OPINION: Keeping 2023 in perspective

This week the Kootenai County Democratic Central Committee will meet to hold its mid-year assessment of our affairs. I expect to hear a variety of opinions from a variety of people. That’s what happens in a group of diverse and well-informed independent thinkers.

They may differ on certain issues, but the take-home message will be that Democrats are unified and they have a lot to celebrate.

Our Hijacking Democracy Symposium in February attracted hundreds of attendees from across North Idaho and sparked conversations that are still resonating today. Mainly, leaders from across our area voiced concerns over the politicizing of traditionally non-partisan government offices.

By approving school levies, voters prevented the further gutting of public education.

Our support of Pride in the Park, the Worker’s Memorial in City Park, and the Veterans Home in Post Falls demonstrated our never-ending community outreach and support for human rights, veterans and working people.

Democrats breathed easier following the reprieve given to North Idaho College.

Our Big Blue Huckleberry BBQ, held just last week, attracted far more interest than we anticipated. This tells us that North Idaho’s interest in Democratic support is growing at a remarkable rate.

Going forward, Democrats will enter the fall election season with our heads held high.

We support the voters in West Bonner County as they work to bring balance and steady leadership back to their school board.

We encourage all to enjoy the Central Labor Council car show and poker run at its annual Labor Day Celebration Picnic at Q'emiln Park. For details, visit https://bit.ly/AFLCIOPicnic and please sign up for their email at the bottom of the page for event updates.

Finally, in November we hope that the voters of Kootenai County elect qualified candidates based on their non-partisan qualifications for the job.

This has been a good year so far.

With the continued support of conscientious Kootenai County citizens, the remainder of the year looks very promising as well.

Moving forward together, we can build a more perfect union.

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Evan Koch is chairman of the Kootenai County Democrats.