Resident proposes 'sanctuary county'

SANDPOINT — A Cocolalla man is urging commissioners to designate Bonner County a "sanctuary county" to protect conservatism and liberties.

The designation would be something of an antithesis to sanctuary cities in the U.S., which limit their cooperation with federal authorities, especially when it comes to enforcement of immigration laws.

Jalon Peters, a former Texas resident, views sanctuary cities as bastions of broader liberal agendas. Peters made the proposal in response to measures meant to curb the spread of novel coronavirus, such as mask mandates, stay-at-home orders, business restrictions and gathering limitations.

"I propose that this county create policies that will clearly state our stance on personal liberties and allow people to choose what's best for their families," Peters told commissioners.

Peters contends Gov. Brad Little has overstepped his bounds by "mandating unconstitutional policies to undermine our freedoms."

"Our decisions will be backed up by the supreme law of the land, which is the Constitution of the United States," said Peters.

Peters' proposal was raised during the board's public comment period during its board meeting on Tuesday. They had no comment during the meeting and Commissioner Steven Bradshaw did not respond to a request for comment on the proposal.

Bonner County is already a de facto sanctuary county with regard to pandemic countermeasures. Sheriff Daryl Wheeler said his deputies would not enforce a Panhandle Health District mask mandate, while the commission has pushed back against Little's pandemic regulations.

Keith Kinnaird can be reached at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com or followed on Twitter @KeithDailyBee