Forum focused on face time with candidates
SANDPOINT - More than 80 people turned out Wednesday for a forum which emphasized face time with candidates seeking elected office in Bonner County.
The forum, which was hosted by the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce and the Daily Bee, began with the more traditional format of candidates introducing themselves and then fielding questions, but segued into a "speed dating" round where voters got a chance to pose questions to candidates face-to-face.
In their opening remarks, county candidates hewed closely to the messages they've been voicing to voters since the 2008 election season began. Each candidate was also given a softball question and follow-up question which had a bit of mustard on it.
Larry Hanna, the Democrat nominee for sheriff, sought to answer the question of his commitment to the race since his campaign has been devoid of expenditures and contributions.
"I don't plan to participate in a sign war or a literature-distribution war," said Hanna, who pledged to the recast the slogan of "protect and serve" into a reality in Bonner County.
Hanna also wants to boost the ranks of K-9 officers in the department to tackle the illegal drug problem, which he considers to be one of the top challenges facing the county.
Daryl Wheeler, Hanna's Republican challenger in the sheriff's contest, said the department's biggest challenge would be to improve the level of service in an era of belt-tightening and reduced revenue. Wheeler was also questioned how he could restore department credibility which has been eroded by a high-profile lawsuit filed by a former deputy.
"The best thing that can be done when you take over an organization is provide leadership," said Wheeler, who billed himself as somebody who is not tied into the current way of doing things and who would make sure the right people are in the right positions.
Cornel Rasor, a Republican looking to unseat incumbent District 1 Commissioner Todd Crossett, promised to keep an eye out for residents who often times feel marginalized.
"What I intend to do as commissioner is represent the common man, the forgotten man, the one that is often overlooked," he said.
Rasor said he does not support the revival of a building department and wants to bring a "voice of moderation" to the table on planning and zoning matters to make sure property rights are protected.
Crossett, meanwhile, said he wants to protect the quality of life in Bonner County and ensure subsequent generations can make a living here by trying to keep housing affordable and good-paying jobs in the county.
Crossett said he would continue to use his skill at bringing people with diverse viewpoints together to find common ground.
"I believe that is key to solving problems," Crossett said.
Brian Orr, who's running to regain the District 2 seat he lost to incumbent Republican Joe Young four years ago, said the issues have largely remained the same since he first took office in the 1990s, with roads and property rights topping the list.
He and Crossett support the implementation of impact fees so development helps pay for the drag it places on government services.
"We're going to have to change the way we do business," Orr added in reference to the currently gloomy economic climate.
Young played up his varied background, which encompasses the military, law enforcement and running small businesses.
"I've got a lot of experience in serving our community," said Young.
Young said the county has been able to triple its gravel road maintenance program and the nearly-completed land use code reform effort will give landowners more options and fewer restrictions.
Most of the roundtable discussions revolved around voters' specific questions about how new land use codes would affect their property, why being a teenager seemed to amount to probable cause for a traffic stop by authorities and what could be done to make real estate sales prices a matter of public record, among other matters.
The rounds were timed so voters could clock around the room from table to table.