While the Solano County Grand Jury is a watchdog that investigates complaints and reviews government operations, it’s more important for its members to leave egos at the door, pay attention and listen, said Robert G. Weldon, a Benicia resident who is starting his second term on the panel.

He and Jenel Hageman, a Fairfield representative on the Grand Jury, spoke at Bookshop Benicia Thursday to members of the League of Women Voters, Benicia, about what it’s like to be on the panel.

Weldon said he had no idea what he was getting into when he applied for and was accepted as a member. But California provides seminars that train new members.

Ironically, he rode to his seminar with Rick Ernst, who also had been chosen as a new member. A few days after that training session, Ernst died, something Weldon called a loss to the county.

“He was the financial watchdog in this city, and an interesting person,” he said.

Weldon said it’s called a “grand” jury because unlike trial juries of six to a dozen members, the Grand Jury has 19 members — even more counting alternates.

The Grand Jury isn’t only presented cases. It can choose whether to start its own investigation, often something brought to its attention by a complaint. Even if it doesn’t elect to review a subject, the Grand Jury often sends a response to a plaintiff, Weldon said.

One thing it has in common with other juries is “what is said in the Grand Jury room isn’t said anywhere else,” Weldon explained. Even members’ spouses are not supposed to learn what happens in a Grand Jury session, he said.

In addition to listening to testimony or investigating cases when it meets twice a month, the Grand Jury’s members are appointed to committees that meet during the other weeks of the month, each with specific responsibilities, such as finance, social services or the “ad hoc” committee that eyes situations not specifically assigned to other committees.

More important than talking during a Grand Jury session is listening, he said. “Listen before you speak,” he advised.

When they do speak, the 19 members of the panel offer a variety of views — not surprising since they come from “all walks of life — business, the military and government,” as well as different parts of Solano County.

Even when the members disagree, they consider each others’ opinions, Weldon said. “They all have something to contribute.”

The Grand Jury periodically seeks new members as current members’ terms expire, and Weldon urged residents to apply to serve.

The reward, he said, is a challenging and educational experience.

“If you are selected, have fun,” he said. “Keep things simple. And be open and be honest with your fellow people on the jury.”