GOOKIN: For county clerk

Over the last few years, I have had the opportunity to get to know and observe both Jim Brannon and Dan Gookin, both personally and professionally in their current and in some cases past elected positions. Both are running for the Kootenai County Clerk’s position. There is no doubt in my mind that Dan Gookin has the communication skills, temperament and discipline to meet the statutory requirements of that elected position. I cannot say the same for Jim Brannon.

Some History.

When former Kootenai County Clerk Cliff Hayes passed away, the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee (KCRCC) was charged with providing three names to the County Commissioners for consideration to fill that vacant position. The KCRCC was determined that the most qualified candidate, the current Chief Deputy Clerk, would not be one of the three finalists. The result was to ensure that Jim Brannon was the only choice that could be considered by the commissioners. So much for transparency and following the concept of the Idaho open meeting law.

FRED OSTERMEYER

Post Falls