LEADING DEMOCRATS ARE SPEAKING UP

It is heartening to finally see some Democratic Party Leaders speaking up. Finally, some are effectively giving voice to our outrage about the Trump Administration and the GOP enablers in Congress. Notable examples are Senator Cory Booker, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senator Bernie Sanders, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Another recent example is Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. On Monday, April 27, 2025, Governor Pritzker spoke at the McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner in New Hampshire. During his remarks, he criticized both Republicans and what he called “do-nothing Democrats” for failing to address key issues. Regarding the GOP, Governor Pritzker criticized the Department of Homeland Security. He called out DHS Secretary Kristi Noem for allowing warrantless arrests without due process and facilitating illegal deportations. Governor Pritzker was also critical of the Trump tariffs saying that they are bankrupting small businesses. He also called out the Trump Administration’s attack on Social Security. He said that “retirees do not need to be left destitute by a Social Security Administration decimated by Elon Musk.”

Gov. Pritzker also issued a call to action: Democrats must be bold; we must slay sacred cows. He emphasized the importance of lowering the cost of living. The governor proposed creating a fair tax system for working-class and middle-class Americans. He also called for people to protest the Trump administration. He stated that Republicans “cannot know a moment of peace” until their policies are challenged. We must fight with every megaphone and punish them at the ballot box. Outtakes of Gov. Pritzker’s speech are available at ‘These Republicans cannot know a moment of peace’: Pritzker calls for mass protests against GOP.

MAY DAY STRONG: WE ARE THE MANY

Speaking of protesting, a third national mass protest called “May Day Strong” is taking place on Thursday, May 1st. Locally, organizers are planning protests for Sandpoint, Spokane, and Coeur d’Alene. In Coeur d’Alene, people will gather at US-95 on the corner of Appleway Avenue. The rally location is on the northbound side of the highway in front of Walgreens. The two hour protest starts at 5 PM.

KCRCC VETTING CALLED INTO QUESTION

Locally, the KCRCC has a reputation for elevating candidates with questionable qualifications and highly partisan leanings. As part of the vetting process, these candidates promise to put their politics ahead of their public responsibilities. Here are a few known instances of the negative impact of electing these KCRCC’s vetted and endorsed candidates.

For example, after years of misconduct and recalcitrance by Todd Banducci, Greg McKenzie, and Mike Waggoner, voters removed them from the North Idaho College’s Board of Trustees. An additional trustee, Michael Barnes, resigned when his out-of-state residence was revealed. As a result of their combined actions, the college faced accreditation challenges due to governance issues and board dysfunction. Stated concerns included frequent leadership turnover, lawsuits, no-confidence votes from faculty and staff, and violations of open meeting laws.

Another example is Kootenai County Assessor Béla Kovacs. The Kootenai County Board of Commissioners appointed Kovacs County Assessor in May 2020, following the death of Rich Houser. In November 2022, voters elected him as County Assessor. During his tenure, Kovacs has faced numerous allegations including missing statutory deadlines, neglecting certain professional responsibilities, improperly disciplining staff, and secretly recording conversations with employees and other officials. Additionally, he has been criticized for errors in property assessments. Despite remaining in office, doubts persist about his effectiveness, with rumors suggesting that much of the department’s operations are managed by his staff.

You could also look at what is happening with the Community Library Network (CLN). Since achieving a GOP majority following the November 2024 election, the board of trustees has been busy implementing their partisan plans for banning books and downsizing library operations. Their efforts have damaged what was once a valuable and reputable organization.

There are also the recent actions of Sheriff Bob Norris who claims he can interpret the US Constitution however he wants. Sheriff Norris revealed his partisan sensibilities and abused his authority in the Town Hall incident that resulted in the assault of Teresa Borrenpohl.

The message is clear, the KCRCC has no claim of infallibility when it comes to selecting our leaders. For years we have witnessed them elevating extreme partisans and unqualified hacks for office and we are seeing the results.

A CALL FOR QUALIFIED DEMOCRATS and Independents

We need responsible and qualified individuals to step forward and lead. One person heeded the call and came forward. Her name is Michelle Lippert. She has been a philosophy instructor at North Idaho College since 1996. In addition, she has taught philosophy courses at Gonzaga University and Lewis and Clark State College. Michelle also served on the Post Falls School District’s Board of Trustees for several years. Many of you know Michelle. She is campaigning for a non-partisan position on the Community Library Network Board (CLN). If you want to have a new voice on the CLN, please do all you can to help with her campaign. And cast a vote for Michelle in the May Consolidated Election. Election Day is Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO RUN FOR PUBLIC OFFICE

The November 2025 Primary Election scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, presents opportunities for Democratic and non-partisan candidates to run for office. These include roles in city government across municipalities within the county, as well as seats on advisory boards overseeing highways, fire, water/sewer, library, and school district jurisdictions. Interested candidates must submit their Declaration of Candidacy by September 5, 2025. Here is a list of the taxing districts holding elections in November. Comprehensive details about the election will be available on the Kootenai Elections website starting July 2025. Start now. Learn How to Run for Office.