IN MEMORIAM
Former Idaho State Representative Jeanne Lucy Givens passed away on May 13, 2025, at the age of 73. In 1984, Jeanne was the first Native American elected to the Idaho House of Representatives. She served as a Democrat representing Legislative District 4. Her friends and colleagues remembered her as courageous, levelheaded, and very knowledgeable. Chief J. Allan, Chairman of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, said Jeanne was a role model not just for the Tribe but for all the people she served.
I sent a condolence message to her family expressing our sorrow and extending our thoughts and prayers on behalf of the Kootenai County Democrats. You can share a personal message of sympathy through Jeanne’s Obituary page on the website of the Yates Funeral Home. Her funeral will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM in DeSmet, Idaho at Evangeline Abraham Longhouse.
ELECTION DAY WRAP UP
Yesterday was an election day. And apart from the result of the vote for Community Library Network (CLN) Trustee, they were positive. Here are the Preliminary Election Results.
Regarding the CLN vote, I am sad to report that Michelle Lippert did not win. We thank her for running and extend hope that Victoria Bauman will restore some sanity to this formerly great organization.
As for the Post Falls, Lakeland, and Plummer-Worley Joint School District levies, I am happy to report that they all passed. As a result, these School Districts won’t have to worry about cutbacks for at least another two years.
In addition, the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department Bond and the Spirit Lake Fire Protection District Levy were both approved. We are grateful to all those who voted in support of them.
THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR NOT GETTING TOGETHER
VISIT WITH REPRESENTATIVE BERCH
On June 9, enjoy a visit from Steve Berch, Idaho State Representative for District 15 (West Boise). A social or two are now being planned. Watch for details on our social media and website.
NO KINGS PROTEST
June 14th is the day of a nationwide demonstration coinciding with the military parade scheduled in Washington, D.C. on Donald Trump’s birthday. The protest is being organized by groups like Indivisible.org in protest of Trump’s fascistic administration.
IN DEFIANCE OF SILENCE
June 14th is also the date for an event by the Pro-Voice Project in cooperation with the League of Women Voters of Kootenai County. This gathering will feature Idaho residents’ personal stories of reproductive agency. It will also address the fallout from Idaho’s restrictive and punitive abortion laws and provide context for the history and future of the fight for reproductive justice. It takes place at 6:30 at Art Spirit Gallery in Coeur d’Alene.
RED, WHITE, AND BLUE BBQ
And on June 22, we are gathering at Majestic Park in Rathdrum for a BBQ which will include live music, and a visit from 2026 Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Terri Pickens. Go to our ActBlue Event Registration page for complete details and to prepurchase meal tickets.
WELCOME BACK JOE
Join me in welcoming back Joe Morrison. Joe is returning home from the University of Arizona to serve a second year as field organizer for the Kootenai County Democratic Central Committee (KCDCC). You are likely to encounter Joe at various social events over the summer. He will also be tutoring folks who have trouble using the computerized aspects of grass roots politics.
MORE ABOUT MY TRANSITION
On a personal note, my decision to step down early from the chair position was difficult for me. I’ve talked about it for a year but was reluctant to leave for various reasons. The point is that I like the job, but I recognize the need for generational change in organized politics.
Every time I came close to resigning, circumstances would arise that I felt would overwhelm a new chair. The timing never felt right. Leaving now is no different. I still love the job, and the timing still does not feel right. Yet, on the positive side, leaving now will give the new leadership team a year to ramp up before the 2026 general election.
Speaking of new leaders, if you feel interested and qualified to serve as KCDCC Chair or Vice Chair, or know someone who could be, please get in touch with us. The bottom line is that I think I made the right choice. I know that there are younger Democrats waiting in line who are fully capable of rising to this challenge.
Regardless of who takes the reins, I will still be around. One thing I hope to be involved with is the launch of a fledgling Idaho Young Democrats Chapter that is forming in our county. Plus, Precinct 201 is still in my domain, and of course I will remain the IDP Vice Chair until next year.
In the meantime, thank you all for the support you have given me over the past five years. Our Central Committee is in good shape, and it will remain the strong voice of the loyal opposition.
