NIC LEGAL COUNSEL: Hiring should not be political

North Idaho College’s trustees will appoint new legal representation for the school. The KCRCC majority appears set on hiring the least experienced lawyer available. Todd Banducci shared his criteria for choosing representation: The lawyer should be from Idaho and be local. Note that qualifications and experience are absent, and that the legal profession is highly specialized.

Let’s apply the Banducci criteria to another highly specialized profession: medicine. Pretend a loved one is in need of delicate brain surgery. Of the available surgeons, the most experienced brain surgeon is in Spokane. Boise has an experienced brain surgeon. A respected surgeon is available in town but is less experienced with the brain. A surgeon in Sandpoint lists many surgeries but lists no experience with brain surgery, and has practiced only six years.

Banducci’s criteria immediately, and arbitrarily, excludes the best choice and the second-best choice. The surgeon in town isn’t eligible due to conflict, leaving only the least experienced surgeon to operate on your loved one.

Ironically, the most qualified and experienced surgeon is literally closer than the “local” recommended by Banducci’s criteria.

Have the KCRCC majority provided your loved one with the best care? Will their criteria provide NIC with the best legal counsel or will they serve their cronies?

Naming the firm with the most resources and experience in educational law sends a strong message to NWCCU that the board is committed to providing quality leadership to North Idaho College. Let’s hope they apply wisdom to their decision rather than partisan politics.

MICHELLE LIPPERT

Post Falls