OPINION: Why NIR’s recommendations build a stronger community

In every election, voters in Kootenai County face the same question: “Who can we trust to lead?” This fall, two groups will offer recommendations — the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee (KCRCC) and North Idaho Republicans (NIR). The difference couldn’t be clearer.

In my opinion, the KCRCC has turned endorsements into a political loyalty test. Too often, that means supporting candidates who simply aren’t ready — or able — to serve very well. The results speak for themselves: dysfunction at North Idaho College, costly mistakes and a community left divided.

And those mistakes are not just political — they are expensive. When KCRCC-endorsed trustees drove North Idaho College toward the loss of accreditation, the price tag fell directly on taxpayers. Legal battles, accreditation reviews and administrative turnover have already cost millions of public dollars that should have gone to classrooms, teachers and students. Instead of building the future, resources were wasted cleaning up the mess of unqualified leadership.

This is what happens when candidates are “rated and vetted” by the KCRCC but are not actually prepared to serve. Taxpayers foot the bill for incompetence. I believe that families pay the price when schools, roads and essential services are neglected because unqualified officials are more focused on political fights than responsible governance.

NIR takes a better path. Our recommendations focus on leaders who are qualified, responsible and committed to service. We ask candidates about real issues families face: how they’ll keep schools strong, manage growth responsibly and make sure local government reflects the people it serves. We don’t ask about who they voted for in the last election or require candidates to take a loyalty oath. 

The difference is easy to see. At NIC, unqualified trustees nearly cost the school its accreditation — threatening students and our regional economy, as I see it. But when the community rallied, NIR stood shoulder to shoulder with voters to protect the college and secure its future. That is what happens when endorsements are grounded in competence and responsibility.

Here is who NIR is endorsing for the Nov. 4 Election:

• City of Coeur d’Alene: Mayor, Dan Gookin; City Council Seat 4, Kenny Gabriel; City Council Seat 6, Kiki Miller

• City of Hayden: City Council Seat 2, Ed DePriest; City Council Seat 4, David Erickson

• Coeur d’Alene School District Trustees: Zone 1, Rick Rasmussen; Zone 4, Lesli Bjerke; Zone 5, Lisa Aitken

• City of Post Falls: Mayor, Ron Jacobson; City Council Seat 2, James Steffenson; City Council Seat 4, Nathan Ziegler; City Council Seat 6, Ryan Davis

• Post Falls School Board: Zone 1, Neil Uhrig; Zone 4, Amy Boni; Zone 5, Kelli Johnson

• City of Rathdrum: City Council Seat 1, Ken Owens; City Council Seat 3, Reneé Mullen

• Lakeland School Board: Zone 4, Chris Beaty

NIR Republicans believe in something bigger than politics. We believe in the North Idaho Way: looking out for one another, protecting freedoms and building communities where schools, services and families thrive. That means supporting leaders who solve problems instead of creating them. Leaders who unite rather than divide.

Elections are about trust. Do we want slates built on inside politics and slogans — even if the candidates waste our tax dollars? Or do we want leaders who are ready to serve, grounded in conservative values and committed to keeping North Idaho strong for the next generation?

That’s why NIR’s recommendations matter. They aren’t about control;  they’re about competence, hope and a shared vision for the future of our communities. Please vote Nov. 4 and make a difference in our community. 

• • •

Jim Pierce is a founding member of North Idaho Republicans, and the opinions expressed herein are his own.