Have some fun and learn the law

COEUR d'ALENE - There's room at the Inn for a few more good women and men.

Tonight at 6 in the Best Western Plus Coeur d'Alene Inn, Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden will host a fun, informative workshop on a subject that matters to everybody reading this story: laws governing public records and open meetings. While that might not sound too exciting, it's imperative for effective and accountable government, which depends upon a well-informed citizenry.

The workshop will last about three hours, but it won't be boring. Public officials and members of the media will play Oscar-worthy roles in a series of skits to illustrate the state's often confusing laws on information the public has a right to know. Journalists will play public officials, and public officials will play journalists in hopes that both groups will see their counterparts in a somewhat different light.

More than 50 public officials and other citizens had RSVP'd by Tuesday evening. There's room for about 30 more. If you'd like to attend, please call or email Hillary Main at The Press by noon today. Hillary's number is 664-0227, ext. 2004; her email is hmain@cdapress.com.

There is no admission charge, and refreshments will be available.

Among the government officials attending are Kootenai County Commissioner Dan Green, incoming commissioners Marc Eberlein and David Stewart, County Clerk Jim Brannon and Deputy County Clerk Pat Raffee, and newly elected treasurer Steve Matheson. Coeur d'Alene Police Chief Lee White will be there, as will Coeur d'Alene School Board members Christa Hazel and Tom Hearn. Superintendent Matt Handelman will also attend.

Legislators and legislators-elect who have indicated they'll attend: Don Cheatham, Eric Redman, Ron Mendive, Mary Souza and former Rep. Marge Chadderdon.