As a retired law enforcement officer living in the north end of Kootenai County, I was eagerly looking forward to hearing what the candidates for Kootenai County had to say at the forum held at the Athol Community Center Wednesday, March 4. When I arrived there were four placards on a long table displaying the names Grimm, Edmondson, Whitehead and Norris. However, only Mr. Norris was present.

The moderator explained to the nearly 100 gathered that the missing candidates declined to attend. Their reason, she explained, was that the three missing candidates collectively determined that the questions posed would be biased in favor of Mr. Norris.

The moderator had a gentleman read all the questions to the audience to see if they felt the questions were biased. After the reading, the moderator asked the audience if anyone thought the questions were biased. Not one person indicated they felt the questions were biased. Mr. Norris proceeded to answer all the questions, as well as some from the audience. My take was that the audience was favorable to his answers.

So, to Mr. Grimm, Ms. Edmonson and Mr. Whitehead, thank you for not showing up, you shortened the evening. Thank you also for thumbing your collective noses and flipping the bird to the voters in the north end of Kootenai County. Your not being there spoke volumes about who you are and who you are not.

No show = no vote. Bob Norris earned mine, and I’m sure many other votes, that night.

PATRICK REARDON

Athol