SHERIFF: Comments were inappropriate

I am setting the record straight on Sheriff Norris’s false claim in his July 23 press release regarding the potential defamation lawsuit he and the county taxpayers face. Mrs. Collinson’s claim has nothing to do with me. I was not there, although I have spoken with many who were.

I have not, nor have I ever, filed a tort claim against Bob Norris or Kootenai County, not yet. Again, Sheriff Norris: I demand a public retraction and apology for your statement, which has now gone national.

It is inappropriate and unethical for an elected Sheriff to use a taxpayer-owned forum in what appears to be an attempt to place a bounty on the heads of law-abiding citizens. History is full of political zealots who commit crimes against others when incited. A recent example is last month’s arson fire in Sandpoint, which seems politically motivated. Sheriff Norris’s behavior could put innocent citizens in danger and Kootenai County taxpayers on the hook for his careless accusations. Sadly, deflection, attacking an opponent’s character or motives rather than answering the argument are established and predictable behavior patterns for Bob Norris. 

In an attempt to call our motives into question, both Norris and his allies in the press emphasize “former or failed Sheriff candidate” when printing the names Mike Bauer or John Grimm.

I’ve spoken at great length with Mike Bauer. He’s a good man; Mike ran for office for the same reason I did: We care about our community and neighbors. We are critical of the Sheriff because of what we know about him and the direction the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office is heading.

We must prevent further infiltration of the Los Angeles County Sheriff gang mentality in Kootenai County. I sincerely hope it is not too late.

JOHN GRIMM

Hayden