BRANNON: Costs land on taxpayers

Brannon v. the Taxpayers of Coeur d'Alene will soon be on trial. Let's recap.

We had an election, conducted openly and fairly. We announced results. City Council Seat 2 was won by the incumbent by just four votes. The loser, Jim Brannon, elected not to request a recount. Instead he chose litigation, an annoying American tradition.

Incumbent Councilman Mike Kennedy became a defendant to this suit, not because he did anything wrong, just because he ran for public office. Brannon claims he brought suit not because he lost, but because this was an election conducted improperly or dare he say "illegally." He wants to protect the rights of all voters. The fact that Idaho's Secretary of State has opined the election was fair and valid is lost on the plaintiff. One has to ask, "If Brannon had won by four votes would he have filed suit?" I think not.

In these fiscally tight times it is prudent to examine the cost of this litigation. I estimate defendants legal cost will be, county - $30,000, city - $40,000 and Kennedy - $50,000. The city and county get their money from us, the taxpayers; their costs are our costs. I would hope that before this is over Councilman Kennedy's cost will be borne by our city. If not, what does this say to anyone seeking public office in Coeur d'Alene, "Proceed at your own risk and expense?"

This case will cost the taxpayers at least $120,000. Thank you, Mr. Brannon, for helping keep my taxes low.

LOU SOUMAS

Coeur d'Alene