statement, Schwarzenegger highlighted Johanna’s public service that includes serving as executive director for the sustainable natural resource advocacy group The Buckeye Conservancy since 2003.

Johanna, 59, who wrote Schwarzenegger seeking the appointment, is also on the Humboldt County Fair Board of Directors, California Cattlemen’s Association, Humboldt County CattleWomen’s Association, Humboldt County Farm Bureau, The Redcrest Grange and former member of the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

Reached at home on Wednesday, Johanna said she is honored to fill the role of her late husband as a strong voice on the Board of Supervisors and to carry on his vision.

“Losing Roger doesn’t mean we have to lose the honesty, the integrity and the champion he was for his constituents or his common-sense approach,” Johanna said.

In addition to being a partner, advisor and confidant with her husband for 30 years, Johanna said she also shared his goals and aspirations and that partnership will make for a smooth transition as she serves out the remainder of the term.

She also thanked everyone for their support after the tragic loss of her husband that crossed all political lines.

“The outpouring from the community has been overwhelming,” Johanna said.

Johanna said Roger is still a candidate on the ballot and she is encouraging voters to support him.

Roger Rodoni’s re-election campaign committee members met in the afternoon in Fortuna Wednesday to announce they were pushing ahead with the campaign for the June 3 election against challengers Estelle Fennell and Clif Clendenen.

“We have more momentum than we have ever had,” said committee member and supporter Travis Low. “Our mission is to get Roger elected.”

Confident that Roger can win the primary election outright, committee member Cliff Chapman Sr. said he wanted to dispel any rumors that there would be any write-in candidacy by Johanna.

Chapman and Low said they are hopeful that if Roger wins, Johanna would be appointed to serve out what would be his third four-year term.

Reached after the announcement, Chapman said he was pleased with Johanna’s appointment.

“I really think that is appropriate,” Chapman said. “Johanna is an ideal choice for represented the Second District views.”

Board Chairwoman Jill Geist said in response to the appointment that she appreciated the governor’s quick action.

Geist said the appointment will ensure the Second District residents will have a representative and a voice in the many issues and variety of policy decisions in the upcoming months.

“I welcome and look forward to working with Johanna,” Geist said.

County Administrative Officer Loretta Nickolaus said Wednesday before the announcement that the appointment process would be similar for how any new Board member is brought in and that person could be sworn in as early as the next Board meeting.