NIC: Follow the money

If you graduate from an accredited law school and pass the state bar, you may represent any person in any legal proceeding in that state. Much like doctors, the legal profession specializes. For instance, you would not hire an immigration attorney to represent you in a bankruptcy case; nor would you ask a family law attorney to represent you in a criminal proceeding. So why would you ever think it a good idea to have a real estate attorney represent your school during various Department of Education proceedings?

The Press gave us the money shot about three weeks ago telling us that in the event of losing accreditation, ownership of NIC reverts to the county except for those properties where there is a bond. In the event of a default, the bondholders liquidate the properties in a foreclosure sale for a fraction of its value. So now we have a college at risk of losing its accreditation putting ownership of the land and the buildings in a great deal of turmoil all while being represented by a real estate attorney. Which makes more money? A community college or real estate development along the Coeur d’Alene River?

I accuse no one of anything, I merely point out facts and ask questions. The trifecta on the board is a limited hangout. They are flack catchers. The real players and their agenda are hidden. Like all good scandals, follow the money. It shall be interesting to see where it takes us.

VERMONT TROTTER

Coeur d’Alene