Sandpoint council member resigns in surprise move

SANDPOINT — Councilor Andy Groat, described as a “dedicated public servant” by his fellow council members, resigned unexpectedly at Wednesday’s council meeting, after expressing regret over his past decisions regarding Travers Park renovations.

He asked the audience to refrain from applause as he left the City Council chambers. However, many stood and clapped anyway, including the council.

His primary comments revolved around controversy regarding the council’s decision to conduct renovations at Travers Park, an area originally named after Frank Travers. Part of its decision involved the removal of 20 trees to make room for an indoor sports facility made possible by a $7.5 million donation from Jim Russell and his mother, Ginny.

“To the Travers family — I’ve got a lot to say — I deeply love and respect your family,” Groat said when he took his turn to make an announcement. “In no way did I know that your grandfather and father were in memorial in that location, nor did I know that those trees were in memorial. I am sorry for my decision.”

Groat mentioned that he is not running for re-election and never intended to, however, he reflected on a significant milestone for the council.

“I was part of leadership in government that remained open, while the rest of the world was closed,” Groat said

He thanked those he has been able to serve with during his term. At this point, he had not mentioned resignation.

“Mr. Mayor, thank you for the opportunity to serve,” he said. “This has been an incredible experience. Jennifer, it’s been an honor and a privilege. Council, I love and respect you all.”

As he continued, he addressed the public’s request to change location for the Travers Park project in further detail.

“Upon entering the parking lot, some new information was presented to me that I had not thought of,” Groat said. “… The piece of property that is on Ontario across from the Forest Service was not for sale at the time of our Parks and Rec Plan — for any of our decisions. It is for sale now.”

The room was silent as the audience waited to hear what Groat had to say next.

“I cannot in good conscience ask for us to reconsider. I have no expectations of this body. Kate, I thought I’d have enough. I don’t. I’m done … Is this body willing to reconsider?”

After a long pause, he stated, “I resign.”

As he left the room, many were moved to tears — many whispered to each other. Each of those he served with on the council took turns commenting on his resignation.

“This is real life,” Councilor Joe Aispuro said. “[We] are real people that are a part of the community … Mr. Groat, love you buddy. It’s been an honor to serve with you too. I'm sorry to see you leave. I wish you would stick it out, but this isn’t easy. We all have families, we all have businesses.”

Kate McAlister, council president, has referred to Groat as a good friend many times and expressed how sad she was to see him go.

“I would also like to apologize. My heart breaks from my friend, Andy,” she said in tears. “He's a good councilor, and he just couldn't take any more of the hatred and the mean words. He tried his hardest, and it was very difficult.”

McAlister went on to explain how challenging the job of a public servant can be. As protests, harsh words, and conflict have emerged in force over the last few weeks, it has been difficult for those in public service to manage, she explained.

“For those of you who haven't sat up here before, you try to do your best. You read all the information to ask the right questions,” she said. “You try and make the best decision for the most people for the most good, and still a lot of the people really dislike you. But you're in for it. You know that’s what this job is about. You know that's what you're here for, because you represent the public.”

She also asked the public to be gracious and respectful to Groat as he navigates his decision to resign.

“I just ask you, if you see Mr. Groat in public, to please be very kind to him, because he has always been a champion for you and for all of us,” she said. “And he's a good guy. And it's really sad that someone like him will no longer serve in public service. Because it's been tough. Because people wouldn't listen to one side or the other. When we plant our poles, that's all we want to hear, is our side of it. And so we're very sorry.”

In addressing those running in the upcoming election, she also warned of the similar obstacles and trials they will face.

“Those of you who are running and if you should win, you need to be prepared,” she said. “You need to absolutely be prepared to be a public servant. Because until you are in the seat, you have no idea what that means.”

Councilor Jason Welker also took a turn to comment, becoming emotional as he expressed his friendship with Andy.

“I just want to thank Andy publicly again,” he said. “I know this has been a really tough process for him. He’s a good friend.”

“I do want to say thank you to Andy,” Councilor Justin Dick said. “It's been an amazing ride with him. I’ve learned so much from all of you guys. It's been the ride of my life and I know how hard each and every one of you works.”

Councilor Deb Ruehle thanked Mr. Groat for his service, and in response to events in past weeks she mentioned something she tells her teenagers — “we don’t always get it right, but we try our best.”

“I would ask you to reach out with kindness, and agree so much with Mr. Aspuiro,” she said. “We're all humans up here. We all have families. We all do a lot of things the same and we have way more in common than we have to disagree.”

Mayor Shelby Rognstad also shared his gratitude for Groat’s contributions to the city and his community.

“I also want to thank Andy for his service,” Rognstad said. “It's been a pleasure serving with him up here. He always is one of the most considerate people that I've met. And it's obvious he wears his heart on his sleeve. And he has your interest at heart. And every moment throughout his service, and I think he was a model council member, as well as just being a joy to be around. He will be missed."