SHERIFF NORRIS IS MAKING NEWS AGAIN FOR THE WRONG REASONS

Sheriff Bob Norris was defending himself in court recently. He allegedly made vulgar sexual remarks about Coeur d’Alene resident Pennie Collinson during a candidate forum in Cataldo last April. Fortunately for him, the judge dismissed the case, but only on technical grounds. Consequently, it’s quite likely that the details of this case will continue to linger in the public’s consciousness. Especially after his role in the violent expulsion of our friend Teresa Borrenpohl in February. Read an article about the Sheriff’s recent case: Judge dismisses defamation lawsuit against Kootenai County sheriff | Coeur d’Alene Press.

SAY NO THRONES, NO CROWNS, NO KINGS

Plan to turn out for the No Kings Protest on June 14th (Trump’s damned birthday). Tell Trump that the United States is a democracy, not an autocracy and certainly not a monarchy.

YOU ARE INVITED TO OUR SUMMER BBQ

Make sure to reserve tickets for the Red, White, and Blue BBQ. The fun takes place on the afternoon of June 22nd at Majestic Park in Rathdrum. I can assure you that you will be entertained, educated, and well fed.

I AM SO GRATEFUL TO ALL OF YOU

For 5 years I have truly enjoyed the honor and privilege of serving as your Central Committee Chair. As I approach the end of my time in this post, I feel a need to thank a few folks and draw attention to a few of our major accomplishments.

First, I would like to thank Carolynn Mattoon, our remarkably skillful and perceptive secretary. Carolynn has ably maintained the daily work requirements of our county central committee.

Second, I want to acknowledge Paula Neils. Paula has served our Central Committee in just about every role. Over the past few years, she has been responsible for keeping our accounts in order. For a guy like me, who does not balance his checkbook, Paula has been invaluable.

Another contributor that deserves our thanks is Sarah Glenn. Sarah has been responsible for raising our social media profile and increasing our print media exposure. We are all indebted to her for her level-headedness and professionalism.

For their reliability and the wisdom and knowledge that only accrues with time served, I am grateful to Paula Marano, Paula Neils, Tom Sanner, Jan Studer, and Brian Wright. For technical expertise, my thanks go to Dan Studer, Adam Bennet, and Ruben Miranda. I am eternally grateful to our 2022 and 2024 candidates for their willingness to step up and run for office. That goes also for all the precinct captains who have served our Central Committee over the years.

I must also mention the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the many business owners who contribute space, time, and goodwill to our cause.

But, more than anything, I am grateful for the friends I have made within our extended family of Democrats.

Since my wife Loree Peery grew up here, she and I decided to move to North Idaho in 2006. Then, when DJT rode down his golden escalator and began his reign of terror, we decided to become more involved with the Democrats. Before then, I had no more than a few friends. Thankfully, Phil Ward drafted me into the leadership ranks soon after I got involved, substantially expanding my circle of friends. So, thank you Phil.

I am particularly proud of the Democrats I know here. You are dedicated to the causes for which our party stands. There is no equivocating, there is no backing down. In my opinion, you are the best citizens our Nation has to offer. I love the natural beauty of the lakes and mountains we have here. Yet it is your friendship and the commitment you show to our shared cause that makes it easy for me to call this place my home.

Thanks, are also due, for the many young Democrats who have made the commitment to join our Central Committee. Thanks to them, Democrats in Kootenai County have a promising future. These individuals are adding a fresh perspective to the knowledge base of our committee and generating new energy for our older members. This trend gives me great hope, and I am excited to build on it by supporting the resurgent North Idaho Chapter of the Idaho Young Democrats. Their numbers and enthusiasm are another cause for optimism.

Let’s not overlook that we have continually filled precincts with precinct captains. We have also sustained a postcard and letter writing group. Plus, we have hosted many large social events that have raised boodles of money and drawn lots of attendees.

Overturning the GOP supermajority will not be easy or instantaneous. It requires determined commitment that only a diverse and enthusiastic group like ours can sustain. I am sure I have overlooked some folks. If I have left anyone off this list, I apologize. As I have said before, I am not going away, so there will be plenty of time to thank you another day.

Take care, be good, and (as Ruben always says) thanks for being a Democrat.