EDITORIAL: Prop. 1 questions? This forum's for you
If you’ve got questions about Proposition 1 — and many Idahoans apparently still do — ask now and get your answers Oct. 2.
Oct. 2 is the comprehensive Prop. 1 public forum that will be held at The Harding Center, 411 N. 15th St. in Coeur d’Alene. The event is scheduled to last from 6-8 p.m. that Wednesday night.
Factual details about Prop. 1 and its impact on future primary and general elections will be highlighted by a panel of nonpartisan experts, thanks to the event organized by DART (Democrats And Republicans Together) and co-sponsored by League of Women Voters of Kootenai County, Nonpartisan Doctors of CdA and Veterans4IdahoVoters.
“The amount of misinformation being tossed about is phenomenal,” said Rick Palagi, DART chair, in a press release. “Our goal is to provide expert opinion and a factual base so our community members are accurately informed going to the ballot box.”
But you don’t have to wait to ask questions. Palagi said anyone can email their questions early. Send them to: dartcda@gmail.com
Organizers have been busy compiling questions people are asking in letters and other opinion pieces in the Coeur d’Alene Press and on social media, as well as from other statewide sources. Attendees Oct. 2 will also be able to submit questions in writing.
Panelists weighing in include:
• Dr. Michael Ritter, assistant professor, School of Politics and Public Affairs, Washington State University. He’s the author of “Accessible Elections: How the States Can Help Americans Vote.”
• Dr. McKay Cunningham, director of Graduate Programs and former Constitutional Law Professor, College of Idaho.
• Dr. Luke Mayville, co-founder Reclaim Idaho, a grassroots organization that spearheaded Idaho's ballot initiative to expand Medicaid coverage and is credited with placing Proposition 1 on the Nov. 5 ballot. He holds a PhD in political science from Yale University and recently taught civics and political philosophy at Columbia University and Boise State University Honors College. Mayville has written about the ideas of America's Founding Fathers, including a book on President John Adams.
• Christie Wood, Veterans4IdahoVoters board member, longtime former North Idaho College trustee, former school board member and current Coeur d’Alene City Council member.
"Both pro and con information will be presented without hyperbole or ideological position,” said Mike Bullard, local chapter president of League of Women Voters.
As an active, engaged citizen, you’ll be welcome at the forum two weeks from tonight. The Press applauds organizers for giving the community this opportunity to get the straight story on what Proposition 1 is — and is not.