OpenCdA’s post dated August 31, 2013, and titled Another Mayor Charged – Corruption introduced readers to Mayor Omar Vela and his family of Progreso, Texas.  They’re facing a federal judge on corruption charges.

Now in a September 4, 2013, Associated Press and Denver Post article headlined FBI:  Family ran Texas town through intimidation, we learn that the FBI had begun its corruption investigation in the small town of Progreso, Texas (population about 5,700 now) in 2005.

It’s particularly interesting that one of the defense attorneys observed that because of Progreso’s small size, cultural ties to Mexico, and isolation, the Velas thought pay-to-play was acceptable.  As the attorney was quoted saying, “People seem to think it’s OK.  I did something for you, so you can do something for me.”

It sounds quite a bit like the rationalization of pay-to-play expressed by some ostensibly reputable people in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.  OpenCdA feels badly for the people of Progreso.  Eight years is a long time to wait for the feds to act.  Then again, it’s pretty clear that just as in Idaho, the state officials in that area of Texas were either unwilling or unable to do their jobs.

This morning Jim Brannon issued a press release stating he will not be a candidate for Coeur d’Alene mayor in 2013.  Prior to the candidacy filing period, Brannon had stated his intention to run.

Brannon’s press release is gracious and statesmanlike.

Brannon’s election contest, filed after the 2009 election,  resulted in the Idaho Supreme Court acknowledging that former Kootenai County Clerk Dan English and his Elections Department Chief Deedie Beard had been misinterpreting Idaho’s elections law  for years and had been allowing persons who were not lawful residents of Coeur d’Alene to vote improperly in City elections under provisions of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA).   Until 2011, the Idaho legislature had not incorporated UOCAVA voting eligiblity into the municipal elections code.  It took Starr Kelso to find that.

Brannon and Kelso will never get the credit and respect they are due, but thanks to their commitment and diligence, voters throughout Idaho have become more aware of the serious deficiencies in Idaho’s election law.   Whether our feckless Secretary of State Ben Ysursa follows up with the legislature is beyond Jim Brannon’s control.

Well done, Jim!

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In her September 3, 2013, newsletter, Coeur d’Alene mayoral candidate Mary Souza has provided a basic outline of her plan if she is elected.

What points would you like to have seen included?  Excluded?  Expanded?

Do you plan on sending your suggestions to Mary?  Why or why not?