NEPOTISM: Edinger should know better

I believe Councilman Ron Edinger has a real problem with his statement about nepotism. As a member of the Coeur d'Alene City Council, it is assumed he would especially know about this since he has been on the council in one position or another for more than 30 years and surely since the nepotism law was passed by the legislature. If I am caught speeding in a 35 mph zone and tell the court I did not know this was a 34 mph speed limit, can I be excused for not knowing? The obvious answer is no. We cannot use a defense of not knowing the law to avoid the consequences of an infraction. Ignorance of the law is not a valid defense. State V. Dolsby 143 Idaho 352, 145 P.3d 917. (Citing Fox, 124 Idaho at 926, 866 P.2d at 183.)

If Councilman Edinger did know and did nothing about this, then he committed a misdemeanor. If he did not know, then he should have known as all of us are required to know when committing a misdemeanor. His elected position could well have had tacit influence or direct influence on the hiring of family members.

He states he is an honorable man and I believe this as I have known him for many years. He states this is a dirty trick in his election campaign. I do not believe this is a dirty trick. I would want to know about this and hope the public would also. This is a legitimate question by his opponent.

JAMES B. CROWE

Attorney