Voters, join me Oct. 13
It's a double-edged sword. Here I go promoting an event valuable to the public when at the same time it wouldn't be awful if no one watched. That's only because I'm involved; I hate the limelight.
Selfishness aside, I'll buck up and do the right thing. People are working hard to put this show on. Most election seasons include several opportunities to hear local candidates express views in a non-partisan public forum. This year, I know of only one: Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m. You can watch in person at the Coeur d'Alene Library Community Room (suggest you arrive by 6:20) or tune in to Time Warner Cable's public access Channel 19.
The city of Coeur d'Alene will provide resources and staff and the League of Women Voters is organizing and doing most of the leg work. Me, I'll be the talking head nervously working the script.
Candidates in alphabetical order from these contested races have been invited to answer pre-determined questions, although they won't know the subjects in advance:
* Kootenai County Coroner - Jody Hissong and Deb Wilkey (please note: due to a family tragedy this debate may be canceled)
* Kootenai County Clerk of the District Court - Dan English and Cliff Hayes
* Legislative District 5, State Representative, Position A - David Larsen and Bob Nonini
* Legislative District 4, State Representative, Position A - Mike Bullard and Marge Chadderdon
* Legislative District 4, State Representative, Position B - Paula Marano and Kathleen Sims
* Legislative District 4, State Senator - Jeremy Boggess, John Goedde, and Ray Writz
Due to time restrictions other contested and important races can't be included. These include legislative Districts 2 and 3, North Idaho College trustees, and state races for governor, lieutenant governor, controller, superintendent, and the congressional seats.
Four constitutional amendments are also on the Nov. 2 ballot. Sample ballots are at the county's website www. co.kootenai.id.us/elections.
Don't forget to vote; it counts!
Sholeh Patrick is an attorney and a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. E-mail sholehjo@hotmail.com