Winkler's behavior not typical of area

As a 30-year Idaho resident and the state’s staff representative for equal rights advocacy organization Pride Foundation, I was saddened to read about Bonner County sheriff candidate Shaun Winkler’s cross-burning activities and affiliation with the Ku Klux Klan. His actions are offensive and discriminatory, and unacceptable in a potential law enforcement leader.

Through my work with Pride Foundation, I have visited with and collaborated often with the residents of Bonner County, and I am proud and glad to say that Winkler’s behavior is not a majority characteristic of the welcoming and accepting Bonner County community I have come to know. Sandpoint’s passage in January of a citywide nondiscrimination ordinance that includes protections for sexual orientation and gender identity/expression, the first ordinance of its kind in Idaho, further demonstrates the community’s leadership role in the state for embracing equality for all individuals.

We at Pride Foundation, a community foundation serving the Northwest’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community since 1985, fully support the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force and share in their mission to end all forms of discrimination, and commend the Bonner County community for their continued efforts to fight intolerance and create equality.

STEVE MARTIN

Regional development organizer

Idaho Pride Foundation

Boise