NIC ELECTION OUTCOME: Another perspective

I see silver linings in that split North Idaho College trustee vote:

1) I didn’t think GOP Chairman Brent Regan and his Idaho Freedom Foundation propaganda machine could be beaten in a countywide, nonpartisan election. But it lost twice in the NIC vote. The rival North Idaho Republicans group proved it is here to stay — and has gained influence.

2) Holdover Regan allies Todd Banducci and Greg McKenzie will return to the majority — and be in position to run rough shod over NIC again. But they’ll have two people “in the room” to hold them accountable for their actions. They’ll have to tread more lightly than if they’d had a 4-1 or 5-0 majority.

3) It’s possible that KCRCC-endorsed winner Mike Waggoner will prove to be moderating influence on Banducci and McKenzie — and serve the community rather than Regan & Co.

4) Trustees David Wold, John Goedde and Pete Broschet have restored professionalism to the college since they were appointed to the trustee board last May 6. Any loss of accreditation for the college at this point should be placed solely on the shoulders of Banducci, McKenzie and Waggoner.

5) Banducci and McKenzie have fumed and fussed without much public attention since the appointment of the three trustees by the state Board of Education. Now, the spotlight will be back fully on them. The elections of two non-KCRCC candidates prove that at least 50 percent of the community is fed up with their childish behavior.

D.F. “DAVE” OLIVERIA

Coeur d’Alene