Festival lawsuit reason enough to fire Bradshaw, Wheeler

The cost of Bonner County’s lawsuit to allow guns into Sandpoint’s Festival is more than $205,000 in legal fees and growing.

Bonner County commissioners, Steven Bradshaw and Dan McDonald instigated this suit which was struck down as “unpersuasive,” and “speculative,” by Judge Lansing Haynes. Bonner County’s decision to appeal wastes taxpayer dollars, further damaging Sandpoint’s image as a destination for this and other events. Bonner County Sheriff Daryl Wheeler supports the suit. He and the two commissioners may ultimately cost Bonner County $3 million annually that the Festival generates even if the appeal is shot down by Idaho’s Supreme Court.

Many concert goers won’t buy tickets next year because Wheeler suggests a confrontation will result at the gate if the court rules that guns should not be allowed at concerts manifesting his self-fulfilling prophecy. Others won’t buy tickets if guns are allowed.

Haynes ruled, “the court could not assume a confrontation would result from the Festival’s weapons policy.” Earlier this year, McDonald called his “base,” to police a BLM demonstration attended by 25 high school kids. His militia friends showed up with guns, wearing camouflage, lining the parade route. Students said they were intimidated by the presence of armed individuals lining the streets. Ticket buyers will be as well.

Wheeler supported McDonald. Is this what concert goers have to look forward to after spending hundreds of dollars on tickets, dinner, gas and hotel room? If the Festival goes bankrupt as a result of this intimidation from Wheeler and McDonald’s base, will it rebound or go away permanently? Will Bradshaw, McDonald and Wheeler sue Lost in the ’50s dance next? Voted officials are supposed to support not sabotage business.

Vote Wheeler and Bradshaw out. Their successors have a lot of fence mending to do.

BETTY GARDNER

Priest River