Big crowds pack resolution rally
<p>Boundary County residents gather for Saturday’s Concerned Citizens rally at Georgia Mae Plaza in downtown Bonners Ferry. (Photo by DON COGGER)</p>
BONNERS FERRY — Boundary County residents filled Georgia Mae Plaza in downtown Bonners Ferry on Saturday, as a group calling itself Concerned Citizens of Boundary County met to voice opinions and concerns about the county’s recent refugee resolution.
Both sides appeared to be equally represented, as speakers including local pastors, a schoolteacher and the outgoing mayor of Bonners Ferry addressed the crowd, attempting to convey a message of tolerance and compassion.
The event was respectful for the most part on both sides, and a strong law enforcement prescence was on hand to maintain the peace, had it become an issue.
“Our goal out here today was to ensure everyone stayed polite,” said Bonners Ferry Police Chief Victor Watson. “Our job is to maintain the peace, and we were hoping it turned out that way. Obviously there was going to be a difference of opinion, and we just wanted the event to go off without any issues.”
Lee Colson said he attended the event because he was unable to attend commissioners’ board meetings where the resolution was discussed, and was concerned with the outcome.
“I just wanted to see what was going on, and this was my first chance to do that,” Colson said. “I don’t think refugees are going to want to come to Bonners Ferry, but I think the fact we are so mad about things is strange. I’m just hoping we can all get a long and be less angry.”
Pastor Brent Dehlbom of Bonners Ferry United Methodist Church was among those asked to speak, an opportunity which he welcomed.
“I just wanted to be able to say what we support,” Dehlbom said. “I felt like the way the resolution meetings went, there wasn’t a whole lot of outreach to see if there were any other opinions. Not that I want to stop anyone else from having their opinion, but we just wanted to support loving our fellow man and trying to take care of people in need.”
Former Mayor Dave Anderson also spoke to the crowd, thanking everyone who turned out for exercising their right to assemble, regardless of where they stand on the issue.
“We are here today to make a statement concerning this resolution,” Anderson told the crowd. “That statement has been made. It’s been made by each and everyone of you for showing up here to today to talk about this issue.”