ENDORSEMENT: Vote for Durbin, Knudtsen, Havercroft

Three North Idaho College (NIC) Trustees have recklessly abused our tax dollars and demonstrated blatant disrespect for our community college. Dear voters, we must make a change so your tax dollars are spent wisely and NIC continues to thrive, supporting the educational and economical needs of our community.

Which candidates should we vote for and why? 

1. Rick Durbin. Rick grew up in Post Falls, was a student athlete, and graduated from NIC and UI. A financial planner, Rick can lead the board with his fiscal knowledge and management skills. 

Ricks opponent, William Lyons, is new to the area and totally unfamiliar with NIC. What would he bring to the board? Who knows, as he rejected an interview with The Spokesman-Review. 

2. Eve Knudtsen. A local business owner and Coeur d’Alene native, Eve brings long-term vision to connect the community needs with NIC’s educational programs. Eve’s volunteer resume is long, including a founding board member of Kootenai Technical Education Campus (KTEC) and a board member of the NIC Foundation. 

Eve’s opponent, Greg McKenzie, is guilty of heedless spending, unnecessary lawsuits, and disrespectful conduct during NIC board meetings. 

3. Mary Havercroft. An extraordinary woman, Mary has lived in Kootenai County for 44 years and devoted her professional life to Lakeland School District as a classroom teacher, principal, and Director of Special Services. Mary’s vast experience includes managing large budgets and serving on statewide accreditation teams. Mary knows our youth, which will help guide NIC’s programming, recruitment, and retention. 

Mary’s opponent, Michael Angiletta, is new to our community and lacks the experience, dedication and knowledge Mary possesses. 

DONNA HAMLET RUNGE, JIM RUNGE, K.V. AND JOANN NELSON, BILL AND JUDY DRAKE, TERESA RUNGE and STEVE JAMES 

Coeur d’Alene