Dist. 1 Sen. Scott Herndon continues with dirty tricks as BCRCC chairman

By Tony McDermott Reader Staff

Having read on the front page of the Bonner County Daily Bee (April 24) that the Bonner County Republican Central Committee, chaired by Sen. Scott Herndon, awarded a no-confidence vote for District 1 Rep. Mark Sauter — along with the April 29 Coeur d’Alene Press op-ed alleging our same senator paid out-of-state McShane LLC $80,000 to attack fellow Republicans in the last election cycle — I feel compelled to respond.

[Editor’s note: For much more on those stories, see “Current, former District 1 officials respond to BCRCC ‘no-confidence’ vote on Sauter,” April 27, 2023; and “Big-money Nevada consultants play part in Herndon Senate campaign,” March 24, 2022, at sandpointreader.com.]

As a conservative Republican, appointed to two terms as an Idaho Fish and Game commissioner for the panhandle, a member of the governor’s wolf control board and preceded by many years of military service, I have witnessed the good, bad and ugly in politics. I resigned from this group as a precinct chair along with a half-dozen others on the same night due to their divisive, uncompromising political views.

According to Herndon, Mark Sauter, former-Dist. 1 Sen. Jim Woodward and numerous other solid Republicans who do not fall in line with Herndon’s “my-way-or-thehighway” are labeled as RINOS, not fit to be in the Republican Party. The BCRCC under Herndon’s leadership has disintegrated into a cesspool of toxic leadership.

With this current group, ethical standards and values have been replaced by “anything goes to win.” In the last primary, he conducted a scorched-earth campaign of lies, distortion and name calling against his opponent. His method of operation continues against those with whom he disagrees, funded by multiple sources outside the district and some external to the state of Idaho. for communities to fill the gap, Republican lawmakers are in dereliction of their school funding duty enshrined in the Idaho Constitution.

The sad part of all of this is that his approach to politics worked, because 50% of the registered Republican voters in Bonner and Boundary counties failed to vote in the primary.

Let me make it crystal clear about what Herndon and his gang are up to: They are upset that Rep. Sauter has not towed the line according to the Idaho Freedom Foundation’s principles and voted accordingly. That would be to go along with Herndon’s attempt to make abortion so extreme a mother’s life is no longer valued, which resulted in hospital OBGYN departments closing and doctors leaving the state. This, along with proposed legislation for criminal prosecutions for those performing abortion.

Additionally, he worked to defund public education, and put control of libraries in the hands of his style of government. The sick part is that he has convinced BCRCC membership to go along with his extreme proposals. It is the BCRCC that should be censured, and not Rep. Sauter.

This corrupt politician, Herndon — who has a closet full of skeletons — needs to be defeated in the next election. I will do my best to make this happen and request the help of the voting public in Legislative District 1.

Tony McDermott is a conservative Republican, served two appointed terms as an Idaho Fish and Game commissioner for the panhandle area, as a member of the governor’s wolf control board and is a military veteran.

Idaho Democrats are steadfast in our commitment to preparing the next generation. Our children are our future. With the proper investment, that future will be bright.

Rep. Lauren Necochea is the House assistant Democratic leader, representing District 19 in Boise on the Commerce and Human Resources; Environment, Energy and Technology; Revenue and Taxation; and Ways and Means committees.

To submit a photo for a future edition, please send to ben@sandpointreader.com.

Leadership Sandpoint Cinco de Mayo event to benefit UCAN program for special-needs athletes

By Reader Staff

The 2022-’24 class of Leadership Sandpoint — a program of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce — will host a Cinco de Mayo block party Friday, May 5, from 4-9 p.m. on Main Street, between First and Second avenues in downtown Sandpoint.

Tickets for the event will be available at the gate and in advance from members of the current crop of Leadership Sandpoint members (for more information visit sandpointchamber.org, or contact the chamber at 208-263-2161).

About 10 local food and beverage vendors will be on hand showcasing their menus, alongside drinks; musical entertainment; kids’ activities like face painting and folk school activities; a silent auction and raffle, including a “wheelbarrow full of booze”; and season pass to Schweitzer, plus more.

The organization’s Cinco de Mayo celebration will benefit UCAN — the Unique Center for Athletes of all Needs — with a mission to empower special-needs individuals through fitness and nutrition, as well as offering a variety of programs to support youth and adult members. (Visit ucansandpoint.org for more information.)

UCAN started in 2015 under the leadership of Kelli and Jacob Bult, whose son

Caleb was born with a microchromosome deletion that resulted in a number of physical and mental disabilities.

Since Caleb was born, he has been involved in early intervention therapies to help him with things like walking and talking. As Caleb grew older, the Bults realized that there was an opportunity for special needs fitness in the Sandpoint community — a program that is integral in aiding in things like every-day movement, cognitive function and self-confidence.

The fundraiser will help UCAN acquire equipment, secure sponsorships, host classes and more.

“Leadership Sandpoint looks forward to this event each and every year as an opportunity to bring the local and business community together as a sign of solidarity to support our nonprofits,” stated Leadership Sandpoint organizers in a news release.

“The goal is to provide donors and attendees an opportunity to support a local nonprofit identified by the current Leadership Sandpoint class. This is a family-friendly family event. Enjoy awesome food, win prizes, and just have a great time. …

“We look forward to continuing that tradition and shedding light on the incredible organization that is UCAN,” organizers added.