SANDPOINT — After several months of consideration, Bonner County commissioners voted to allow members of the public to witness the interview process of appointed boards and commissions in the county.  

The decision was brought forth by Commissioner Asia Williams, who noted in a memorandum that the request stems from the community's desire for transparent interviews of board and commission candidates. The memorandum further notes that members of the public cited that “when in doubt the meeting should be held in public.” 

The action item was followed by a lengthy discussion between county commissioners and community members, where the public heavily favored the new process. 

Residents felt that it was important to see how the candidates answer questions while also taking note of how the interviewer asks and accepts information. With the public in attendance, interviewers would see that “the citizens are paying attention and are going to hold them accountable.”  

Members of the public supported the new interview process by pointing to past allegations of county commissioners not being transparent through the interview process, alleging “handshake” and “backdoor deals.” 

Commissioners Brian Domke and Williams were in support of the transition, leaning into a more transparent way of interviewing volunteer candidates. Williams shared that the interview process would mirror the same process as the magistrates' interviews — the question portion of the interview would be open to the public, with deliberation and consideration taking place during executive session. Commissioners further said that if something needed to be discussed with a candidate in private, such as a prior criminal charge, the board could go into executive session.  

While most favored a transparent interview process, Commissioner Ron Korn and community member Matt Linscott disagreed with the proposal. Korn, while he did not oppose direct transparency, voiced concern that it disregards the privacy of potential candidates and requires them to answer potential uncomfortable questions in public.  

“There may be personal questions that are asked, the applicants may not be comfortable answering all the questions that are asked, and they may not be as open to answer or to have direct dialog with the board, knowing that this is being recorded on YouTube or whatever social media platform there is,” said Korn.  

Linscott shared slightly different views, saying that he felt board and commission seats are appointed, and should be treated similarly to an agent or employee hiring process, which are not open to the public. However, it was clearly stated that volunteer positions varied greatly from the positions Linscott related them to.  

The new interview process was approved in a 2-1 vote, with Domke and Williams voting in approval and Korn in opposition.