County clerk enjoys a banner day

Wednesday was doubly sweet for Kootenai County Clerk Jim Brannon.

First, he emerged from a cloudy election mess with sunshine on his shoulders.

And second, he managed to hurt The Press while helping himself.

We say that last part tongue-in-cheek (mostly).

Brannon’s opinion piece published in Thursday’s newspaper, along with his addressing certain aspects of the 50 missing ballots in November’s general election during a public meeting with other county elected officials, both breezed through with hardly a raised eyebrow, let alone a rebuke.

Then late Wednesday, the “rest of the story” broke.

Brannon emailed a press release to the newspaper announcing that the ejected elections manager, Carrie Phillips, has been replaced. The new elections manager? An outstanding reporter for this newspaper, Judd Wilson.

We view that as a win for Brannon, the county and voters, and a loss for the Coeur d’Alene Press.

Wilson has strong political leanings but, as a professional journalist, those feelings haven’t leaked into his reporting. He’s an intelligent, well-educated and conscientious husband and father to six children. Wilson also keenly understands public service, having served four years in the Marine Corps. He is not what any reasonable person would call an enemy of the people.

The prediction here is that Wilson will do a good job for the voters, putting them first in his every effort. Perhaps as an outsider with a fresh perspective, he’ll find ways to improve whatever processes or mistakes led to last November’s mishap.

In his resignation letter, Wilson struck the right chord when he told Press management, “I’m simply moving to a new form of public service.”

Here’s hoping this works out for the best for everyone.

Even you, Mr. Brannon.