Reader_May12_2016

(wo)MAN on the street

compiled

by

Cameron Rasmusson and

Ben Olson (after the Candidates Forum)

What are your impressions of tonight’s forum?

DEAR

“I thought it was well put together. The audience was not what they were like at previous forums, which was contentious. I liked Dan McDonald. He came out and said what he thought. And Todd Sudick did a good job, and I also liked Glenn Rohrer.”

Gay Warner Retired Oldtown

“Most impressed with Sen. Keough. She was dignified as always. Those county commissioner candidates offer some important differences. I’m impressed with Jeff [Connolly].”

Jim Riley Coeur d’Alene

“I was most impressed with Jeff [Connolly] and Terry [Ford]. I was pleased Jeff recognized the morale problem at the county.”

Marie Scott Retired Clark Fork

“The most important thing is to honor the Constitution. I was most impressed with Todd Sudick.”

Lorraine Simkins Priest River

“Shawn Keough. I was very impressed with her experience and longevity. My most important issue is making sure county employees are taken care of.”

Anne Dutson-Sater Sandpoint

Vote. That’s all I have to say this week.

-Ben Olson, Publisher

READER

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Contributing Writers: Cameron Rasmusson, Ben Olson, Scout Anatricia, Gil Beyer, Laurie Brown, Sharon Wallace, Marcia Pilgeram.

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About the Cover

This week’s cover features a work of art by Woods Wheatcroft, who is holding a “Get Trashed” art show at Evans Brothers on Thursday, May 12 at 5:30 p.m. The title of the piece is “Baja, California,” as all the pieces were collected in Mexico.

COMMENTARY

The grandson of a hero

By Scout Anatricia Reader Contributor

A personalized combination of yoga and stretching plus spinning classes: This is what keeps Arun Ghandi so youthful and vivacious at the wise old age of 82 years.

On Wednesday, May 4, Spokane Community College had the pleasure of hosting the grandson of the world renowned Mahatma Gandhi. Arun spent time with his grandfather for 18 months between the ages of 12 and 14. Ghandi’s passing ended their time together, but it did not kill the flame which he had sparked in his grandson’s heart.

Growing up in South Africa, Arun faced injustice and racism. He felt angry towards people who were mean and degrading towards him. He was too white for the black people and two dark for the white people, so he was often left feeling alone and annoyed.

However, instead of fighting back with violence or anger, he followed his grandfather’s motto of nonviolence and became the change that he wanted to see in the world. He used an anger journal to vent, but he did not

Gutierrez for ID Supreme Court...

Dear Editor, Judge Sergio Gutierrez is a supreme choice for the Idaho Supreme Court.

An immigrant and former farmworker, he earned his GED through the Job Corps. He put himself through college, law school and private practice. He was then appointed by Cecil Andrus in 1993 to serve on Idaho’s 3rd Judicial District Bench. In 2002 he was appointed by Governor Kempthorne to serve on ID Court of Appeals, where his term has included three terms as Chief Judge.

He’s an exceptionally compassionate person, serving education, youth, civic and judicial causes statewide. He has a vision for judicial reform that reduces recidivism and lowers court costs. He has more experience than any other

let that energy stop on paper. He wrote down what made him angry with the intention of finding a solution to the problem.

One example of a solution is embodied by the 120 children he spirited off the streets and placed into caring homes. Arun channeled the energy of anger into constructive action.

Arun describes his lifestyle as a manifestation of constructive action. It’s a reflection of his grandfather’s teachings plus his own ideas which sprung from meditation. Consider the subject of violence which is a big deal in media today nationally as well as in our own little neighborhoods. Arun takes the interesting approach of including actions like wasting natural resources such as food as acts of violence. This kind of creative thinking is the powerhouse behind real changing-the-world action. In the United States today, $160 billion worth of food is wasted. This is an act of violence against those who go hungry so that their children might eat. When litter is left on the ground to be caught up in the wind and land where a bird might eat it and choke, this is an act of violence against nature.

Gandhi describes his grandfa-

candidate on court administration and on the bench. Vote Guitierrez on May 17! Vote4gutierrez.org

Mayor Shelby Rognstad Sandpoint

Way to go Scarlette...

Dear Editor,

This is a big kudos to Scarlette Quille for her most recent “Single in Sandpoint” column, sub-titled “Bathroom Blues.” Needed to be said, and well said (much better than I could have. I get too angry, and then just start swearing!)

Thank you, Ms. Quille.

Linda Robey Sandpoint

Connolly a Good Choice...

Dear Editor, Jeff Connolly is well prepared to be a Bonner County Commissioner who restores calm and common sense to county govern-

ther’s motto of nonviolence not just as a strategy but as a way to live every moment of every day.

“Nonviolence doesn’t mean that there is no war between countries,” he said. “It means there is no war within yourself. It means you are going out and meeting your neighbors. It means you are taking a part of your paycheck and spending it on someone other than yourself.”

Arun Gandhi conducted two 45 minute speeches and an hourlong book signing. Afterward, he attended a luncheon which I was lucky enough to have been invited along with 30 other people from Spokane Community College, North Idaho College and the general Spokane area.

Arun leaves us with the message that we can’t fix who we have been or where we have come from, but we can make the conscience decision, now, at this very moment to commit ourselves to a life of nonviolence and “be the change that we wish to see in the world.”

proof of residence and photo ID to register.

Molly O’Reilly Sandpoint

Watch out for Turtles...

Dear Editor,

I am writing to raise awareness that turtles are making their yearly pilgrimage from one side of Hwy. 200 to the other right now. They are the Western painted turtles with the most beautiful red underside of their shell. While driving they do look like a small rock in the road. Look again, it may be a turtle.

I saw two of them today; one of which I plucked from the middle of Hwy. 200 with cars whizzing by. He was near the swampy area by Shingle Mill Road. Remarkably he was okay. I liberated him in what I hope is a safer place far from the highway on the banks of the Pack River. The other one I spied on the Pack River bridge was not so lucky.

Cynthia Mason Sandpoint

Do you like cleaning . . .?

Dear Editor

Following on from James W. Ramsey (Reader issue May 5) I have recently tried unsuccessfully to remove coal residue from fabric, lines, wood, fiberglass, windows and my skin. At the time I thought my lungs no doubt were complaining. Coal is not just dusty it is oily.

ment! He has 14 years’ leadership experience on Priest River City Council, a career in local private industry (both as employer and employee) and collaborative problem solving service that has helped create over 400 private sector jobs right here.

His opponent, in less than two years, is reported to have generated expensive lawsuits against Bonner County, violated county codes and violated Idaho open meeting laws He appears to have an agenda of reckless change that he’s not sharing with voters. That’s not leadership.

Elect Jeff Connolly on May 17, the Republican primary ballot! Choose responsive, responsible county government that works constructively with all, represents us all and is fiscally responsible!

No party affiliation? Request a Republican ballot and register Republican on the spot! Not registered? When you go to vote, bring

in vain to shift this horrible stuff. Your energy levels and free time consumed fruitlessly scrubbing. Waiting times for doctors’ appointments will be longer as detrimental health takes hold. Coal and/or oil . . . seriously don’t go there.

I speak from first-hand experience and urge folk to reflect on this area of outstanding natural beauty you have here. Do not take it for granted. Reverting a mammoth shift in rail transportation once granted might be a greater challenge than preventing it in the first place.

I wish you well in your endeavor to keep your environment as you would wish your future generations to find and enjoy it as much as you do.

Jules Kirkpatrick Somerset, UK

SOLE a great asset...

Dear Editor,

The Lake Pend Oreille High School community was thrilled to read the excellent full-page article about our students’ stellar performance at the Idaho Youth Water Summit in the May 4th Reader Our students’ new knowledge about issues facing our beloved lake came shining through, as did their passion for the place-based, project-based learning that Brenda Woodward’s class offers.

May I suggest to folks giving nothing more than a glancing thought, please consider further the impact of coal transportation?

A few months ago due to the horrendous dirty stubborn clinging capacity of this filthy oily by-product, my skipper and I along with many other sailors moved our boats away from Richards Bay, South Africa. Further down the coast Port Elizabeth was worse.

The world has some stunning, clean-air, beautiful places which I feel are worth keeping untarnished. I’m believing we are here on Earth as caretakers for future generations to enjoy. Sandpoint is such a place. Those concerned with profit, who do not live here, are not concerned about your backyard. I am not convinced that sealed or covered containers are effective.

Your cupboards and workshops will need more shelves to accommodate all the cleaning paraphernalia you will (at your own expense) be buying trying

I’d like to recognize publicly that, although they weren’t mentioned in the article, Selkirk Outdoor Leadership and Education (SOLE) also played a significant role in our students’ success in the project. Eliza Fox and Dennison Webb of SOLE dove into the project from the outset to support the field experiences, teach about the natural world, develop student leadership skills and pitch in pretty much wherever and whenever needed. Our partnership with this dynamic organization over the past three years has been a boon to our students, and recognition is due. Thank you to the Reader for taking the time to learn about just some of the outstanding work going on at LPOHS!

Geoff Penrose

Principal

Lake Pend Oreille Alternative High School

PERSPECTIVES

Ethics in Politics

By Gil Beyer Reader Contributor

There was a time not that long ago that when a person said they were a Republican they truly were a Republican. If another person said that they were a Democrat they truly were a Democrat. Of course there were variations in both camps, but in the overall scheme of things they were what they said they were. These were ethical people that believed in the basic tenets of their respective Party. I have no fault with these individuals.

Not so today. In the current political climate we have more shades of Republicans and Democrats running for office than there are hues in a rainbow. There are even those that call themselves one thing and are completely something else. Case in point: We have right here in North Idaho not one but two candidates that are on the ballot as Democrats but are in reality as far from being true Democrats as they can possibly be.

I’m speaking about Steve Tanner and Bob Vickaryous. Both names appear on the Democratic Primary Ballot that we will vote on this May 17. Bob Vicaryous calls himself a “Jeffersonian Democrat”. I have no idea how he comes up with this as being a definition of a real Democrat. A ‘Google’ search came up with this definition of “Jeffersonian Democrat” - “The term was commonly used to refer to the Republican Party which Jefferson founded in opposition to the Federalist Party of Alexander Hamilton. I must also add that this term was used circa 1790 to 1820. By my count that was 200 years ago. I think things have changed somewhat over that time.

Another plank in the Jeffersonian Democratic platform was the separation of church and state. That plank was worded a little differently that we hear currently. It was based on the principle that the best method to keep government free of religious disputes, and religion free from corruption by government, was to keep them completely separate. This plank seems to have fallen completely out of the Republican platform over the years as we have religious tenets that have been incorporated into the laws of every state. These laws deny the rights of women over their own bodies and deny the dignity

of individuals to choose their own exit from this life.

In fairness I haven’t actually heard Tanner call himself a “Jeffersonian Democrat”. I’ve only heard that phrase used by Bob. But, I have heard Steve talk at various forums during the last election cycle and he sure sounds to me like someone that could be called a “Jeffersonian Democrat”.

I find that people that run as something that they patently aren’t to be ethically challenged even by today’s political standards. Anyone that is that unethical needs to be called out on their duplicity. It is an underhanded attempt to gain political office based on a total lie. I think that anyone that misrepresents themselves to that degree should withdraw from whatever race they’ve entered into. They should also publically apologize for being a fraud.

Not that Tanner and Vickaryous are the only frauds on the ballot this primary season. We have two incumbents that call themselves Republicans but are more closely aligned with the philosophies of James Madison. Madison wanted the central federal government to have less power and more power granted to the individual states. This philosophy continued into the late 1850s and led directly to the Civil War. One of those incumbents takes pride in flying a Confederate battle flag at public events. The rationale for this stance eludes me. We all know how the Civil War ended. I feel that the Confederate battle flag should be relegated to museums and private collections much like the flags of Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union—flags that no longer represent the world as it currently exists.

I believe that these frauds do not represent the majority of Idahoans. We need and should demand candidates that will represent the majority of their constituents. Not just the fanatical fringes. Our elected representatives should work for the good of all of our residents.

Along with this demand of the candidates I think that it is imperative that the voters become informed, involved and cast their vote on May 17th.

Absentee Legislator...

Dear Editor,

Why does absentee legislator Paul Shepherd still get paid for not showing up to vote? Idaho House district 7B legislator and 6 term incumbent Paul Shepherd was absent (without excuse) for some 80 key votes during the 2016 session alone. This legislative session was only 75 days long so its hard to estimate how often he was available at all. When I confirmed his record on the State of Idaho’s legislative website, I found these missed votes concerned hundreds of millions of dollars.

Just as bad were some of the votes he did manage to cast. He increased the tax we pay on every gallon of gas by about 22 percent and at the same time increased vehicle registration fees across the board. This bill also punished hybrid and electric vehicle owners with an extra high fee. One vote that really burned me up was adopting the federal government’s provisions in the “Real ID Act.” Besides being an unfunded mandate that we have to pay for, it reeks of Big Brother.

These votes are contrary to the Idaho Republican Platform so it looks to me like Shepherd is not a strong Republican. The Idaho County Free Press reported that during a recent forum Shepherd actually said, “I’m very pleased to have another conservative running” in reference to his Republican opponent Kris Steneck. Well, I am also pleased, and that’s who I am voting for in the primary. It’s time we got someone that supports the conservative values held by most of District 7 in this seat. Someone who is new, eager, well informed and will show up for the votes.

Ken Lower Elk City, ID

versus their costs of capital, operation, and maintenance. Engineers elsewhere can see what fraction of their operation is powered by solar energy versus Avista energy drawn from the grid (a number that even the inventor cannot estimate at this point). A Greenpeace activist in Amsterdam can calculate the atmospheric carbon load from clearing snow by melting it as opposed to plowing it. We’ll all see how reliable they are. And a Spokane ambulance chasing attorney can browse for slip and fall clients from the comfort of his office (just kidding).

Without such transparency this installation would be simply a Solar Roadways promotion financed by the city and state.

Solar Roadways... Vote Connolly...

Dear Editor,

I was disappointed to learn that the Solar Roadways demonstration to be installed in downtown Sandpoint will be a walkway rather than a roadway because the panels are not approved for use on roadways. Otherwise, I was heartened by what I learned from city administrator Jennifer Stapleton and inventor Scott Brusaw at the event at Jeff Jones Square on Friday.

Both promised full cost and performance transparency through a website or perhaps a nearby kiosk with maybe even a live webcam trained on the walkway. Real time and historic values of solar power produced and power delivered to and drawn from Avista will allow all to judge the panels’ effectiveness against the claims of the inventor. City administrators anywhere can evaluate their usefulness for lighting and snow removal

Dear Editor,

We in Bonner County are fortunate to have Jeff Connolly (R) running for county commissioner, position 2. I had the pleasure of meeting him recently, and came away impressed by his levelheaded, collaborative approach to problem-solving and his belief in open public process (slower but fairer). I found him to be an excellent, patient listener. At a candidates forum he mentioned “calmness and common sense” as important attributes. Because many in the greater Sandpoint area probably don’t know much about Jeff (a lifelong Priest River resident) I’d like to briefly review relevant background information.

He currently works with Mike Reynolds logging (21 years) and had his own logging company for 15 years. His record of community service includes 14 years on the Priest River City Council, 10 years with youth athletics, four years on the Priest River Airport Board and five years on the Panhandle Forest Collaborative. He served on the Priest Community Forest Connection board for 15 years, seven of them as president. All those years of working with different groups have provided him with an excellent set of skills to be deployed as a county commissioner.

He is running against Todd Sudick, whose recent actions have been documented in many articles and letters to the editor. Their approaches to the job are very different. I urge fellow voters to get informed on the issues and candidates before May 17. An excellent way to start is attending a public meeting, such as the May 11 Primary Candidates Forum at Sandpoint High School, 5:30-8:00 p.m.

Rae Charlton Sandpoint

Local law enforcement organize manhunt

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff

An attempted traffic stop Monday night triggered a car chase and gunfire on Bonner County Sheriff’s deputies.

Oldtown resident Patrick Allen Geaudreau, 27, is at large and wanted by police after a chase that crossed state lines into Washington and ended with two individuals fleeing on foot. Law enforcement officers are warning residents to stay alert and secure their vehicles as the manhunt for Geaudreau continues. While the investigation involves two suspects, police have only positively identified Geaudreau.

The incident began 11:16 p.m. Monday, when Bonner County Sheriff’s deputies attempted to stop a maroon Jeep Grand Cherokee on Tweedie Road near Highway 41. When the driver refused to pull over, deputies gave chase,

pursuing them into Washington southward to Spring Valley. An individual identified by deputies as Geaudreau allegedly opened fire on the deputy vehicle, striking it several times in the hood and driver’s side compartment and riddling it with bullet holes. While the deputy was not hit, the vehicle was disabled.

The Jeep, meanwhile, crashed through a fence and into a field, where it eventually became stuck in a creek bed. Two suspects then fled on foot. Despite an allnight search by Bonner County Sheriff’s Office, Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and Priest River Police Department with aerial support from Two Bear Air of Whitefish, Mont., the suspects were not located.

Since the evening of the chase, Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office has taken over the crime scene and investigation. Criminal charges are filed

in both Idaho and Washington.

Law enforcement authorities consider both suspects to be armed and dangerous and recommend citizens call 911 if they believe to have spotted them. They also warn regional residents to keep an eye on their vehicles and make sure they’re secured, as it is likely the suspects will attempt to steal another car.

Candidates court voters at forum

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff

Most of the candidates for the 2016 primary election turned out Wednesday to detail their positions at a forum Wednesday night.

The evening gave candidates an opportunity to differentiate themselves from their opponents and make an impression on voters. Over two hours, participants sparred over topics like federal overreach in state government, special interest money, the morale of county employees and strategies to improve the economy.

While all candidates were invited to attend and give an introductory speech, the focus was squarely on candidates in contested races. County commissioner, state legislator and sheriff candidates fielded questions from the audience and over a live Internet stream.

Bonner County Board of Commissioners hopefuls talked in detail about county employee morale and whether or not recent firings in the Planning Department were justified. Incumbent Todd Sudick referenced his re-

cord of no levy increases, several successful projects and reduced regulation, particularly for property owners. In response to questions about Planning Department firings, he said they were not spurious or reckless decisions and that commissioners and the county’s insurance providers are confident in their defense against unlawful termination suits. He also said the county always various lawsuits fielded against it, and the county’s strategy is to minimize the overall cost to taxpayers.

Sudick’s opponent, longtime Priest River City Councilman Jeff Connolly, expressed concern about the state of county morale. He said he decided to enter the race after being approached by county employees who were worried about the state of the county and their jobs. This was best exemplified by the firing of senior planning officials who had earned positive performance reviews in 2014, he added.

Dan McDonald, a county resident running on managerial experience and community involvement, believes the board of commissioners is on the right

track in minimizing regulation and believes employee morale isn’t as serious an issue as some say. He added the county’s comprehensive plan needs a serious overhaul to better serve county residents. One of his biggest concerns, he said, is the lack of economic opportunity that forces young people to move away

Lewis Rich, a former Bonner County commissioner and McDonald’s opponent, believes the county is in a vulnerable place because of the current board’s actions. He said the county faces five wrongful termination suits compared to the single wrongful termination lawsuit during his time as commissioner. As for the comprehensive plan, he agrees aspects of it should be changed, and it was designed to be updated as needed.

On the legislative side, District 7 Rep. Shannon McMillan was the only candidate in her race who attended. She introduced herself as an average citizen who, rather than embrace the role of politician, represents the interests of everyday people.

Stephen Howlett reminded voters he was running as a write-in candidate on the Democratic ticket,

SilverWing judgement favors county

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff

A longstanding legal dispute between Bonner County and SilverWing recently landed a judgment in the county’s favor.

An abstract of judgment dated April 28 awarded Bonner County $741,730.06 plus future interest. The judgment also puts a lien on SilverWing property until the terms of the judgment are satisfied. The judgment will cover the cost of the county’s attorney fees.

noting he was the only candidate endorsed by North Idaho Democratic central committees.

District 1 Sen. Shawn Keough defended her voting record and fundraising strategy against criticism. In regard to her campaign funding, she said 190 of 300 contributions come from North Idaho residents. PAC contributions, she continued, mostly came from local Realtors and other professionals urging their state organizations to support her. In response to those who questioned her voting record as too liberal, she said she evaluated each bill pragmatically, gauging whether it would require costly defense and ultimately fail in court. Keough said her status as a senior senator and a chairperson of powerful budgetary committees ensured that North Idaho’s interests were represented.

Challenger Glenn Rohrer, citing his experience in high-level management, said he would bring strong advocacy for state rights and conservative positions to Boise. He said he refused to take special interest money and instead advocated an opposition to federal influence on Idaho. He spoke strongly against Common Core educational standards, feder-

The legal dispute goes back to 2008, when the Federal Aviation Administration declared Sandpoint Airport was out of compliance because of a throughthe-fence agreement with SilverWing, a housing development that served as both a residence and an airplane hangar. SilverWing sued the county, claiming developers had been deceived about a runway relocation and that the county was trying to kill its through-the-fence agreement. All but one of SilverWing’s claims have since been dismissed.

For Bonner County Commissioner Todd Sudick, the judgment is a vindication of the county. He also said that, in an election year when lawsuits against the county are a hot-button election topic, this is a case of litigation protecting the taxpayers. The county could have been hit with a $26 million payout had it not fought its case in court, Sudick said.

al ownership of Idaho lands and tax increases. He also promised to cut red tape that tied up potential entrepreneurs.

Finally, Bonner County Sheriff candidate Terry Ford was the only sheriff hopeful at the meeting. He introduced himself as a veteran law enforcement officer with experience in training and supervision. A staunch second amendment supporter, Ford said he advocated for policies that would improve morale in the sheriff’s office and improve deputy retention.

We sent a questionnaire to the various state and county candidates for public office and have dedicated the next three pages to printing their responses. The goal for this questionnaire is to familiarize you, dear readers, with the candidates’ positions on important issues facing Idaho today. The primary election will be Tuesday, May 11. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Please vote and allow your voice to be heard.

Idaho State Senate District 1

Steve Tanner (D)

Questions for Idaho State Senate and Idaho State Representative race:

1. What goals do you believe Idaho needs to prioritize as we anticipate the next legislative session?

2. What do you think are the biggest problems with the current state government, and what can we do to fix them?

3. We’re seeing signs that state government is being stymied by the rift between mainstream politicians and ideologically driven newcomers. Do you see this as a serious issue, and if so, what is the solution?

4. The Idaho Legislature saw more pressure this year than perhaps any other to expand Medicaid and provide insurance options for 78,000 Idahoans. What is your position on this?

5. The Legislature this year passed a 7.4 percent increase in public school funding, yet Idaho was just ranked 47th out of the 50 states in expenditure per pupil. Should the state increase its education funding? If you believe so, where will more funding come from? If you don’t believe it should, and with educational quality an ongoing concern, how can the state improve education?

6. The Legislature passed a new law that allows handgun owners over the age of 21 to carry a concealed weapon inside city limits without a permit. Do you favor or oppose?

7. In January, First District Rep. Sage Dixon and Rep. Heather Scott traveled on a fact-finding mission to the armed standoff at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon carried out by a group protesting federal land policies. Was this an appropriate use of their elected positions?

8. The Legislature approved a bill to “expressly permit” using the Bible for academic study in public schools, even though state law already permits using the Bible for academic purposes. Governor Butch Otter vetoed it because he said it was in “direct contravention to the Idaho Constitution” and would result in costly litigation. Support or oppose this bill?

Age: 63

Years of residence in home county: I have been a resident of Boundary County for over 50 years.

Marital status/family: wife (married for 38 years), eight children and 15 grand children.

Education: Graduated Bonners Ferry H.S. 1971, University of Idaho B.S. in Business – 1975

Recent or pertinent employment or professional qualifications: Business owner. Past—logging, construction, log home builder. Currently—manufacturer of timbers and timber and log products.

1. Justice needs to be the main priority of the Legislature both in the civil/criminal area as well as economically. The current status quo is concerned with tax and spend, while those on the receiving end of the money and benefits are constantly lobbying and conniving to get as much as they can. The U.S. Constitution prohibits the states from using anything but gold and silver coin (Article 1 Section 10). A hard currency provides just weights and balances and promotes honest industry. Eliminate the Federal Reserve, as it is not only unconstitutional but a corrupting influence on all commerce, while allowing the few to manipulate the wealth and policies of the nation. Further, the criminal justice system must be fixed, punishing those who steal by restitution in excess of what was stolen, and for those who have committed capital offences, to be executed speedily. Our prisons are full, and there should be little or no place for prisons. Warehousing people has not worked and will not work.

2. I believe the biggest problem with the state government is the same as with the federal government, just on a smaller scale. The state government in all three of its branches have forgotten their very reason for existence and thus have grown into trying to be a big brother, mother or even a deity to the people. The main priority of the current state legislature is tax and spend. There seems to be nothing outside the scope of their pretended jurisdiction. It is important that we reduce federal intrusion into the lives of the citizens; examples would be to repeal the state “Obamacare”, to reclaim the ‘federal’ forests to be the state’s lands and to start the process of those lands being converted into the hands of private citizens. Also, to repeal HB 425 that recognizes “gay marriage” on the state level, that is a violation of the Idaho State Constitution and the laws of God.

3. The two views are better described by one view that properly represents the principles of freedom, limited civil government and a responsible and armed citizenry that was promoted and encouraged by the framers of the Constitution in 1787, which I fully support. The other side being the status quo of today’s modernism (that is as old as slavery) in which the state can and must be both a big brother and mother to the people, and where freedom is eclipsed with the mirage of protection from failure by a pretended security. This not only arms the state with all power, it deifies it, all the while gradually disarming the citizens. This form of government has been well represented in history in men like Stalin, Hitler and Mao Tse-tung.

4. I am opposed to expansion of Medicaid and support the repeal of the State’s “Obamacare law.”

5. I believe the public school budget needs to be slashed. It currently consumes about 80 percent of the total state budget along with large sums of monies from the counties. The relationship between more money spent and better results in public education is a misnomer. In many ways, it is just the opposite. The NEA is one of the most powerful political lobbyist groups in the world and they have used the public schools to promote their agenda for years. The schools have become nothing more than incubators for socialism by promoting the ideology of socialism, communism, environmentalism, the “gay” agenda and almost every philosophy that is at war with our nation’s foundations and God as our Creator. The public schools have adopted the religion of humanism.

6. I favor this bill and strongly support the people’s right to bear arms. Rights come from God and supersede the state. The right to bear arms was specifically listed in the Bill of Rights; not necessarily for hunting purposes, but to counter the reign of oppressive government. I am a member of Gun Owners of America.

7. I believe that the holding of lands by the federal government is unconstitutional and I encourage and support the return of those lands to the states and to the people. From what I understand of the Malheur Wildlife Refuge, it was not a reasonable or wise way to protest the “federal land holdings.” The effort of District 1 representatives to investigate and fact-find on the Malheur Wildlife Refuge is and was a reasonable mission. This is due to the fact that our area has over 80 percent federal lands, and we have seen the federal government move in mass into our area (example would be Ruby Ridge affair in Boundary County). To take time to understand both sides of the issue and how they are being handled, may be of invaluable help in the future to avoid possible abuses by both sides.

9. Our nation was founded as a Christian Nation and the Bible and prayer were used extensively to instruct and guide, not only in how

people were to live (moral character), but also, how a proper government should operate, as they asked God for protection and guidance. I would support this bill and support efforts to return the Bible and prayer back into the schools, as previous to the 1960s, before it was taken out. God’s blessings and guidance was the reason for our nation’s greatness. Without departing from our current course and seeking HIM, we will fall.

Shawn Keough (R)

Age: 56

Years of residence in home county: 37

Marital status/family: married to Mike, two college-graduated sons, a wonderful daughter-in-law and precious grandchild with one on the way!

Education: High School graduate, 3 years of college at North Idaho College and Lewis Clark State College. Did not finish – yet – as a career and raising a family interrupted achievement of a college degree.

Recent or pertinent employment or professional qualifications: I’ve been in business management for over 30 years. Currently I am the executive director of the Associated Logging Contractors which is a nonprofit organization providing access to workman’s comp and other business lines of insurance as well as logging and wood products hauling safe operations consulting. Nonprofit groups, service or professional organizations to which you belong: North Idaho Federation of Republican Women, Idaho Women In Timber, Bonner Sportsmen, NAMI Far North, National Association of Association Executives and many others.

How can voters contact you: 208-263-1839, shawn@shawnkeough.com, PO Box 101, Sandpoint, Idaho 83864

1. Properly funding our K-12 public schools; continued efforts to support businesses to stay here and to add jobs; continued improvement of our roads; increased opportunities for higher education and vocational education and supporting expansion of high speed internet.

2. As Idaho climbs out of the historic economic downturn the state needs to support rural areas in ways that attract private sector investment to expand job opportunities that in turn will improve the economy in rural Idaho. Idaho also needs to continue to invest in a strong public K-12 public school system and in higher education including expansion of vocational training programs for non-college bound Idahoans.

3. Yes, I do see this as a serious issue. Most citizens expect some basic system of governance that is accountable and transparent. Most citizens believe that there is a proper role of government and expect that elected officials participate in logical, rational, productive debate that is see CANDIDATES, page 9

solution oriented as opposed to simply voting ‘No’. The solution is the ballot box. If these things listed here really are, as I believe they are, supported by a vast majority, then the answer is voter participation. Not voting makes the problem worse.

4. Not providing some sort of access to health care for Idahoans that make too much for Medicaid or federal subsidies to help buy insurance but don’t make enough to afford insurance costs every tax payer. We pick up the tab when people put off health care and then have to access it in emergency rooms and places where it is the most expensive. We pay for it through higher insurance rates, higher hospital and doctor visits rates, and higher property taxes when the bill for those not covered goes to the counties. We could be saving millions in tax dollars plus being humane to our fellow citizens by coming up with an Idaho solution to assist the working poor to access health care. I support finding this solution and implementing it – it’s the fiscally conservative thing to do and the right approach to health care for the working poor.

5. I don’t think the ranking of per pupil spending is the only metric by which to judge our system. Yes, I believe the state should fulfil its Constitutional obligation to provide a system of free public schools. Every dollar sent to the local school district is one less dollar that the local school board feels the need to ask the local property tax payer to pay. As Idaho’s economy grows, the resulting rise in state income and sales tax will help provide increased funding. Helping Idaho’s businesses grow by making sure state government is not in the way is one way to achieve this goal. Improving the educational quality of our system is an ongoing process that takes a commitment not only from the state legislature, but from all citizens and parents. Involvement is key.

6. I supported the law. Carrying a concealed weapon outside of city limits without a permit has been allowed virtually since statehood. It didn’t seem logical to have a patchwork of regulations that might inadvertently catch a law abiding citizen.

7. I would not have made the trip and do not feel it would have been appropriate for me to do so. Each elected official makes their own decisions, and should they run for re-election the voters who participate in the election process will show their approval or disapproval of individual actions and overall representation.

8. I voted for the bill as it replaced the law that actually requires the Bible to be read every day in Idaho schools. The bill listed not only the Bible but all religious texts that would be allowed for reference for subjects such as history. Understanding our religious foundations be it Christianity or Buddhism is key to understanding the world we live in today.

Glenn Rohrer (R)

Age: 67

Years of residence in home county: 23

Marital status/family:

Married w/ 5 children

Education: Chaffey College graduate with 2 years engineering studies at California Polytechnic University

Recent or pertinent employment or professional qualifications: 32 years of business management and leadership experience, retired plant manager and military officer.

create and administer the curriculum with input from the community and parents.

Nonprofit groups, service or professional organizations to which you belong: Priest Lake Chamber of Commerce, Bird Aviation and Invention Center, Priest River Regatta, Priest Lake Search and Rescue, Bonner County Republican Women inc. How can voters contact you: (208) 448-2096 (office) and rohrer4idahosenate@gmail.com

1. We need to become fiscally responsible and protect Idaho from being negatively impacted by deficit federal spending. This means we need to look long, and hard at every state department function and stop accepting padded agency budgets based on last years spending without any zero baseline or efficiency analysis.

2. Our state is plagued with the same problems found in every bureaucracy—namely elected representatives seem to always become “part of the system”. I intend to vote my conscience with an open mind toward evaluating each issue on its own merits and not by being influenced by huge contributions and lobbyists. This is why my campaign will not accept any contribution (or gifts) from any business, corporation, special interest group, PAC or lobbyist.

3. New people always bring new ideas and this does not “stymie” anything. It does sometimes create change, which is what I intend to be part of when I reach Boise. If anything it is the entrenched, long-term politicians who see this as their job for life that stymie things.

4. Expanding Medicaid is only a Band-Aid solution and does nothing to offer hope to those in need of better jobs. We need to remove government regulations that encumber business entrepreneurs, build better infrastructure (roads and communications), stop the state from competing with private businesses and encourage free enterprise to flourish.

5. This question ignores studies in national education trends showing that states that spend the most do not have the highest test scores or the highest graduation rates. To improve education, we need to stop allowing our children to be guinea pigs for Washington bureaucrats and get rid of Common Core. Our professional teaching staff must be allowed to

6. I strongly support this bill and will work hard to protect our second amendment rights.

7. All elected representatives are obligated to investigate issues which might affect Idaho, and federal government overreach is a concern throughout all states.

8. Since our State Constitution states under article IX, sec 6, that “No books…of a…denominational character shall be used in any schools…”, I would need legal definition from our Attorney General as to whether the Bible falls in this category before determining how to vote. However, my preference is to find a solution to this issue, which would allow the Bible to be used in schools as reference material.

Idaho State Senate

District 7

Ken Meyers (D)

Age: 73

Years of residence in home county: 11 Marital status/family: Married. Four children and seven grandchildren.

Education: B.S., Oregon State University, Ph.D College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University

like District 7. The Idaho Legislature should focus on moving Idahoans into a 21st century economy. This recovery would require that Idaho supplies a workforce capable of filling these new jobs. To have more employees, you need more employers. We need an educated workforce to entice new businesses into the area and to support and help our existing small business owners.

3. This is a major issue. Instead of spending time trying to make Idaho better, some legislators waste time and taxpayer money promoting their ideology and not addressing issues that will help the citizens of Idaho. We are in a rapid and changing economy. To do nothing is a prescription for our economy to fall farther behind. This is not acceptable. The solution is for these legislators to either change and work for making Idaho better, or for voters to replace them.

without a permit certifying he or she is capable of safely handling the gun does not qualify as gun safety. I am opposed to this legislation, and think legislators need to be working on issues of greater importance to the Idaho economy

7. No. State Representatives from District 1 are our representatives and what they do reflects on us, the people who elected them. Based on the reasons they gave for going to Malheur, I am still not clear what our legislators intended to accomplish. The people who took over Malheur broke numerous laws, behaved poorly and aggressively. Having our representatives go to Malheur confused the issue. Their presence could be construed as support for the people who violated state and federal laws. Again, our legislators’ time would be better spent working on improving education and the economy of Idaho.

Recent or pertinent employment or professional qualifications: Washington State University, 35 years in the College of Veterinary Medicine - Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

Nonprofit groups, service or professional organizations to which you belong:

Retired member of the American Physiology Society, the American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. The International Society for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, and Member and Challis Bearer St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Sandpoint. Democratic Gamlin Lake Captain for Gamlin Lake and I am Chairman of the Bonner County Democrats. How can voters contact you: Phone 265-7251, ken4d7@gmail.com Vote Ken Meyers, P.O. Box 2324, Sandpoint, ID 83864, or view ken-meyers.ruck.us

1. A—Increased funding for education. B—Expanding Medicaid coverage to the working poor. C— Work with stakeholders on managing our natural resources.

2. Idaho’s economy is not recovering as quickly from the great recession of 2007/2008 as other states have. This is especially evident in rural areas

4. Closing the Medicaid gap for the working poor is a win-win, and I support it. Financially, it makes sense for Idaho taxpayers. We could close the Medicaid gap for the working poor by accepting federal funds which have already been designated for this purpose. If Idaho does not close the gap, those funds just go to other states. In addition, access to proper medical care for the working poor would mean that counties are not burdened with the cost of maintaining their indigent care fund. This taxpayer burden in some district 7 counties is close to a quarter of a million dollars each year.

5. Improving education in Idaho is the main reason I am running for this office. Currently Idaho has about 24,000 children attending school only four days a week. Too many of our school districts can’t afford to operate their facilities. This occurs mostly in rural districts, like mine. Increased funding for education can be achieved, in part, by closing the Medicaid gap. We could use federal dollars—not county tax funds—and provide better health care for the working poor. We also should not be funding the Constitutional Defense Fund. In 2015 that alone would have meant $730,000 went to education rather than plaintiffs and Boise lawyers. This is part of the solution. We need to consider how school districts are organized and administered, how the private sector can become more involved in training students, how to work with the federal government to continue funding the Secure Rural School program, and by examining ways to best provide a quality education for rural students. Supporting quality low-cost education after high school is also important, when our goal is to educate and train students for a 21st century economy.

6. I am for the second constitutional amendment. I grew up on a Montana wheat farm and have guns in my home. I am also for gun safety. Allowing a 21 year-old to carry a concealed gun,

8. I do not support this bill. This is another example of some legislators focusing their time, effort and our money on meaningless legislation. They should have been spending their time and effort on solving the economic, educational and natural resources problems that affect the lives of all Idahoans.

G. Crabtree (R)

Age: 63

Years of residence in home county: 63

Marital

status/family:

Married 42 years, three grown children

Education:

B.S Agriculture

Recent or pertinent employment or professional qualifications: Self-employed, rancher, Agricultural Extension agent, 4-H Program manager, Weed supervisor

Nonprofit groups, service or professional organizations to which you belong: President, Idaho Cattle Assn., Chairman, Idaho Beef Council, Chaired two national committees on National Cattlemans Beef Boad, President Idaho Weed Control Assn.

How can voters contact you: 208983-2176, email crabtree4senate@ gmail.com

1. I see myself, as senator from District 7, representing the district above the state . So, I have not spent time traveling statewide to get a feel for what issues and priorities are for the state. I have focused on District 7 needs.

2. It appears there are many problems with state government. Too many regulations, too much money spent, no accountability, too much posturing. Electing competent legislators with proven track records for skilfull leadership would be a big step. The people make the program. see CANDIDATES, page 10

3. It is a very difficult situation. I believe it starts with respect for each other’s opinion, and includes finding common ground from which to build.

4. To me the problem has to be solved. Leaving town without a solution for people is the wrong thing to do.

5. First, we have to have an agreed upon outcome. Is expenditure per pupil the measurement? Absolutely not. The measurement has to be something directly related to student performance. That, in my view is the goal. First we have to agree on fair performance standards. Then, measure the educational effort based on those results.

6. I don’t think the law made a significant change, in terms of practicality, from existing laws. I would have supported it.

7. I do not know their goals, so I can’t pass judgement on that. However I have worked with both the BLM and the Forest Service. I like to do that work where the decisions are made, not in the field.

8. It was an election year, so few wanted to be seen as opposed to the Bible. Also, it is my understanding that it would have made little change in what is actually happening in Idaho schools. My concern with this is that a significant amount of time and effort was put into the bill, that could have been spent on something that ended up helping District 7. It ended up with nothing being accomplished for Idaho’s taxpayer.

Sheryl L. Nuxoll (R)

Age: 65

Years of residence in home county: Idaho County 65 years

Marital status/ family: Husband/ Felix of 41 years, six children

Education: BBA from Gonzaga University

lands to the state ownership so that we can pay for our schools, road infrastructure and create jobs. 2. Provide school choice and eliminate Common Core by letting Idaho educators create our own state standards and tests. 3. Support the elimination of sales tax on groceries.

3. Many of the newcomers see the priorities and represent the majority of Idahoans and are more likely to vote against state government waste. All we need is legislators to have the courage to stand up for the Constitution even against the federal government or the unconstitutional decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court.

4. If Idahoans are truly seeking employment and cannot support themselves, we are bound to help them through our local churches and nonprofits. A free clinic in Caldwell for healthcare was started by a Bible study group operating one night a week, serving people who have no insurance and do not qualify for Medicaid—people served by the county indigent program. It saved county taxpayers $500,000 on a $2.5 million county indigent budget. It was so successful that the program added another night per week. Other options are: 1. faith-based ministries like Samaritan, Medishare or Health Care Sharing Ministries which are much cheaper than insurance. 2. Direct primary care which is paying the doc a monthly fee for health preservation. One of those docs said that they can charge $7 for a prescription that would cost $180 with insurance. 3. Health Savings Accounts or Individual Savings Account set up with non-profits . 4. Provide for a free market health insurance instead of the state health exchange for competition, for example, by allowing insurance across state lines.

Recent or pertinent employment or professional qualifications: Farmer/ Rancher for 41 years, Senator for 6 years

Nonprofit groups, service or professional organizations to which you belong: Idaho County Cattlemen’s Association and Idaho County Farm Bureau

How can voters contact you: snuxoll@senate.idaho.gov or Facebook. com/sherrylnuxoll

1. Idaho needs to priortize state sovereignty over federal government overreach against private property rights, gun rights, right to life, and religious freedom. The federal government has caused us to lose our rights in our state and we must stand up for them.

2. The biggest problems are 1. Ownership of lands, education and taxes. 1. Support transfer of federal

stitutionality of this bill in our state. Those of us who realize the value of Christian history in American society are disappointed Gov. Otter vetoed SB 1342. This bill validated appropriate use of the Bible as a reference in public schools. Although 81 percent of Idaho’s legislators supported the bill, and a resolution affirming its content passed the GOP convention with a near-unanimous vote, Gov. Otter chose to say “no” anyway.

Idaho State Representative District 1A

Kate McAlister (D)

Age: 56

Years of residence in home county: 22

Marital status/ family: Married, four children, eight grandchildren

5. The state could use discretion on when and how to fund education. But if the federal lands were transferred back to state ownership, there would be no issue for funding for education since we would have the revenue back from the 65 percent of our land that is owned by the feds. Other solutions for money for schools: 1.Many agencies in our state government could be private, such as public TV. 2. Give raises only to those state employees under $100,000 wages. 3. Go back to zero based budgeting which reduces waste in agencies.

6. I favor this law because of our second amendment rights. I was a cosponsor of the bill.

7. I admire them for following through with their convictions with courage to help our fellow citizens in need against federal takeover of private land.

8. There is no state law permitting the use of the Bible for academic purposes. That was the reason for the bill. For protection for our teachers and students, we either needed this Bible bill in statute or code. Constitutional attorneys validated the con-

but earning less than the basic cost of living in the county. With more educational opportunities in place I feel we can move everyone forward. I believe that a rising tide floats all boats.

Making Education a Priority - This is the foundation for our future and generations to come. Post-secondary education is the key to growing our economy and qualifying the workforce for better-paying jobs.

Access to Health Care - 78,000 Idahoans are without access to affordable medical insurance and this is unacceptable.

2. Choosing ideologies over real issues affecting Idahoans. Too much time, in my opinion, is spent on what we disagree on and not what we can make happen together. Most Idahoans, specifically in North Idaho feel they are not being represented or heard. We fix this by getting out and voting in the primary and in the general election on November 8. YOUR VOTE COUNTS!

Education: Education in Corporate Social Responsibility from Boston College, Center for Corporate Citizenship, Carol College School of Management

Recent or pertinent employment or professional qualifications: President/CEO Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce – 6 years Community Investment Program Manager – Itron, Inc, Spokane Valley, WA – 14 years

Nonprofit groups, service or professional organizations to which you belong: Angels Over Sandpoint –Since 2002, SURA (Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency) Commissioner since 2013; City of Sandpoint Human Relations Commission – since 2012; Panida Board of Directors 2011-2014; Forrest Bird Charter School Board of Directors – Vice Chair, Since 2014; International Selkirk Loop– Chairman of the Board –since 2011; Bonner General Health Advisory Committee – Since 2015; Sandpoint Airport Planning Board, Advisory Committee – Since 2013; Sandpoint City Streets Steering Committee; Bonner and Boundary County Economic Summit Steering Committee; Initiated and led team to create Sister City Relationship with Nelson B.C.

How can voters contact you:Website: www.katemcalister.com. Email: kate@katemcalister.com. Facebook: Kate McAlister

1. Creating a better Economy –Idaho’s economy is limited by the number of qualified candidates that current businesses need to grow and expand. Increasing the number of Idaho students who successfully get industry-recognized credentials, certificates and degrees will lead to higher incomes for the students and a growing Idaho economy. Currently there are too many working poor earning more than the poverty level,

favor I am curious as to why the law was passed. I support our second amendment rights; my husband hunted when he was younger, I have a child who is a veteran and a child in law enforcement. I just want to make sure we are safe.

7. No. As previously stated, we need representatives focused on the job here in Idaho, not at the Malheur Wildlife Refuge. Idahoans need to be the priority. The second visit was when the legislature was in session and votes were missed. This is not how our tax dollars should be spent.

8. Oppose. It should not have even come up as it is clearly in opposition of our Idaho State Constitution. If the law suits were filed and won, the citizens of Idaho would have paid with our tax dollars.

Heather Scott (R)

Age: 46

3. Yes, this is a serious issue. Northern Idaho needs a representative focused on the job here in Idaho, not in Washington D.C. Idahoans need to be the priority. I believe we need leadership based on common-sense solutions, not partisan or ideological convictions to bring balance to our political process.

As stated above, we can fix this by getting out and voting in the primary and in the general election on November 8. YOUR VOTE COUNTS!

4. Idaho residents currently pay into their local County Indigent Fund through property taxes and the state’s Catastrophic Fund through income taxes. These two funds are available to reimburse local hospitals who treat catastrophically sick individuals. I believe in eliminating these programs, which would reduce the tax burden on Idahoans by creating a new program that would allow working people in Idaho to afford healthcare before they are catastrophically sick. We can do this by accepting federal Medicaid to cover the 78,000 Idahoans currently at risk. The interim legislative committee has found that this would save lives and lower taxes while getting a return on our federal taxes that we are forced to pay and other states currently receive our benefit.

5. Yes, the state should increase spending on education. The state has run budget surpluses the last couple of years. The state income derived from income tax and sales tax is projected every year based on the health of the economy. As the state continues to come out of the recession and revenues increase, the state has replenished “rainy day” accounts that were used when the recession started to buffer cuts to education and other state programs. As these accounts are filled up there will be more revenue available without taking away from other state programs that would allow a greater focus on education.

6. Oppose. I have talked to current and retired police officers and all have told me they felt it was a bad idea. If those who protect us locally are not in

Years of residence in home county: 18

Marital status/ family: Married

Education:

B.S. Biological Science

Recent or pertinent employment or professional qualifications: Aquatic Biologist

Nonprofit groups, service or professional organizations to which you belong: Board of Directors local Thrift Store How can voters contact you: Telephone

1. Securing our state sovereignty and weaning ourselves from federal dollars.

2. Career politicians addicted to federal monies and self interests. Replace them.

3. While you provide no definition of “ideologically driven newcomers”, I see the change as refreshing. The career establishment has been running the show for way too long.

4. I am against taking federal monies to expand this program just to see it disappear in a few years. States that have expanded this are dealing with the unpleasant consequences now. These efforts trend us towards socialized healthcare, which hasn’t worked out well for other countries.

5. Spending doesn’t equate to intelligence or pupil success. I believe that more money should be directed towards retaining teachers and helping students instead of administrative expansions and perks.

6. Favor and co-sponsored.

7. Yes, this land issue is much more relevant to western citizens than the recent travel by state legislators to the country of Turkey.

8. I voted in favor of this billWhat’s so scary about the Bible?

Idaho State Representative District 1B

Bob Vickaryous (D)

Did not respond to questionnaire.

Sage Dixon (R)

Age: 46

Years of residence in home county: 14

Marital status/family: Finance major. Recent or pertinent

employment or professional qualifications: Business owner, current Idaho State Representative Nonprofit groups, service or professional organizations to which you belong: No organized membership, but I personally donate my time to various local and state charitable entities. How can voters contact you: Sage@sagedixon.com 208.610.4800

1. Upholding Constitutional principles, tax reform, i.e. removal of the grocery tax and land use issues.

2. Executive branch overreach and federal encroachment are the biggest problems with state government. Reclaiming the authority of the state’s legislative branch will be an important step in restoring our political balance.

3. I am unaware of state government being stymied, and opposition is critical to a strong political process. However, I do agree that ideological newcomers have been harmful through promotion of higher taxes, more regulations and environmentalism that has led to the decline of our traditional industries.

4. The Affordable Care Act, or “Obamacare,” is the cause of the perceived problem, and I find it unconscionable to make more people dependent upon the government.

5. There is a fallacious implication in this statistic, as our test scores are better than many other states. Therefore, we are producing more with less, which should be applauded and not maligned in order to gain more funding. Increased funding rarely produces increased performance. The key to better educational quality is better educational opportunity.

6. I favor the law. Please see the second amendment: “...shall not be infringed...”

7. This trip was on our own time and prior to the start of the legislative session. It was pertinent because of the involvement of our constituents, as well as other Idaho citizens. There also was a desire to mitigate any potential similar situations in Idaho

8. As I was the House floor sponsor, I support this bill for obvious reasons. It read “..religious texts..” with the Bible being used as an example of what would be permitted. The bill did not exclusively permit the Bible, and it was abundantly clear that no religious text was to be used for doctrinal purposes. I don’t agree with the opinion the governor’s staff gave him, which resulted in the veto.

Stephen Howlett (D)

(write-in)

Age: 65

Years of residence in home county: Reside in Bonners Ferry /Boundary County since 1978

Marital status/family: Married

Education: High School Graduate Recent or pertinent employment or professional qualifications: Self-employed building and remodeling Nonprofit groups, service or professional organizations to which you belong: Boundary County Historical Society, GROW Community Garden How can voters contact you: 208597-6433

1. Work toward solving the insurance gap issue. Online voter registration and voting by mail. The collecting of sales tax from online sales. Expand broad band internet access to rural areas. Raising minimum wage. Funding infrastructure needs for state highway and bridges.

2. Legislative deadlock and failure to compromise. Voters need to recognize if their representatives are doing the job they were elected to do. Representatives need to be flexible to get fair laws through.

3. This is a serious issue. Voters need to recognize this problem and use their voting rights to change elected officials.

4. Idaho should adopt the federal program that includes insuring these Idahoans. This would allow for the reduction of the county indigent funding.

5. Yes, funding should be increased. State endowment lands revenue should be put into the school funds with the only deduction to be for administration costs. In the event of surplus of expected tax revenues, 3 percent should be moved to the school fund.

6. Although I don’t see the need to carry a concealed weapon, I support the new law.

7. I do not support their visit. through knowledge

8. Oppose this bill. This bill was a misuse of valuable legislative time.

Idaho State Representative District 7A

Jessica Chilcott (D)

Age: 37

Years of residence in Bonner County: I have lived in Bonner County for 8 years.

Marital status/family:

Education: Masters Social Work – Boise State University, Bachelors Social Work – Lewis Clark State College, Bachelors of Science, Psychology, University of Idaho

4. Medicaid expansion makes sense. Two bills were proposed that would ensure care for those in the gap during the 2016 Legislative session. Both would have saved the state money. Expanding Medicaid would eliminate the need for the Catastrophic Health Care Fund as well as the need for the County Indigent Care program. Beyond the cost savings to the state and the counties we can prevent the needless deaths of hundreds of Idahoans a year. It is unconscionable that we live in a so called first world nation and we have people dying of asthma and diabetes because they cannot afford access to care.

ily: Single, four siblings, 14 nieces/ nephews and one great-niece

Education: B.S. Biology, US Air Force Academy; M.S. Physiology, California University of Pennsylvania Recent or pertinent employment or professional qualifications: Corporate Pilot, Major in Air Force Reserves

Nonprofit groups, service or professional organizations to which you belong: NRA, Angel Flight West, Idaho President of Air Force Academy AOG, World Powerlifting Congress judge

How can voters contact you: Priscillafordistrict7.com Priscilla4distirct7@gmail.com https://www. facebook.com/Priscilla4district7/

Recent or pertinent employment or professional qualifications: Nonprofit groups, service or professional organizations to which you belong: I am a social worker. I have spent 8 years in Sandpoint working primarily as a case manager. Currently, I am working as a therapist and I supervise a program that provides developmental therapy services. I currently sit on the board of directors for NAMI Far North, Bonner County Human Rights Task Force Board of Directors, as well as the Board of the Northwest Coalition for Human Rights. I am a current member of the National Association of Social Workers as well as the American Association of University Women. I am also a volunteer with the Medical Reserve Corps.

How can voters contact you: I am available by cell (208) 304-2906, email- Jessica.chilcott@gmail.com. I also have a Facebook page: https:// www.facebook.com/ChilcottforIdaho/ I also have a website that is still largely under construction: http:// chilcottforidaho.ruck.us/

1. We need to improve education investment. We need to focus on improving the economy to support economic diversity and resiliency. This includes investments in infrastructure.

2. There is a lack of balance in government that has created a situation where good ideas are sidelined not based on their merits but because of where they originate. This does not best serve the citizens of Idaho and it is possible to do better.

3. I believe that the Legislature needs to focus on the job of good governance through civil discourse and collaborative decision making. We saw some good examples of this such as the coalition that worked together to establish the guidelines for testing rape kits in Idaho. We have the ability to work together for all of our Citizens and we should do so.

5. The Idaho Constitution requires that the Legislature ensure a “general, uniform and thorough system of public, free common schools.” That is not what we have. Some Idaho communities are incredibly fortunate that they are able to continue to pass levies to make up for some of the funding gaps left by the Legislature. Other communities are not as fortunate. While the Legislature restored education to 2009 levels we are now living in 2016. We cannot expect our students and teachers to continue doing more with less. As the economy improves we need to continue to invest in the education of Idaho’s students.

6. There continue to be some limits on where an individual can carry concealed after the law takes effect. My concerns are related to what I understand to be a lack of training and oversight. There is a possibility that individuals who would not be able to obtain a permit as currently outlined will now be able to carry concealed and I find that concerning. In general I am opposed.

7. I understand that they considered their first trip to be a fact-finding venture. I would be interested to know the outcome of any conversation they had with the individuals involved in the land use collaborative that is, as I understand it, very active in that area. There are several models of collaborative land use planning inside of and outside of Idaho that can help us as we navigate public land conversations and policy making.

8. Oppose, this bill was unnecessary. Gov. Otter was right to veto this bill.

Priscilla Giddings (R)

Age: 32 Years of residence in Idaho County: Graduated from Riggins High School in 2001 Marital status/fam-

1. A. Improve District 7 unemployment rate because it is currently the worst in the state.

B. Clean up the excessive fuel on the forest floors to provide employment, protect the wildlife, property, and homes in rural communities, and reduce expenditures on wild fires (Idahoans spent $54.5 million in 2015 on fires).

C. Deregulation of industry through legislative authority to review and reject regulations that strangle employment (Constitutional amendment regarding legislative oversight this will be on November ballot).

2. Even though we have a balanced budget requirement in our state constitution, Idahoans should know that the state is $3.6 billion in debt and the federal government provides more than 30 percent of our annual expenditures. That kind of dependence makes fighting for limited government more challenging. We need to vote for legislators who understand and support fiscal responsibility.

3. Healthy debate is the strength of our constitutional republic. It is a good thing that more people are engaging in the discussion and that neither faction is allowed to walk away with uncontested power. It is a natural part of our governing structure that the status quo be challenged.

4. During the legislative hearings on this important issue, one of the glaring complaints on Medicaid expansion was the failure of contracted companies to fulfill their duties in helping. I believe accountability is the first step toward helping Idahoans in medical need and the legislature needs to address these contracting oversight problems.

5. Although Idaho is at the bottom in expenditure per pupil, we are ranked at the top of states for the taxpayer burden to finance our school. We need to transfer the burden to other revenue sources. Most other states use their profits from natural resources which Idaho has been denied access. If the federal government is not going to provide the promised PILT payments, then the state needs to be able to manage its own resources to use the profits for education and other needs.

6. I support constitutional carry.

7. I believe the federal government is far too aggressive in situations like what happened at the Malheur Wildlife Refuge. However, as a state legislator, I represent the citizens of District 7. As far as I know, none of the stand-off participants were from their home district. My interest in this case would have been only for the purpose of preventative measures should a situation arise in the state of Idaho.

8. Based on my understanding of our current statutes and state constitution, I do not think this legislation served any useful purpose. I fully support the Bible as a part of our history, our culture and our founding documents. I expect professional public school teachers to use the texts and tools needed to provide our children with the best quality education, which is appropriately under local control.

Shannon McMillan (R)

Did not respond to questionnaire.

Idaho State Representative District 7B

Paul Shepherd (R)

Did not respond to questionnaire.

Kris Steneck (R)

Age: 60

Years of residence: 45 years in Idaho/6 in Idaho county

Education:

Associate of Arts, General University of Alaska

Anchorage

Bachelors of Science, Social Science Boise

State University

2. The problems are too many lobbyists, and not enough oversight or accountability. All of which help build the tentacles of more government intrusion into our lives. The answer is in plain sight.

3. The issue I see here is not about ideology, but a lack of knowledge. Many lawmakers have no foundational understanding of sovereignty, states rights or nullification. Therefore no common ground exists to work from. How do you solve this? Start by requiring that all legislators take a written test on the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Idaho State Constitution before they can be seated to their position.

especially security.

7. Federal lands cover a third of the nation’s total land area. Idaho is a piece of that pie. The issues revolving around the Malheur refuge and surrounding ranches and communities are alive and well in our own state. Why not a fact finding mission? So whether you agree or disagree with the issue itself, the presence of these elected officials most likely helped divert what could have become a horrific outcome for other Idahoans.

Bonner County Commissioner race

District 2

Todd Sudick (R)

Did not respond to questionnaire.

Jeff Connolly (R)

one example of what direction we want our property rights to go. This is private property, and that property owner has the right to do what they want with their property as long as it follows the zoning regulations. General public opinion has followed that line of thinking.

Addiction Studies-Graduate Certificate Boise State University

Recent or pertinent employment or professional qualifications: Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor

Nonprofit groups, service or professional organizations: Prior Memberships— Treasure Valley Drug and Alcohol Coalition (Boise, Idaho), Boise State Women’s Center, Mentor program (Boise, Idaho) Governors Juvenile Justice and Family Services Committee (Anchorage, Alaska) Alaska Council on the Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Anchorage, Alaska) American Legion Women’s Auxiliary (Elk City, Idaho).

How can voters contact you: Facebook Kris L. Steneck and Kris L. Steneck for Idaho District 7B. Kris.Steneck@gmail

1. A) Limited government. B) Individual rights. C) Unlawful federal monetary mandates and regulations controlling and obligating state policy and lawmaking; all of which influence, and damage our free enterprise system.

4. The most important thing here is to know that these are not just single issues with simple answers. First, the federal government has no lawful authority to mandate the purchase of health insurance. In Justice John Robert’s written opinion upholding the constitutionality of Obamacare, he stated, “The states are separate and independent sovereigns, sometimes they have to act like it.” I believe that he was telling the legislatures of the various states that they have the sovereign authority to nullify unconstitutional mandates from an out-ofcontrol federal government. I consider Obamacare another example of a long train of abuses, where the federal government is attempting to exercise unlawful powers. Again the principle of state nullification applies. Secondly, the discussion of the healthcare market must begin with addressing insurance. Insurance companies are a farce. They rarely compensate for loss or defer liability. They have contributed significantly to increasing costs in every area that they have touched. Because of this they exacerbate the problems that they purport to alleviate and damage the free market by obscuring competition. Making any insurance mandatory is tyrannical, smacks of cronyism, and destroys free market choice.

5. Contrary to popular opinion, the amount of money spent on education does not positively correlate to quality of education; in fact it has been shown to be the reverse. For instance, home schoolers spend the least and produce the finest academics. Most private schools spend less than their public counterparts and still best them for academic achievement. For the most part, Idaho education is adequately funded if the money is spent wisely.

6. Requiring permission to carry concealed or otherwise, is plainly an infringement on the people’s right to bear arms. I oppose all restrictions on gun models, magazine capacities, ammunition types, barrel length, power, caliber etc. If are we to remain capable of maintaining the security of a free state then we must not be limited to 19th century technology. It should also be an option for teachers and staff to carry with the caveat that teacher training/qualification would include proper firearm use, safety and

8. The duty of the legislature is to “establish and maintain a general, uniform and thorough system of public, free common schools.” Article IX, section 6 appears to prohibit the availability of religious and even political books. This denies people access to foundational material like early political treatises; stifling student’s ability to research and discuss. I would support legislation to allow these kinds of books to at least be available for study since students are inundated with a continuous barrage of socialist’s attitudes and issues throughout their school careers. I agree with the recent passage of SB 1342 that allows use of the Bible in public schools to be codified in law thus reaffirming a practice already in use.

Questions for Bonner County Commissioner race

1. What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Bonner County today?

2. The shake-ups in the Bonner County Planning Department have been ongoing news for more than six months. What do you think about the firing of department employees and the effort to reduce regulations? Are you concerned about the lawsuits that have sprung up in its wake?

3. The Clagstone Meadows easement was another recent controversy, with some calling it crony capitalism enriching Stimson Lumber and others saying the federal funding was appropriate compensation for the company giving up development rights. What do you think?

4. What personal qualities do you bring that you think would add to the Board of Commissioners?

5. What do you think are Bonner County’s strongest assets, and what would you do to protect them?

6. The decision by the county commissioners to pass a resolution in support of Gov. Butch Otter’s call to halt Syrian refugee settlement kicked off a large controversy, although there is no proposal to settle refugees here. What is your opinion on this issue?

7. Do you favor or oppose wilderness designation for the Scotchman Peaks roadless area? Do you favor or oppose the Rock Creek Mine proposed to be sited 25 miles upstream of Lake Pend Oreille.

8. Roads are a big part of the county budget. How’s the county doing with its responsibility for roads?

Age: 57 Years of residence in Bonner County: 57 Marital status/ family: Wife, Kris; children, Keith and Brittany; four grandchildren Education: High School diploma, Loggers Education to Advance Professionalism certification Recent or pertinent employment or professional qualifications: Priest River City Council Nonprofit groups, service or professional organizations to which you belong: Priest Community Forest Connection, Panhandle Forest Collaborative, How can voters contact you: Cell: 208-755-1440 Email: jkconnolly@frontier.com connollyforcommissioner.com Facebook.

As far as funding: Clagstone Meadows was put into a conservation easement through the Forest Legacy Program (FLP). This program protects private and important forestlands that are threatened to be converted into non-forest uses. FLP grant funds are NOT taxpayer dollars, but consist of royalties paid by energy companies drilling on public lands and the outer continental shelf.

4. My people skills are one of my greatest assets and have aided in bringing progressive transformations to Priest River and other areas. I treat others with respect and appreciate their points of view even if it doesn’t match mine. I have 57 years of experience living in this county, and I know the rigors of raising a family here, working here and preserving a very unique quality of life. I will use that experience to help all residents of Bonner County.

1. A lack of transparency and inclusion for the general public. Protecting jobs and bringing more job opportunities to Bonner County. Bringing common sense to the inner workings of the county to improve morale and efficiency. Finding a sensible pathway forward for the Planning and Zoning Department that will benefit the citizens of Bonner County.

2. Good employees are and have been in place in the county and it is a travesty that some have been treated with a total lack of respect. There is a policy and procedures manual that has not been followed in some of these cases. Intimidation has seriously lowered the morale of many of the county employees and that is disenabling them to do their jobs properly.

The Comprehensive Plan should be reviewed regularly, and that is one of the missions of the Planning Department, which has also been somewhat dismantled. If changes need to be made, it should be a public process with input from the property owners of Bonner County.

I am concerned about the lawsuits that seem to be piling up. It has been stated that they have not lost a lawsuit? Well, that would be because they either settle out of court or they keep the lawsuit moving up the chain. It is not because the lawsuits are viable. I believe many of these lawsuits could be avoided through good communication and problem solving and following proper procedures.

3. Clagstone Meadows is just

5. Our assets include our quality of life, our amazing resiliency and our desire to move forward. We have good employees in place and they need to be encouraged and respected in order to continue the work they are asked to do. We also have a strong roads and bridges program and we have made a lot of progress with infrastructure. Solid budget plans and support for our county employees will help keep this county moving in the right direction.

6. I would put forth the idea that we halt all immigration until it is possible to determine the credentials of all immigrants coming into the US.

7. I do favor wilderness designation for the Scotchman’s Peak. I have worked with a number of the proponents of this designation and according to the IPNF forest plan it is a proper designation that is beneficial to this county.

The Rock Creek Mine seems to be going through the proper permitting process, as it should. That process should be played out and should guarantee no detrimental effects on our waterways or the environment. This is a great opportunity to continue to collaborate so the parties can find a solution that satisfies the majority of concerns.

8. The roads and bridges program is the best I have seen in many years. The infrastructure in this county is super important for our economy, for our visitors and for our residents.

Bonner County Commissioner race

District 3

Dan McDonald (R)

Age: 56

Years of residence in Bonner County:

Full Time

20+

Marital status/ family:

Married for 33 years this year, three children, four grandchildren

Education: Some college, additional business management and technical training

Recent or pertinent employment or professional qualifications: Currently working for The Garland Company operating a local franchise as a commercial roof consultant. I manage between $12 and $15 million dollars worth of commercial roofing and waterproofing projects each year. I’ve been with Garland for 20-plus years. Prior to that I was vice president and general manager of a commercial roofing company that I grew from $1.5 million a year in business to $15 million in just 5 years and managed over 100 employees. I also co-host Face to Face on 1400 KSPT AM radio here in Sandpoint.

Nonprofit groups, service or professional organizations to which you belong: Kiwanis, Big Boy Ballet Company, Bearly There in Sandpoint, Former President of the Panida Theater. Professional organizations: CSI, AIA, LEEDS. I’m also involved with sustainable design solutions which include green roof technology and photovoltaic design. How can voters contact you: Facebook: dan4bonnercounty; Website: danmcdonald.net; Email: dmcd83864@gmail.com; Phone: 661-0428

1. Unemployment and the lack of good-paying jobs, the yearly loss of our youth to other areas that have jobs, increased taxation and the recent reduction in property rights. All of these can be traced back to a poorly written Comprehensive Plan and its supporting ordinances. The past commissioners failed to see the impact this plan would have on jobs and the economy in Bonner County. Our unemployment is 7.3 percent while the average of the balance of Idaho is 4.2 percent. The Comp Plan and supporting ordinances are actually more restrictive than the balance of the counties in the state have. We need to work on rewriting portions of the Comp Plan and the supporting ordinances to bring us back into line with the balance of the state to create a pathway for job growth and responsible economic prosperity.

2. I was first very concerned about the terminations after reading some of the reporting however, I noted that the majority of the reporting was coming from one side. I took it upon myself to meet with some of the commissioners to get their side. They couldn’t share confidential information. However, they did make it known that these decisions were reviewed by all three commissioners, two inside council, an independent outside council and the council from the county’s insurer. The findings were conclusive that there were grounds for termination. Additionally, with all the folks I’ve met throughout the county, the overwhelming majority have told me their stories of difficulty in dealing with the county planning department. Since county government is supposed to serve the people, it seems obvious that change was required. As far as reduced regulations, I am in favor of making the appeals process more streamlined and less costly for the citizens of the county. Again, county government is supposed to be there to help the citizens who pay for it, not to lord over them. The actions to date have brought Bonner County back into alignment with the state and other counties with regard to regulations. Again, is it a surprise that unemployment is so high here compared to the balance of the state?

3. My biggest issue is tax dollars going to a for-profit company. Imagine, if this were an oil company, the outrage we would hear. The history is important to note as originally there was an attempt at creating a housing project and two golf courses with a projected value of $12 million. Stimson seems to have found a way to recoup the loss of the development by a legal means, so good for them. However, it’s still taxpayer dollars going to a for-profit company and with conservation easements come restrictions. If taxpayer money is used, I believe we should have areas that allow motorized vehicles and multi-use. In addition, Bonner County currently has 64 percent of its land tied up via the federal government along with a number of existing conservation easements, this 12,000 acres is just more potentially developable land that will now be set aside forever.

4. I’m a logical thinker who looks for the facts on all sides of an argument prior to reaching an opinion. I have a great deal of experience working with employees and have for the most part been able to find positive outcomes in employee-related issues if they arise. I have a great deal of experience in the areas of service, labor efficiency, organization and budgeting. I believe in transparency and am in favor of more public input especially on important issues. I see the commissioners’ position as one of service to the people of the county and not to lord over those who we are there to serve.

5. The strongest assets are the

people and the culture followed by the incredible beauty of our area. I see the commissioners’ job as kind of a protector of the county and all in it. I have a long track record of community service, helping those in our county during their time of need. I created a group to oppose the grotesque signs and harassment of our local anti-abortion abolitionist group. I respect their opinion and am opposed to abortion but their tactics need to change to protect women and children from their harassment. I have a track record of helping to save some of the beauty in our area. I was the president of a citizen’s organization known as the Oden Citizens for Appropriate Land Use. We fought and beat an out-of-town developer who wanted to build a 2 million gallon sewer lagoon on the shores of the lake and sprinkle the effluent on what is anaerobic soils. Every time it would rain, the lake would have been inundated with nutrient loading. This would have caused massive aquatic weed blooms in our beautiful lake.

6. First off, the city of Sandpoint and Bonner County have little if any say as this is a federal issue. I agree with the county and the governor that they would support holding off on sending refugees to Idaho until they could be properly vetted. Keep in mind, the National Security Director and the Director of the FBI both stated they could not properly vet the Syrian refugees. Additionally, we can help far more refugees if we keep them in adjacent countries. The numbers vary. However, the UN reported cost shows we can help anywhere from 12 to 20 more refugees over there for every single one we bring here. It’s a more logical and compassionate choice that helps more people.

7. I recently met with the Scotchman Peaks director and am in favor of the project. I am also however in favor of Rock Creek Mine as long as we have solid monitoring methods. Mining touches all parts of our lives every day and without it, I wouldn’t be typing on this computer. That being said, there needs to be monitoring at all points in the process and the mining waste management. Heavy metals are naturally introduced each year during rain and snow run off from the surrounding mountains. No one wants the Clark Fork and Lake Pend Oreille to see additional heavy metals introduction from the mining operation.

8. I think they are doing well, but let’s just say there is always room for improvement. I know a little about paving as my father still owns and operates a paving and excavating contracting business. Part of the problem is many of these road beds were not originally constructed properly, especially for our climate and conditions. As the budget allows, we need to continue to work toward improving and correcting some of these issues as this is a critical part of our infrastructure and can either be a positive or a negative to attracting business to our area.

Lewis Rich (R)

Age: 68

Years of residence in Bonner County: 36 Marital status/ family: Married 49 years to my wife Karol, two children, three grandchildren Education: AA degree plus many other education classes to complete my SDS teaching credential requirements.

6. Without a way to vet the refugees, which the federal government is not able to do, I don’t support the refugee program. It also seems that the photo evidence shows way-too-high percentage of young, able-bodied young males and not families.

7. I supported Scotchman’s Peak in the past and still do. The Rock Creek Mine, I believe, is a viable project, with proper oversight and monitoring systems to guard against potential pollution issues.

Recent or pertinent employment or professional qualifications: 6 years prior Bonner County commissioner 2006-2012. Small business owner and operator for approximately 28 years in Bonner county with a lot of understanding how to survive profitably in our local economy. In my third term as a Northside Fire commissioner. Held many offices in Bonner County Search and Rescue. Nonprofit groups, service or professional organizations to which you belong: Almost 50 years cumulative volunteer service with Sandpoint Fire, Northside Fire District, Bonner County Search and Rescue, Little League coach, and many others. How can voters contact you: Email: biglew1947@yahoo.com, local phone 208 263 8495

1. The ransacking of planning and zoning and its advisory committee. Terrible employee morale issues like I’ve never seen in Bonner County in my 36 years of history here due to re-classifying of all unelected department heads. Road and bridge issues. The counties liability exposures because of all of the lawsuits, which could leave the county uninsurable.

2. There are still four out of five wrongful termination lawsuits remaining. The first one involving Rob Wakeley was just settled in Mr. Wakeley’s favor. I have a lot of knowledge about the remaining four, and they all will prevail. There are still a few more brewing that I know of within the county and the sheriff’s office.

3. This project has been around for several years and the details are certainly not new. I do support it and believe the sources of funding to be an appropriate way for this funds to be spent.

4. I have never advocated a one-way or the highway policy in my personal or public life experiences and certainly won’t go that way now.

5. A true traditional sense of community, with diverse and independent opinions and lifestyles. I would work to protect would we have here and not try to fix and repair it to resemble the other places where people who have moved here came from. I would practice conservative fiscal policy to keep the costs to run this county in proper perspective.

8. Keeping the paved roads paved and properly maintained is a huge financial responsibility and critically important. New pavement has to be the most expensive and takes years of tax fund allocation to allow this to happen. There’s no way to fund significant amounts of new pavement in any single year’s budget. It takes good management practices and reserve management to get large road and bridge projects funded.

Bonner County Sheriff race continued on page 20

Registration open for 13th Annual Celebrate Life Run

By Reader Staff

The 13th Annual Celebrate Life Fun Run/Walk is scheduled for Saturday, August 13, 2016. Early registration begins now and ends on July 31. Registration fees will increase beginning August 1.

What began in 2004 as the vision of a courageous and beautiful young woman has blossomed into an annual community event raising funds for, and awareness of, our community members struggling with cancer.

Since 2004, Celebrate Life has raised over $215,000. One hundred percent of the proceeds go directly back to our community through unique and meaningful ways, to include: funds for medication, medical equipment, grocery and restaurant vouchers, gas vouchers, housecleaning, firewood, airfare, car repairs, construction projects as well as vouchers for personal care services such as manicures, massages and pedicures. The organization is managed solely by volunteers.

For more information and to register, visit celebratelifefunrunwalk.org or contact Julie at julie@celebratelifefunrunwalk. org Phone: 208-255-9628.

Jazz ‘n’ Java

6-8pm @ Monarch Mtn. Coffee

The Conversation

6-8pm @ Ivano’s Ristorante

Throwback Thursdays 7-11pm @ 219 Lounge

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

All players welcome! Sit in with a rhythm section, play solo, or just listen

“Our Sacred Obligation” film

7pm @ The Little Panida Theater

ICL hosted screening of this film dealing with coal/oil trains

Live Music w/ Ben and Cadie

5-7pm @ Idaho Pour Authority

Featuring Jason Wiley, of the Sandpoint Parks and Recreation Department, talking about the new summer event “The Sunday Celebration.” This is a FREE monthly event open to all

Multi-instrumental duo from Sandpoint

Live Music w/ Daniel Mills

5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery Fingerstyle guitarist and singer-songwriter

John Craigie in concert at Di Lunas 7pm @ Di Luna’s Cafe

The legendary folk singer/stand-up comedian returns to Sandpoint for two nights. Ben and Cadie will be opening at 7 p.m., and dinner service begins at 5:30 p.m. Don’t miss this one!

Live Music w/ Too Tipsy and the Hangovers 9pm-12am @ 219 Lounge

Great rockabilly swing on the patio (weather permitting)

Live Music w/ Chris Lynch 6pm - 9pm @ Arlo’s Ristorante

Sandpoint Chess Club

9am @ Evans Brothers Coffee Game Night at the Niner 9pm @ 219 Lounge

Featuring live music and Chris Lynch

17th Annual Animation 7:30pm @ Panida 11 award winning want to miss!

17th Annual Animation Show of Shows 7pm @ Panida Theater

Live Music w/ Feeding Leroy 6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall Alt-country/folk band from Minnesota

Live Music w/ Chris Lynch 6pm - 9pm @ Arlo’s Ristorante

Spring Fling Fundraiser

8am-1pm @ Hope School

Help support the Hope School with this fundraiser featuring a bunch of fun events

Live Music w/ John Firshi 5-7pm @ Idaho Pour Authority

17th Annual Animation Show of Shows 4pm @ Panida Theater

Cornhole Classic Tournament 1pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall

Monthly tourney, rain or shine. Noon registration, 1 p.m. first toss. $10 per team

Live Music w/ Brian Jacobs and Chris Lynch

6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall

Fun duo on guitar and piano, lots of great songs

17th Annual Animation Show of Shows 3:30pm @ Panida Theater 11 award winning short films you don’t want to miss!

Monday Night Blues Jam w/ Truck Mills 7:30pm @ Eichardt’s Pub

Idaho Primary Election

Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for state and county candidates for public office. A great source to learn more about the candidates would be the SandpointOnline.com elections page

Five Minutes of Fame

6:30pm @ Cafe Bodega

Writers, musicians, listeners... welcome all. Held the third Wednesday of every month

Make It

Learn to dance the Swing – 7pm @ SWAC

Learn the Triple Time East Coast Swing from Diane Peters. 610-1770 for info

3-5pm @ Spt. Library

A program for teens/ tweens that includes Legos, robotics, needlework and other projects

Winter Ridge Speaker Series

6pm @ Winter Ridge

Learn how to cook with essential

Karaoke Night

10pm - Midnight @ 219 Lounge

Sandpoint Farmers Market

3-5:30pm @ Farmin Park

Shop for plant starts, locally grown produce, browse vendor booths, and more. Live music by Chris Paradis

PFLAG Meeting

6-7:30pm @ Gardenia Center

The Sandpoint Chapter of PFLAG holds a monthly meeting every third Thursday of the month

Distinguished Student Concert

7pm @ Panida Theater

The Music Conservatory hosts a Distinguished Student Concert featuring the school’s highest achievers and hardest workers

Dollar Beers! 8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub Good until the keg’s dry

ful

Throwback Thursdays at the 219 @ 219 Lounge

Featuring live music with Brian Jacobs

Lynch and drink specials

May 12 - 19, 2016

A weekly entertainment guide to keep you on your toes. To list your event free, please send an email to calendar@sandpointreader.com.

Learn the Rumba – 7pm @ SWAC

Learn the dance of romance from Diane Peters. 610-1770 for info. Also, learn the West Coast Swing at 8pm Annual Animation Show of Shows @ Panida Theater award winning short films you don’t miss!

Dollar Beers!

8pm @ Eichardt’s Pub

Good until the keg’s dry

Contra Dance

7-10pm @ Sandpoint Community Hall

Contra dancing is community dancing for all ages, in the New England tradition, featuring live music with local and regional bands and lively callers. $5 donation

John Craigie in concert at the Pearl

7:30pm @ the Pearl Theater (Bonners)

Appearing with Anna Tivel

Live Comedy with Randy Liedtke

7:15 @ Panida Theater

LA-based stand-up comedian, actor, and writer called “maddeningly great” by the Village Voice. $23 to laugh your pants off

Sandpoint Farmers Market

9am - 1pm @ Farmin Park

Shop for plant starts, locally grown produce, browse vendor booths, and more.

Lynch songs

Live music by Ruff Shod

Reader recommended

Chafe 150 Happy Hour

5:30-7pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall

Free, all are welcome. Raffles and drawings for great prizes. Support schildren with autism in the LPOSD

Live Music w/ Devon Wade

9pm-12am @ 219 Lounge

Shows FREE Parent Connection Community Workshop

Sandpoint-based country artist, on the patio (weather permitting)

Late Night at the Museum: 1950s Movie Night

5pm @ Bonner Co. History Museum

Cocktails and snacks from the ‘50s, then watch “Invasion of the Body Snatchers.” $10

Summer Job Fair at Schweitzer 11am - 4pm @ Schweitzer Mountain Resort

Want a great summer job with fun people in a beautiful place PLUS a way to earn a free winter season pass for 2016-17? Hiring managers will be on site to conduct interviews and answer questions about summer jobs. For more info, call 263-9555

Bicycle Scavenger Hunt

10am-12pm @ Panida Theater

Gather at Panida at 9:45 a.m. and bike to over two dozen spots around town answering questions. Fun for all ages!

$5 single, $10 family

John Craigie in concert at Di Lunas

7pm @ Di Luna’s Cafe Night two of Craigie’s two Sandpoint shows. Bart Budwig will be opening at 7 p.m., dinner service starting at 5:30 p.m. John Craigie always puts on a great show, so check him out

5pm @ Tango Cafe

Lounge

Casting call for a short film

2-6pm @ Panida Little Theater

Have you ever wanted to act in a film? Now’s your chance! Sandpoint Filmmakers Network is holding auditions for their upcoming short film, “Mist Underwater.” Go to www.sandpointfilmmakers.net for more info

We are honored to present Foster Cline’s great Parenting Wisdom as an effort to support the Parents of our teenagers and Youngsters!

Trivia Night

7pm - 9pm @ MickDuff’s

Rock n’ Roll Heaven XII

7pm @ Bonner County Fairgrounds

An explosive night of energy and music that will rock you for days. See your favorites from rock n’ roll heaven; Elvis, Richie Valens, Jackie Wilson and more!

Hop Valley Tap Take-Over

4-7pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery

A fun event to kick off Lost in the ‘50s. Join the winery and Hop Valley Brewery from or raffles, prizes, gifts and more

May 19-22

Lost in the ‘50s!

May 21

Bike Swap @ Eureka Institute Building (513 Oak St.)

May 21

Mic with Scott Reid

Monarch Mountain Coffee welcome to attend

Throwback Thursdays at the 219 7-11pm @ 219 Lounge

Featuring live music with Brian & Chris

The Alliance Band (Lost in the 1450s) @ Evans Bros.

Gardening with Laurie: Four Easy Perennials

By Laurie Brown Reader Columnist

For years now, a myth has circulated among beginning gardeners that perennials require less work than annuals— annuals you have to buy new and plant every year, whereas perennials you buy once, install and never need to deal with them again.

Wrong.

Perennials do require attention. Depending on the species, they may need deadheading, cutting back, mulching, dividing or treating for pests or disease. Some require a lot of work; some less. These four need very little attention, and are long lived. All four can be found around abandoned farm houses, where they persisted with no care, sometimes for years.

Peonies are plants that frequently outlive the people who plant them. They get bigger and better every year, and rarely need dividing. They won’t look like much the first couple of years—common in perennials—but about year three they hit their stride and give a real cottage garden look. Don’t plant them deep—you want the “eyes” to be only an inch under the soil level. Don’t mulch them; you want them to stay shallow. Water well. You can get by with only removing the dead stems in fall, but they’ll look better if you put a circular wire support around them so the heavy flowers don’t flop over into the dirt.

Oriental poppy (Papaver orientalis) is another easy one. Plant, water, ignore. In spring it’ll turn into a mound of hairy foliage, and then the huge, papery flower heads open and steal the scene for awhile. Then the foliage turns brown and the plant looks dead; it’s

summer dormant. Remove the brown foliage. If you water it, pretty soon a small crown of green will come up again, and if you water and fertilize it, it may bloom again in September. If you don’t, it’ll come up again next spring. No other care needed.

Orange daylilies are sometimes called “ditch lilies” because they’ll thrive in roadside ditches. The orange originals grow fastest and bloom heaviest, but the new varieties in different colors and forms are just as sturdy. They are another plant-and-ignore perennial. The clumps don’t need dividing until huge, and then the easiest way is to dig the root ball up, then stab it with two spading forks and pry them apart. No daintiness needed. New lacy breeds can cost $150 and more for one crown, but everyone knows someone with older types in their garden that can be divided and shared!

Tall bearded iris is another one found on old farms, usually in either pale yellow or medium purple. These can be plants that were brought across the country in covered wagons. These take more care than the other three; ideally they are divided every three years, but they will keep blooming for years when they get crowded, albeit with smaller flowers. Plant with almost half the rhizome exposed; they need sunlight on the root to do well. One end of the rhizome will have bulbous growths on one end; those are the new growth and that is the front end of the root. Plant that end facing away from things or within a couple of years they’ll have grown into it. Make sure they have good air circulation. After blooming, you can cut the flowers and leaves down to about 6 inches to be tidy. No other care needed until next year!

Farewell to Pete the Cat

By Sharon Wallace Clark Fork Library Reader Contributor

Being a library cat takes a special sort of feline, one whose specialty is public relations and knows the ins and outs of greeting patrons.

Our Pete had his job description down to a tee. He kept both older and younger patrons coming back for the “purr flirt,” the “lap flop” and the “keyboard scramble.” He also knew when to walk away and be just enough of a tease to keep his fans coming back for more.

Pete was good for a timely walk through or would hold down your favorite chair and was very patient with the younger set. Yes, he was getting older and often needed to rest up from his nap but he was most always good for a catly greeting or a serious cuddle.

Our Pete, we believe, was born in 2002. He took a transfer from his original job at the Westwood Veterinary Clinic as a “greeter,”— beating up the canine clientele was frowned upon, and he was asked to move on. He was

Of course all plants need to be kept watered their first year, and do better with moderate amounts of fertilizer. Just because they can survive total neglect doesn’t mean they’ll thrive that way.

recommended for the newly reopened position of Feline Public Relations expert at the Clark Fork Branch.

We had recently lost our long-time favorite Pewter, and Pewter’s replacement, Panther, kept checking out other openings for cat positions in the neighborhood and never returned from walkabout.

At times Pete would forget himself and might be caught with his spectacles on, perusing the latest Daily Bee or chittering at birds on his bird feeder, but that was only at break time.

Our Pete passed away on Friday, May 6; he will be sorely missed by the community of Clark Fork and the East Bonner County Library District as a whole.

We lost more than a pet; we lost a coworker and a friend who was always willing to brighten everyone’s day.

Festival’s Youth Orchestra going strong after eight years

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

It’s easy to get lost in the music during the Festival at Sandpoint summer concert series. It’s even easier to overlook all the great peripheral activities and programs the Festival sponsors for the community— programs that help kids begin a lifelong passion for music.

In its eighth year, the Sandpoint Youth Orchestra is a great example of such a program. Funded completely by the Festival at Sandpoint, the Youth Orchestra aims at teaching our community’s children the joy of playing in an orchestra.

Instructor Beth Weber said the importance of playing in an orchestra can’t be emphasized enough.

“They learn and understand the dynamics of playing with a group and how to hone their own musical skills,” she said. “We have students in this orchestra who have played less than a year and students that have been playing for six years. It’s quite a mixed bag.”

The program started eight years ago, but it began much earlier with Sandpoint’s love of the violin.

“There’s a long fiddle history in this town,” said Dyno Wahl, executive director for the Festival at Sandpoint. “Karen Dignan came up with this idea for us to purchase some cellos so we could put a youth orchestra together. The Festival

purchased 10 cellos, and Karen also had a cello camp and got kids into the cello.”

Beth Weber got involved as an instructor, and the Sandpoint Youth Orchestra was born.

Along the way, support from the Holly Eve Foundation, as well as Cheyenna Whittier with the Confidence Foundation, helps cement this fun program

in place.

Members of the orchestra learn how to play the violin or cello for a nominal rental fee, but it’s hardly effortless.

“They rehearse two days a week from September to May,” said Weber. When I attended last Monday’s practice at 6:30 a.m., I was pleasantly surprised to see a roomful of eager kids

playing their hearts out to some fairly complicated numbers.

“These kids are so dedicated,” said Weber. “We have a couple of cello players who started last year. They had never held a cello in their hands before. They had to go on a six-week business trip during the year and took their cellos with them. That’s dedication. Cellos are not easy instruments to pack along.”

The orchestra, which is divided between beginner and intermediate players, also features a couple of parents who started out with their children and are learning to play right alongside them.

Another benefit of playing in the Youth Orchestra is the possibility of hitting the big stage at the Festival to show your stuff.

“Last year, for the first time, we had a community orchestra at the Family Concert [at the Festival at Sandpoint],” said Wahl. “The Spokane Youth Orchestra couldn’t play last year

so we filled in. There were kids under 10 years old and folks over 80 grouped together and playing. It was so wonderful.”

Interested in joining up with the Sandpoint Youth Orchestra? Instructor Beth Weber said anyone is welcome to join if they have a passion for learning. She asks that interested parties contact her at 208-263-1151, or email to erdapu@frontier.com.

The Sandpoint Youth Orchestra will also be holding a special concert to showcase what they have learned this year on Sunday, May 15 at the Sandpoint Presbyterian Church, 417 N. 4th Ave. The concert will begin at 4 p.m. and admission is free.

“It’s so obvious what we do at the field,” said Wahl. “The concert series itself, but we’re just as passionate about these year-round educational missions. I love that the spotlight can be put on that as well.”

Questions for Bonner County Sheriff race

1. Please briefly describe your view of good law enforcement leadership. What makes a sheriff effective in a rural environment like Bonner County?

2. What is your vision for the sheriff’s office, and what goals would you prioritize?

3. Police shootings are lately a big news item, and not even Sandpoint has escaped the controversy, most prominently with the death of Jeanetta Riley. Do you think current law enforcement training and procedures are sufficient, or could steps be taken to minimize use of deadly force?

4. The Constitutional Sheriff movement is changing the leadership role many sheriffs choose to take in their communities. What does this movement mean to you, and do you yourself embrace it?

5. What are your thoughts on the controversy regarding former undersheriff David Hale creating a fake Terry Ford campaign website? Do you think this is an important factor voters should consider at the ballot?

6. What are the most significant law enforcement issues facing Bonner County over the next term?

7. What distinguishes you from your opponent?

Daryl Wheeler (R)

Age: 58

Years of residence in Bonner County: 18

Marital status/ family: Married

35 years, four children and four grandchildren

Education: I hold an Idaho Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Supervisory, Management and Executive POST certificates. I am also a POST certified instructor, a graduate of the 98th class of the National Sheriffs’ Institute and the FBI Command College. Recent or pertinent employment or professional qualifications: 30 years in Law Enforcement, over 7 years as your sheriff, 2012 President of the Idaho Sheriff’s Association, 2013 recipient of the Mills Adler Award from the Idaho Association of Counties. I currently serve as the law

enforcement representative on the Region 1 Behavioral Health Board. Nonprofit groups, service or professional organizations to which you belong: Idaho Sheriff’s Association, Western Sheriff’s Association, National Sheriff’s Association and Gun Owners of America. How can voters contact you: daryl@wheeler4sheriff.com

1. I believe that you need three things to be an effective sheriff in Bonner County. You must have an understanding of the law, the heart of the people and be dedicated to your employees.

2. I will continue to make Bonner County a safe place to live, work and play. My priority is to see an increase in salary and benefits for my employees. My employees are expected to lay down their lives on a daily basis. Despite the excellent jobs that they perform, they are not compensated in a manner that sustains them in our community.

3. I can only speak to training and procedures at the Sheriff’s Office. All our patrol staff has attended Crisis Intervention Training. Following this tragic event, I added the beanbag round as another less lethal tool for my officers to use. The Bonner County Sheriff’s Office utilizes scenariobased training with the use of beanbag rounds, K-9’s and tasers, which minimizes the use of deadly force.

4. I am in favor of following our nation’s bylaws. If the president signed an “executive action” closing all the newspapers, I would refuse to enforce it. Article I in the Constitution spells out the powers of Congress. Article II spells out the powers of the president. Article III spells out the judicial powers. Article VI states that all laws are to be made in pursuance of the Constitution ie. the bylaws.

5. Idaho Code 74-106 prohibits me from making comments on personnel issues.

6. Creeping crime from Kootenai County, Spokane and our nation’s borders. I requested an additional crime analysis detective which was not funded in last year’s budget. I will be making the same request in this year’s budget.

7. My experience, training and accomplishments distinguish me from my opponent. Check my website: www.wheeler4sheriff.com or watch the Redoubt video clips from the 2016 forums.

Terry Ford (R)

Age: 63

Years of residence in Bonner County:30

Marital status/family:

Married. Three daughters. One granddaughter. Education: College of Southern Idaho. ISP. Held Master post Certificate. Recent or pertinent employment or professional qualifications: 25 years as Idaho State Trooper. 10 years Reserve part time Post Falls. Nonprofit groups, service or professional organizations to which you belong: Injectors Car Club. How can voters contact you: Through my Facebook page on my website. fordforsheriff.com or call 208-255-8640

1. First of all the sheriff has to be honest. He has to lead by example and treat people like they want to be treated. He has to earn the respect of his employees and the citizens he represents. He has to be a good listener and a problem solver.

2. My goals are to bring back honesty, integrity and professionalism to the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office. I will work to make it one of the most professional departments in the state and aim for an accreditation through Idaho Chiefs of Police Association. I will have an open door policy for employees and the citizens of Bonner County and actually listen to what the people have to say, and work with them to make Bonner County a wonderful and safe place to live.

3. We can always use training on the use of deadly force. Things change so rapidly, and if we don’t keep up with the training we can fall behind. But it is still up to the deputies to make that call; they are the ones making the split-second decisions. All it would take is a split-second hesitation, and it could cost the life of a deputy or innocent civilian. I think all the deputies should and will be trained in the crisis intervention training program through NAMI. This training teaches the deputies what to watch for with mentally impaired people, and how to approach them. This could make a difference in a splitsecond decision that may cost a life.

4. I have been asked this question many times. Each time I ask what they mean by a constitutional sheriff I get a different answer. Here is my answer. I am a strong believer of the Constitution of the United States; it is what America was built on. I will abide by and enforce the laws of the constitution as written. As an officer of the law I will enforce all the laws.

to undermine my campaign. And to think that Sheriff Wheeler didn’t know about it is hard to believe when it was traced back to his web site. If Sheriff Wheeler didn’t know about the fake website and Hale did this on his own then why is Hale still employed at the sheriff’s office? What are they trying to hide? This falls back to honesty, integrity and professionalism. Sheriff Wheeler did a great disservice to the citizens of Bonner County when he said he accepted Hale’s resignation, leading the citizens to believe that Hale was gone and the problem was solved, until it came out later that Hale is still employed. This is called deception by omission. If you were to testify in court like that and only tell the jury what you want them to hear and not the whole truth, you would be charged with perjury. The way I would have handled it would put to Hale on administrative leave until the charge was investigated. When I found out the truth, I would have terminated him. I would have contacted my opponent and apologized personally and publicly (which was never done). I would have taken responsibility for the actions of my team, good, bad or indifferent, because that’s what a true leader does.

6. I think it’s the war on drugs. First of all, most of the property crimes are directly related to the rampant drug use. Most people using hard drugs usually can’t hold a job, so they steal things to sell and support their habit. There is also a lot of domestic violence due to drug use. There are programs out there to help these people kick the drugs, but you usually have to be in the system before they can be offered. If we can get these people in the system and get them the help they need then maybe they can become productive citizens. Excessive drug use can also cause mental problems. The deputies all need to be trained in crisis intervention to be able to determine the mental stability of a person he is in contact with. I will start a drug interdiction program to try and stop the influx of these drugs coming in on our roadways. With the proper training and programs we can stop a lot of the drugs before they reach the people using them. Listen to the citizens when they try to give information on possible drug traffic in their area. If the citizens are willing to give the information, we should take advantage and check it out.

5. I definitely think this is something people should consider. What made Hale think he needed to build a false website in my name? It was done with one thing in mind, and that was

Bouquets:

•A special bouquet for all of you who came out to our Candidates Forum Wednesday evening at Sandpoint High School.

Participation is the key to a healthy democracy. The next step is to vote in the primary elections on May 11.

Barbs:

•Innovative ideas often have naysayers. It’s just the name of the game. Edison’s electric light bulb was called “a conspicuous failure.” The telephone was said to be “hardly more than a toy.” In 1949, a mathematician once said that “We have reached the limit of what is possible to achieve with computer technology.” The New York Times even said “A rocket will never be able to leave the Earth’s atmosphere.”

Without innovative thinkers who are willing to put it all out there, we would never make these daring leaps forward in technology.

That’s why I’m often dismayed by the naysayers to Sandpoint-based company Solar Roadways. The idea is one that could quite literally change the world someday. Are we there yet? Nope. Are there issues and questions that should be asked? Sure there are. It’s always important to question everything, since that’s the way we learn.

7. Honesty and integrity, I believe in and live to this day by the Idaho Peace Officers Code of Ethics. It is on my website, or you can find it online. Please take a look and make your own decisions.

I am not a politician. I don’t belong to a half a dozen organizations across the northwest. I will be here running the Sheriff’s Office, not traveling somewhere across the state or who knows where to attend meetings. Yes, there are organizations I will have to be involved with, but for the most part, I will be right here working to make the sheriff’s office one of the most professional departments in the State.

But I’ve noticed an almost unhealthy obsession by some that are willing to completely dismiss this grassroots startup as “greenwashing” or that it will never happen in a million years, therefore we should just abandon all forward progress. I detest small thinkers.

Personally, I think Scott and Julie Brusaw are doing a hell of a job with this idea, and I wish them a resounding success. It will not only be good for the world, but good for Sandpoint, too.

Innovative leaps take time. I suggest we give it to them.

‘Get Trashed’ on art at Studio 524

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

For Sandpoint photographer and artist Woods Wheatcroft, another man’s trash is indeed a treasure.

Wheatcroft is featuring an art show at Studio 524 (inside Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters) called “Get Trashed,” featuring various pieces cobbled together from the formidable supply of trash he has collected from beaches and lakeshores around the country.

“I’ve been a collector and finder of shit since I was a kid,” said Wheatcroft. “I was a beach kid in San Diego, and I’ve always picked stuff up off the beach.”

Wheatcroft said he has bins full of trash overflowing in his house, but he views it all as supplies: “It’s sort of like getting more art supplies to work with whenever I clean stuff up. My house is a mess, but I’m collecting lots of fun trash.”

For last year’s ArtWalk, Wheatcroft featured an exhibition of sandals nailed to the wall—sandals he and his family have been collecting from beaches for years.

When Wheatcroft asked one of his clients, Klean Kanteen, to help sponsor a new art show with artwork made out of the trash he fishes out of the water and on the beach, they were on board right away.

“They have a big ‘no plastic in the ocean’ campaign,” he said. “I asked if they would help sponsor the event to help raise awareness.”

For the “Get Trashed” show, which will take place Thursday, May 12, at

5:30 p.m., Klean Kanteen will give away free reusable cups to the first 50 people who show up. They will also raffle off a highly sought after Klean Kanteen growler.

For Wheatcroft, the art show is a fun way to shed light on a more serious matter; the insane amount of trash and waste that clogs up our beautiful areas.

“We’re so conditioned to grab a bottle of water, but why not just bring a reusable cup and fill it up somewhere?” he said. “Working with a company like Klean Kanteen, which is super clean green, it helps you realize there are better ways to do this.”

Now, as Wheatcroft continues his decades-long mission to rid the beaches of the world from trash, he’s proud to see that it is rubbing off on others.

“I’ve been doing this for awhile, but what’s more important is that my kids are doing it too,” he said. “They see me picking up trash from the beach and setting an example for them. That’s more the goal and message. Don’t abuse that gift to be an influence.”

More than anything, Wheatcroft hopes his show will encourage others to start up the hobby of picking up trash: “It’s an opportunity to spread a little bit of word that we could use less in our daily lives. If you see trash, pick it up.”

Check out the show “Get Trashed” on Thursday, May 14, at Studio 524. The fun starts at 5:30 p.m., and don’t forget, the first 50 people get a free Klean Kanteen water bottle!

FOOD

By Marcia Pilgeram Reader Staff

We wrapped up another successful high tea for the Angels Over Sandpoint last Saturday, netting several thousand dollars to help Bonner County residents in need. The annual themed tea takes months of planning and many hands to execute, and over the years we’ve become a welloiled machine. Whether it’s setting and hosting one of the 15 exquisitely appointed tables for eight, or purchasing a ticket and showing up in finery that includes a Derby-worthy hat whilst nibbling scones, sipping tea and bidding on beautiful auction items, everyone has an important role. Local women in business switch up their professions for a day to become tea makers, servers, bartenders or decorators, while others still will devote the better part of a week helping me prepare food, to be served in three courses, each with a specially selected tea.

For as long as I can remember I’ve been on one food committee or another. While others dream of creating centerpieces with tulle or moss, satin and steady-handed glue guns, my imagination goes into overtime with visions of culinary creations that I hope others will truly appreciate. Whether I’m whipping, sifting, stirring, piping or drizzling, I cook not only with my hands, but with my heart, and I love sharing my kitchen with like-minded souls. Each year for the tea desserts, we begin with the

The Sandpoint Eater

More than tea

same simple ingredients of a baker: flour, sugar, cream, eggs, vanilla and butter. Before long, the creations begin to unfold. Many assistants will come and go through my kitchen during prep week, and it doesn’t take long for me to discover who’s in it for the love of cooking and the pleasure of creating food for others to enjoy. And over big bowls bursting with soft dough, we share glasses of wine and personal bits of our lives that otherwise may have gone unspoken. As the number of helpers dwindles and the steadfast remain, true and lasting friendships develop. It’s a safe haven, my kitchen. I grew up in an era when parish halls hosted Friday night fish fries and bingo, community halls held annual turkey shoots and affinity lodges, like the Moose, Eagles and Elks, were filled with pot-luck gatherings of families. The men assembled in knotty-pine dens to smoke and drink, the children ran amok and unsupervised and the women gathered in the kitchen. I was fascinated by the activity in these oversized kitchens: the big pots of aromatic sauces, steaming casseroles, colorful bowls of gelatin salads and fanciful rows of desserts. My mom’s was always the prettiest. I still remember watching her cover cardboard in foil, place the chocolate iced cake on top and with exact precision, garnish the cake with carefully placed walnut halves (sometimes I would move her cake to the front of dessert table, to be more noticeable, I was that proud). Because I was an oversized, awkward kid who rarely joined the children, I loved helping the ladies in the kitchen and relished the over generous praise they bestowed upon me and my burgeoning culinary skills. Thinking back, I guess I never wasn’t cooking.

There are so many clichés about a woman in the kitchen, but there’s just no place I’d rather be. It’s not just about preparing and preserving foods but preserving traditions and family lore that I hope will be passed along by my youngest little kitchen helpers. To my delight, that includes my budding chef grandsons. Though I have hundreds of cookbooks of many genres, I am always drawn to my collection of antique books, filled not only with recipes, but common sense tips for dealing with

the household, the barnyard, and even homesickness for the young transplanted bride. Many of the books have hand written notes in the margins— suggestions to improve upon a recipe, carefully recorded cost of the ingredients or a note of triumphant accomplishment: “Everyone loved this recipe!”

Speaking of a recipe that everyone loved, last week’s Bacon Jam and Irish Cheddar tea sandwiches were the hit of the event. So for everyone who inquired at the tea, texted, phoned or messaged me with

their request, you’ll find the recipe for Bacon Jam in today’s column. You’re welcome and I hope you enjoy cooking up your own batch.

After the tea, I made a quick Mother’s Day trip to Moscow and went out to lunch with Ryanne, who introduced me to the hostess, a former student who greeted me with, “I feel like I already know you from Ryanne’s ‘Food, Culture, and Society’ class. She tells food stories about you all the time.” That’s not a bad legacy to leave behind.

Bacon Jam and Irish Cheddar Sandwiches

Yield Six Sandwiches

You might even want to make an extra batch to serve as a condiment on a cheese tray. Serve as a cold sandwich or grill it, which is my favorite. Also, serve with a nice cold beer.

INGREDIENTS:

Jam Ingredients:

•1 lb good quality bacon, cut horizontally into ⅓ inch strips

•2 large onions, chopped

•2 cloves garlic, minced

•½ cup packed light brown sugar

•⅓ cup Irish whiskey

•¼ cup apple cider vinegar

•6 oz jar of jam or marmalade

(reserve 2 tbs)

•1 tablespoon soy sauce

•Salt and black pepper

DIRECTIONS:

•In a large skillet, cook the bacon on medium high until crisp. Stir often so it doesn’t burn. Remove with a slotted spoon and pour off half the bacon grease.

•Place the onions and garlic in skillet, still on medium heat and coat with the reserved bacon grease. Cook about 10 minutes, stirring often until the onions start to soften and become translucent.

•Stir in the brown sugar, whiskey, vinegar and soy sauce.

•Stir to combine and cook covered on low heat, stirring occasionally for about two hours.

•Stir in the jam and cook another hour, uncovered until it thickens, stir often.

•Add the bacon and cook until well mixed.

•Cool and refrigerate.

Sandwich Spread

Combine the reserved jam and ¼ cup soft butter and whisk to smooth

Sandwich

Spread good quality bread with above mixture. Smooth on the bacon jam and add a thick slice of Irish Cheddar. Serve or grill and serve.

STAGE & SCREEN

Get ready to laugh your socks off

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

They say laughter is the best medicine, but what the hell do they know anyway?

Seriously though, whenever you have the opportunity to see live comedy, it’s always worth it. The only drawback is that your face hurts after smiling and laughing constantly for hours.

Stand-up comedian Randy Liedtke will be appearing at the Panida Theater for a night of laughs on Thursday, May 14. The show starts at 7:15 p.m.

Based in Los Angeles, Liedtke divides his time between his stand-up comedy, acting and writing. His delivery is an absurd mix of smart childish jokes and creative unorthodox bits. Both the absurd and surreal end up hilarious and somehow logical when coming out of his red, furry mouth.

Liedtke’s half-hour special aired on Comedy Central in 2015, and his album “I’m on a Roll” broke into the top 10 on iTunes. He has performed stand up

on “Conan,” “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” “Adam Devine’s House Party” and “Last Comic Standing.”

With a deadpan delivery, Liedtke knows how to make his audience wait for the joke, which I can appreciate. He’ll string you along for awhile sometimes, the punchline always looming out there in the distance, until BAM, it hits. And it doesn’t hurt that he looks like a deranged lumberjack with a bright red beard.

Along with his comedy, Liedtke is well known around the water coolers of the Internet for hilarious hoaxes and pranks, including one where he baked cookies in the shape of an iPhone and drove around “talking” into his cookie

Film screening and coal train discussion set for Little Panida

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

Idaho Conservation League and Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper are hosting a special screening of “Our Sacred Obligation,” a film documenting the Lummi tribe’s opposition to a proposed coal terminal on their ancient land.

The proposed location of the terminal is the site of the ancient Lummi Nation village and burial ground known as Xwe’chienXen. It’s also the site of the Lummi’s traditional fishing grounds.

To demonstrate their opposition to the proposed coal terminal, and to build solidarity against the increased use of coal in general, members of the Lummi Nation carved a special totem pole in 2014 and hauled it on a 22-day journey along the proposed coal train route.

“Our Sacred Obligation” depicts the creation of the totem pole and the journey.

Since the creation of their first totem pole and journey, the House of Tears Carvers of the Lummi Nation have carved three additional totem poles. The

fourth totem pole will begin another journey this summer traveling from Bellingham, Wash. and terminating in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

On the way, the group will stop in Sandpoint on Aug. 28 for a blessing ceremony at City Beach.

Immediately following the film, ICL and LPOW will hold a discussion on the increased coal train traffic through Sandpoint and its impacts. Updates on the upcoming May 26 Spokane hearing for another proposed coal terminal—the Millennium Bulk coal terminal slated for Longview, Wash.—will be provided, along with details on the project and how to participate in the hearing and submit effective comments.

“Our Sacred Obligation” will be screened at the Little Panida Theater on Thursday, May 12 at 7 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, go to www.idahoconservation.org, or call (208) 265-9565.

until a police officer pulled him over. However, the prank backfired on Liedtke when the police officer that pulled him over for using a cell phone wrote him a hefty ticket for unpaid parking tickets.

Check out the fun at the Panida Theater on Thursday, May 14 at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $23. Belly laughs free.

week’s

READ

MUSIC

In his whimsical memoir, “The Music Lesson,” bassist Victor Wooten introduces us to his music teacher Michael, who is an unconventional shaman. The magical ride begins. Michael arrives unexpectedly, and through a series of enlightening experiences, the reader is introduced to the concept that music is a living entity that we can express through ourselves via instruments. For anyone who is interested in music or magic, this book is thought-provoking and approaches the language of music in a new and interesting way.

LISTEN

Radiation City recently released their third full length album “Synesthetica,” a tightly composed exploration of color based on their keyboard/vocalist’s synesthesia, a condition that crosses the senses often making sound appear as color. While this album is excellent in its own right, it sent me digging through my vinyl bins for their first album “Animals in the Median.” On that album, the Portland band is still searching for their sound, each song comes out a little rough, like they didn’t know what the song would be until it was complete. I recommend going back to the beginning to see how far they’ve come.

WATCH

“Man Up,” starring the lovely and hilarious Lake Bell and genre-bending favorite Simon Pegg. While the romantic comedy does occasionally fall into classic rom-com tropes, it is often surprising and delightful. The pace is fast and happens mostly in real time (the movie takes place all in one evening), which sweeps you along in its absurdity & genuine feeling. Despite some uncomfortably long scenes with a particularly creepy ex, the movie manages to both challenge the romantic comedy formula while conforming to the uplifting, light-hearted energy that one expects from the genre.

Double dose of Craigie at Di Luna’s

By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff

It’s no surprise that John Craigie is back on the road. It seems like the veteran folk singer, songwriter and comedian is either working on new album, supporting a new album on tour or doing both at the same time. This week finds him back in North Idaho promoting a new live album, “Capricorn in Retrograde … Just Kidding … Live in Portland.” The title alone should give you a sense of Craigie’s style, a unique blend of folk music and comedy. The combination of laughs and musical craftsmanship has won Craigie a following across the nation, including a substantial one right here in Sandpoint. We got a chance to catch up with Craigie about the new album, life on the road and the perils of staying the night at strangers’ homes.

John, good to talk to you again. So what brings you to North Idaho this time?

I’m out promoting a new album. It’s a live album, which is always fun. The fans love the live albums because they have the stories and the interaction. They don’t come as frequently as the studio albums, but when they do, they’re well-received.

I wanted to talk to you about that album title.

So the name of it is “Capricorn in Retrograde … Just Kidding … Live in Portland.” This is the first album I’ve released with a manager, the same manager as Shook Twins. I’ve always wanted to have an album that was “something something, just kidding, something else.” I think that’s funny. It fits my sense of humor. The live album has a juxtaposition of serious and funny, and I wanted to capture that it the title. … But my manager thought it was a bad idea. He thought it

would be confusing, especially when talking to press. But here we are, talking to press. I love it though. I love the title. … And the funny thing, too, is that retrograde in Capricorn is not a thing.

For the last album you put together, you took things in a little more serious direction. What approach are you taking this time?

The main goal with the live album is just to capture the live Craigie show, which is some humor and some seriousness together with the storytelling. It has what I consider the most popular stories of the last two years and also some of the most popular humorous songs mixed in with a few new serious songs. If the last album was sort of a break-up album, this album is about finding humor in being single.

Touring as much as you do, I’m sure you meet plenty of interesting people and find yourself in unusual situations. Anything stand out from the last couple years?

Well you know, in some towns you know people and they put you up when you come through. Other towns, you don’t know anyone, and while I can afford hotels, I just prefer to stay with locals. I’m alone a lot on the road, so any kind of human contact I can get I think is good for me.

So one time, I was in Pittsburgh. It was a good crowd, but when the show was over, everyone bailed. … One older guy stuck around and asked if I needed a place to stay. I said yeah. So we got back to his place and walked into the opening room—the foyer, if you will—and on the wall there were all these chainsaws and ropes. Now, I’m not going to judge a man for that. He can have whatever he wants on his wall. But if you have a guest

over and you have murder weapons on the wall, you should at least acknowledge it.

The guy didn’t say anything, so I was forced to say, “Hey, what’s up with the chainsaws?” He was quiet for a second he just sort of said, “Um, sometimes I cut down trees.” Then went into the next room. So I was kinda scared. I sat there holding my little Swiss Army knife waiting for the showdown. But I have a degree in mathematics, so I’m a logical man. I told myself, “You don’t know for certain he’s going to kill you. … And even if he comes at you with a chainsaw, you’re going to wake up.”

… So I went to bed. Turns out I woke up in the morning and he cooked me breakfast. It was delicious, and I went on my way. So it just goes to show, just because there’s chainsaws on the wall doesn’t mean you’re going to get killed.

Catch John Craigie in backto-back shows at Di Luna’s this weekend. Night one sees Craigie team up with Ben and Cadie of Harold’s IGA, while Bart Budwig joins him for night two. The shows take place Saturday, May 14, and Sunday, May 15, at 7:30 p.m. Each show will feature unique setlists, so for the full Craigie experience, attend both nights. Tickets are $15 at the door or $12 in advance by visiting www.dilunas.com or calling 208-263-0846.

Then & Now

compiled by Ben Olson

Each week, we feature a new photograph taken from the same vantage point as one taken long ago. See how we’ve changed, and how we’ve stayed the same.

Historical information provided and verified by Bonner County Museum staff and volunteers. The Museum is located at 611 S. Ella — (208) 263-2344.

This photo was taken in 2009 as painting began on the outside of The Dive, a short-lived dive bar in Sandpoint. You can see the 219 Lounge on the right (before it was restored to the original facade) and the Pastime Cafe sign still up on the left side of the photo.

The same corner today. The Hive has now taken over the old Pastime building, and you can see the historical restorations the 219 Lounge has made as well.

CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. Placed

5. Pays attention to

Stare

A single time

Bolt

Keen

Stair

18. Satisfying

News

Imitate

52 in Roman numerals

Church council

Tightwads 32. Stops 33. Clamorous

A law enforcement agency

Wings 38. Margin 39. Murmurs

40. 2,000 pounds 41. Grime

42. A slow speech pattern

A vegetable stew

Roam

Feline

Most destitute

Spiral

Pitiless

Walking stick

Food from animals

Spanish for “Friend”

At the peak of

Feudal worker

Give birth to

1. A prolonged lamentation or mournful complaint.

“The old codger’s jeremiad never failed to rear its ugly head when talk of politics hit the room.”

Corrections: In last week’s news story about the candidates forum, we neglected to include the date of the event. In addition, we wrote Jessica Chilcott hadn’t confirmed her forum attendance when she had.

65. Gave temporarily

DOWN

Misplaced

Against

Chilled

Remove body hair

Sheep’s viscera

Makes a mistake

Historic period

Shower with love

Breaststroke

Blithely

Birdlike

Kind of bean

Nosed (out)

19. Fastidious

Bites 25. Gossip 26. Angel’s headwear 27. Distinctive flair 28. Genuflected 29. Heart artery

30. Not loose 31. East southeast 34. A young horse 35. Roll a ball

36. Small island

38. By means of

Vital 41. Pullet

42. Twofold

Solution on page

44. Leopardlike cat

45. Foam

46. Notes

47. Ancient empire

48. Mountain crest

51. Anagram of “Cabs” 52. An indefinite period

53. Large 54. Provisions 55. Again

56. Past tense of Leap

58. A tree fruit

When I pick up a handful of sand at the beach and let

it

dribble through my fingers, I think, Man, this is not a very good vacation.

To submit your own pet photos, please send a photograph and a little bit of information about your special friend to ben@sandpointreader.com. Please put “PET PHOTOS” in the subject line.

This is Kelty. She’s always up for a road trip or boat ride. She’s little but has a huge personality. Thanks!

Tracey Koch, Sandpoint