MY TURN: An open letter to CLN Trustee Hanley

Dear Mr. Hanley, 

On May 16, longtime Community Library Network Trustee Katie Blank resigned. In an interview with the Cd'A Press, she expressed concern that the new board majority was silencing the voices of those who did not share their viewpoint. “As part of the minority, I was being silenced continually.” At the June 27 meeting of the CLN, the board discussed candidates to fill the vacancy. At this meeting, your actions exemplified the board majority's tendency to silence dissent. This open letter addresses these concerns. 

I am writing to express my deep disappointment and concern regarding your recent remarks and decisions concerning potential candidates for trustee positions. Your comments and actions reveal a troubling character flaw — your own — rather than any shortcomings of the candidates who stepped forward to serve our community. 

As one of the candidates who was cast aside and deemed not worthy of serious consideration, I am compelled to remind you that I am a taxpaying citizen of this county and one of your constituents. It is your duty as a trustee to represent my needs and interests, just as you represent those of others, regardless of their political or ideological beliefs. 

You have served on this board for a year, and it appears you have overlooked a fundamental principle: Government agencies cannot and should not discriminate against individuals based on their viewpoints. Yet, this is precisely what you have done by dismissing candidates who do not align with your theocratic worldview. Such actions create a board that does not serve the diverse community of Kootenai County, but rather a narrow fringe of it. 

The purpose of representation on the board is to reflect the diversity and address the needs of the entire community. It is crucial to ensure that all voices are heard, including those with differing viewpoints. By refusing to consider candidates outside your ideological circle, you have failed in your duties as a trustee. 

If you are faced with another vacancy, I suggest that you look to other models for the selection process. During my tenure on the Post Falls School Board for 24 years, we employed a fair and transparent approach. We publicly announced vacancies, requested applications from qualified candidates and invited all applicants to a special meeting of the board of trustees. Each applicant was given the opportunity to make opening statements and answer the same set of questions. Deliberations and voting were conducted openly, ensuring fairness and inclusivity in the process.

I am perplexed by why you would have prepared remarks that disparage citizens and then read them in a public meeting. Your disdain for taxpaying constituents was evident and deeply concerning. I can only assume that you intended to let the public know that you would not tolerate dissent. It appears that you have little respect for us and are perhaps seeking to silence our voices. 

I am also perplexed by your statement advocating for your preferred candidate because she would bring “Christian values” to the board. When you took your oath of office, you promised to “support the Constitution of the United States.” The establishment clause of the First Amendment prohibits a governmental agency from exercising this type of bias. This is another failure on your part. 

I urge you to reflect on the principles of fair representation and inclusivity that are fundamental to our democratic system. It is essential for the health and harmony of our community that our governing bodies represent a broad spectrum of perspectives. Moving forward, I hope you will consider the importance of diversity and take steps to correct the course of action you have set. 

Sincerely,
Michelle Lippert