Redding Senior Center Members Protest Proposed Bylaw Changes They Say Strip Voting Rights
- Rex Ballard
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Board President Julie Hudec cites low participation and inefficiency; protesters demand transparency and adherence to current rules as tensions rise ahead of the July 15th meeting.
Members of the Redding Senior Center gathered in protest this week over proposed bylaw changes they say would remove their voting rights on financial decisions and center policies.
On July 9 and again on July 13, seniors stood outside the center at 2290 Benton Drive, voicing concerns that the changes—advanced by Board President Julie Hudec—would diminish long-standing member protections. The center, operated by the nonprofit Seniors of Shasta County, serves residents over 50 across Shasta County and has dealt with declining engagement since the pandemic.
What’s Being Proposed
Hudec has pushed bylaw revisions primarily to eliminate general members’ votes on financial matters. She argues the current system is broken: regular general member meetings were discontinued years ago, and achieving the required 3% quorum has proven difficult despite efforts to increase participation.
“They tried everything to get people to come to the meetings, you know,” Hudec said. “And so that’s my premise behind it that we’re not using the bylaws how they’re supposed to be used, and so this would fix that.”
Protesters see it differently. They contend the changes would strip members of meaningful voice and transparency.
Protesters Speak Out
Sherry Rodgers, one of the organizers, stated: “We didn’t want the members' rights to be taken away... We want her to follow the current bylaws, and we want transparency.”
Fellow member Henry Miller expressed worry that the proposals would “remove members’ votes” and eliminate protections built into bylaws dating back to 1959. Protesters, including members of the Shasta Dance Club, have been drafting their own alternative bylaws to present.
The dispute has also intersected with operational changes affecting the Shasta Dance Club’s long-running Friday night dances—a tradition of more than 50 years. A new facility fee and reclassification led to the dances moving to Old City Hall downtown, facilitated by the Shasta County Arts Council. Some members view these shifts as part of a larger pattern of reducing member input.
Background and Timeline
The proposed bylaws were voted down by members around June 29 but were later nullified by the board, which cited intimidating behavior during the meeting. That action left the door open to revisit the changes. Protests escalated in early July, including a heated exchange outside the center on July 13.
Hudec has indicated that she is not moving forward with the revisions immediately and has allowed members to propose alternatives. Some center members have expressed support for her leadership, trusting her judgment on what serves the organization best.
Next Steps
The center’s next meeting is scheduled for today, July 15. Protesters hope to advance their own bylaw proposals and push for restored member voting rights and regular meetings.
The Redding Senior Center remains open and continues offering classes and activities even as the public dispute plays out.
Local senior services and community gathering spaces play a vital role in Redding and Shasta County, especially for older residents seeking connection, activities, and support. Questions of governance, transparency, and member voice in these organizations directly affect the quality and accessibility of those services.
Shasta Unfiltered will continue monitoring developments at the Senior Center, including outcomes from today’s meeting and any further actions by the board or members.
