REGAN: Fabrication about Barnes’ resignation

Once again, in his column of Sept. 22 our arbiter of “common sense” repeats his disinformation to enhance his standing and discredit his opponents. He is repeating the claim that NIC Trustee Michael Barnes was blackmailed into resigning his position with NIC. Total fabrication.

Michael Barnes sold his home in Kootenai County and changed his residence to South Dakota. He then lied about his change of residence and that lie was repeated by our arbiter of “common sense.” He continued to participate in NIC meetings remotely since he was not in the area. When evidence was acquired proving his change of residence, he resigned in order to avoid the embarrassment of having the lie exposed and his seat declared vacant. Under Idaho Statutes, Title 59, Chapter 9, Section 59-901:

59-901. HOW VACANCIES OCCUR. (1) Every elective civil office shall be vacant upon the happening of any of the following events at any time before the expiration of the term of such office, as follows:

(e) The incumbent ceasing to be a resident of the state, district or county in which the duties of his office are to be exercised, or for which he may have been elected.

This naked, corrupt grab for power, the effect of which is ongoing, has left NIC accreditation at risk under a “show cause” status and should have been exposed then. Only Barnes’ resignation concealed this power grab. Better than “common sense,” these are the true facts. Perhaps it is time to pursue honesty, not common sense. As James Drury of the Virginian fame said in his cowboy way, “if its not true, don’t say it.”

DAVE BOTTING

Kootenai County