I had to use Dan’s cute graphic of the sad elephant again, because I think almost all those attending this morning’s Pachyderm meeting left with a heavy load of unanswered questions.  (more…)

This was the response from incumbent County Commissioner Rick Currie, as he spoke to the Press after his very close win last night. Congratulations, Rick! Then I balked when I turned to the Press Editorial. It implied that challenger Jai Nelson probably took votes away from the big money challenger, Tom Cronin, thereby inadvertently helping Rick Currie win.

I’m not so sure about that. Both Rick Currie and Jai Nelson were not backed by the big money players. They are both against improper use of urban renewal and they have concerns and questions about the Ed. Corridor in the Fort Grounds location. So it makes sense that they would draw from a similar pool of voters, with one major difference being the issue of County Administrator. Those in favor would vote for Jai Nelson, those against a County Administrator would vote for Rick Currie. And of course, Rick has his past work record of honesty and standing up for regular folks. But whatever your analysis of the reasons, the final tally left the Cronin supporters just shy of a win, despite spending 5 times more money.

So that’s what I’m celebrating today: “Kootenai County is not for sale!” Congratulations, voters.

COUNTY COMMISSIONER SECOND DIST
          Vote for  1
           TOM CRONIN .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     3,196   33.74
           ELMER (RICK) CURRIE .  .  .  .  .  .  .     3,366   35.53
           JAI K. NELSON .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,911   30.73

 COUNTY COMMISSIONER FIRST DIST
          Vote for  1
           TIM HERZOG .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     3,944   44.68
           TODD TONDEE.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     4,883   55.32

 LEGISLATIVE DIST 3 STATE REP POS B
          Vote for  1
           PHIL HART  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,714   70.11
           DAVID RAWLS.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     1,157   29.89

LEGISLATIVE DIST 3 STATE SENATOR
          Vote for  1
           JIM CONNELL.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     1,477   39.12
           MIKE JORGENSON.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,299   60.88

 COUNTY SHERIFF
          Vote for  1
           JOE BODMAN .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     3,123   32.17
           ROCKY WATSON  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     6,585   67.83

LEGISLATIVE DIST 2 STATE SENATOR
          Vote for  1
           JOYCE M. BROADSWORD .  .  .  .  .  .  .       116   55.50
           BILL LARGEN.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .        29   13.88
           JAMES STIVERS .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .        64   30.62

(info from Kootenai County Elections web site)

Just a quick thought about the power of optimism. The way we look at our lives will largely determine our success or failure. There was an article on this theme in today’s Press, by Harvey MacKay, syndicated business columnist. He writes, “An optimist… understands that life can be a bumpy road, but at least it is leading somewhere. They learn from mistakes and failures, and are not afraid to fail again. Optimists know that as long as you get up after you’re knocked down, you are not defeated.”

So, to all the candidates running for office on this Primary Election day, thank you for trying. Win or lose, you have succeeded in making our form of government better; you’ve put yourself out there and have taken a risk. We applaud your efforts.  And, win or lose, you will go on. As the ever-optimistic Jimmy Buffet sings, “take the weather with you” and make your days sunny, in spite of any rain.