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BROOKS: On second thought…

| July 21, 2021 1:00 AM

I’ve never been a fan of KootCo Commissioner Brooks but he’s starting to win me over. Two recent articles struck a chord with me.

I applaud his decision to part with the “official” county Republican Party. Like many local organizations, it’s been overrun with transplants and is nothing like it was a few decades ago. And the push to politicize education, health and highway positions is sickening. I cringe every time I see wannabe Kingmaker Regan’s name. I think he’s watched too many Edward G. Robinson movies.

Next is Mr. Brooks’ notion to consider a different County Government system. I’m all for it. Hiring, rather than electing, people based on skills for these most important positions would be superior in the most important ways for our community.

I sat on the Coeur d’Alene City Council 20 years ago. During my tenure, we hired the top positions for Police, Fire and Finance. Our interview process yielded the names Cronin, Gabriel and Tymeson. All were/are excellent leaders and two still work for the city. We hired the best people.

But in KootCo, anyone can run for anything. Vetting and quality control take a back seat to political affiliation and advertising. And of course, money. As long as that name is in your face every day for two years, do qualifications really matter? It appears not.

What KootCo, and Idaho, and the U.S.A. needs is less politics, not more.

One last thing. Mr. Brooks’ line “like chihuahuas with microphones” is the funniest thing I’ve read in a long time. Thanks.

DAVE WALKER

Coeur d’Alene