Forum draws large crowd

SANDPOINT — A large group of candidates and even larger group of voters turned up at the Bonner County Republican Central Committee forum at Sandpoint Community Hall on Thursday.

Sheriff’s candidates Daryl Wheeler, the incumbent, and challenger Terry Ford attended, as did District 2 county commission candidates, incumbent Todd Sudick and challenger Jeff Connolly. District 3 candidates Lewie Rich, a former commissioner, and Dan McDonald also attended the forum.

Ample ground was covered in the county races, with issues ranging from the Clagstone Meadows easement proposal, changes to land use law and lawsuits filed by former employees who contend they were dismissed without cause.

Incumbment state representatives Heather Scott and Sage Dixon also attended, but were only allowed to make introductory remarks because they are running unopposed in the primary.

Incumbent Sen. Shawn Keough sent a note saying she had a scheduling conflict due to an Associated Logging Contractors annual meeting. She faces primary challenger Glenn Rohrer.

Due to press deadlines, see Saturday’s Bonner County Daily Bee for full coverage of the forum.