PLASS: Does not rhyme with class

I have been hesitant to write this letter, but I believe it is important for the citizens of Kootenai County to hear my story about the Community Library Network. Last year in July, a friend of mine posted on a popular website that she had seen Trustees Plass, Ottosen and Hanley meeting at a local coffee shop. This raised suspicion as it would violate Idaho Open Meeting Laws.

Concerned, I emailed the Community Library Board Trustees expecting the trustees to either confirm or deny this allegation. I received no response from Ottosen or Hanley, but Trustee Plass did respond. 

However, instead of addressing my concern, he threatened me by demanding that I provide concrete evidence of the meeting or else he would “block me from accessing the CLN webmail, revoke my CLN library card, and prohibit me from visiting any CLN library for the next 12 months.”

I was shocked by this response! Fortunately, my knowledgeable friends reassured me that Plass had no power to carry out such a threat, as board members hold no power individually. I don’t know if Plass believed he could carry out his threat, but I do know that this public official chose to intimidate a constituent who had asked an uncomfortable question.

I also know that he sought to use his power to silence me. That is why I am writing this letter: I refuse to be intimidated or silenced, and I believe voters need to know about this.

THERESA BIRKETT

Post Falls