REBUTTAL: And an endorsement for Alan Davis

This letter is rebutting a recent video posted by Luke Sommer and Tom Shafer criticizing me and other donors to Alan Davis’ campaign implying some sort of undefined “pay back.”

The Secretary of State for Idaho requires monthly reporting of campaign contributions and expenses. As treasurer for Alan Davis’ mayoral campaign, I prepared and submitted a report for September 2023. The contributors to Alan Davis’ campaign, including me, were recently criticized in a video by Luke Sommer and Tom Shafer implying that this “Who’s Who List” will expect some sort of favoritism.

This allegation is a blatant lie and is quite offensive to those of us who have spent countless years giving our time and effort for the benefit of Kootenai County.

These contributors have invested in our community for decades, creating businesses such as grocery stores, restaurants, storage units, construction, real estate, internet services, banking, commercial spaces and forest products. Our family company, Idaho Forest Industries, employed hundreds of people for over 80 years and developed desirable neighborhoods like Forest Hills and Woodland Meadows.

We contributors are stakeholders who have given generously to charities and volunteered on public boards including Kootenai Health, NIC, schools, libraries and Idaho Community Foundation. Countless worthy causes, including youth sports teams, 4-H programs, Union Gospel Mission, and the Kroc Center have benefited from our participation.

Unlike these “transplant” candidates, many of us have spent years giving back to our home town. Why are we supporting Alan Davis for mayor of Hayden? Because we see Alan working for the betterment of Hayden. We believe Alan will protect and improve the city of Hayden as we have done and will continue to do. Please join us by voting Alan Davis for mayor of Hayden.

JOY E. RICHARDS

Hayden