Speaker tells of long fight against Idaho hate groups By Andy Gross
+ Continued from page
STAFF WRITER
Soft.spoken, gentle and eloquent, Tony Stewa1t is an unlikely trench warrior. Yet, by his own admission, Stewart, a native of Graham County, has fought an ongoing and vocal battle against hate groups in
Idaho. "It's very important for any community that faces a problem with hate groups to reeognize it and speak oul Hate groups don't go away because you wish them to go away," Stewart said. Stewart. 50, is a political science professor at North Idaho College. Educated at the Western Carolina University and the University of Tennessee, Stewart. ia the pnaident or the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations. Stewart said the group was Conned after white supremacists groups in Idaho harassed a Jewish f'amily and a multi-racial family in two separate incidents. Tony Stewart Stewart appeared at the YMI Cultural Center in Asheville to introduce a 90-minut.e video the task force has produced, and to share his expertise about how communities can best combat the efforts of white supremacist organizations in the area. Stewart spoke before a group of about 20 people including two deputies from the Buncombe Count; Sheriffs Department.. â&#x20AC;˘ Stewart said his impetus for hauling hate groupicame from a deceptively simple principle. "I have never understood why any individual would prejudge a person because of race, religion or color.'' The group of concerned people who came together on that December night in 1980 to comfort their victimized neigh hon, has matured into a group of 250 that has forged valuable coalitions \\.ilh clergy. law enforcement officials, educators and civic leaders. According to Stewart, the group's activism and presence in Idaho, helped law enforcement agent.c:; break up and arrest a dangerouii group of white supremacisL<i known as Order One. According to Mary Harayda, a member of People Recognizing Individuality, Diversi~y ancl Dignity in , + See Hate on f)age 38
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Everyone - PRIDE - one or three Asheville groups that sponsored Stewart's appearance, his visit to Asheville is timely. In the past two years, various white supremacist organi7.ations have stepped up activities in Western North Carolina and in Asheville and surrounding counties. Two organizations, the Southern Aryan Warriors and the Confederate Knights of America, distributed fliers in Buncombe County in 1991. In February, concerned Buncombe County residents held a fontm in reaction to the growing presence of a group of skinheads who had reportedly been assaulting black teen-agers and gay men. Harayda said the presence of groups like skinheads, Aryan nation and the KKK, give extra relevance to Stewart's appearance in .Asheville. "We're still real concerned by those groups. (Some members) of the groups were marching in the Family Values Day Parade they're a threat," Haradya said. Beside building coalitions designed to promote humanism and defeat unwarranted prejudices that fuel hate groups, Stewart said communities cannot engage in a conspiracy of silence when hate groups such as the Klan, Aryan Nation or other white supremacist groups descend on a city.
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Thursday, February 2, 1995 Stocks and classifieds inside
Business
Kids Voting board named . ~
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Community leaders to steer.P_rogram
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COEUR d'ALENE - Organizers of Kids Voting Idaho have named a board of directors to officially launch the program designed to boost voter turnout. Members of the 15-member board plan to meet Feb. 8 at The Coeur d'Alene Resort to set a budget, assign committees and begin implementing activities that will lead up to a countywide mock election for children on Nov. 7. Kids Voting Idaho, sponsored by The Coeur d'Alene Press and North Idaho Business Journal, is one of 22 state chapters of a national organization - Kids Voting USA - which sends children to the polls with their parents on election day. The Kootenai County program, Idaho's first, will serve as a base for Kids Voting Idaho as the program expands to other communities throughout the state. 'The board members represent a great cross section of the community," said Nancy Sue Wallace, co-founder of Kids Voting Idaho. "All these people have a genuine concern for children and the voting process." The board is comprised of: • Chairman Jim Thompson, publisher of The Coeur d'Alene Press and North Idaho Business Journal • Treasurer Randy Bates, certified public accountant • Hazel Bauman, director of elementary education for Coeur d'Alene School District 271 • Katie Brodie, program director for Idaho Forest Industries • Former state Sen. Denny Davis, D Coeur d'Alene, attorney • Pat McGaughey, president of the Coeur d'Alene Area Chamber of Commerce • Sandy Patano. regional director for U.S. Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idabo
state." Barnes said a student board of directors will also be created with represen tati ves of the school districts involved in Kootenai County's pilot program. Additionally, the local organization soon will start recruiting members for a statewide board of directors, and begin helping other communities organize programs in time for the 1996 presidential election. Boise, Twin Falls, Burley, Moscow and Lewiston have expressed an interest. Plans are under way for an in-service • Joy Scheer, executive board member program to introduce teachers to the profor the League of Women Voters of gram and a kickoff event for the corporate Kootenai County community. • Tony Stewart, political science Kids Voting Idaho has been endorsed instructor at North Idaho College by Taggart as well as Sec. of State Pete • Jack Stilwell, vice president, finance, Cennarrusa. and treasurer of Hecla Mining Co. About 16,000 students in grades K-12 • Bruce Winters, business owner. in the Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls, The board also includes the following Lakeland and Harrison school districts honorary members: will participate in classroom activities • Co-founder Wallace, president of the taken from Kids Voting USA's curriculum Coeur d'Alene City Council during the weeks preceding this fall's city • Co-founder Ric Clarke, business edi- elections. The program then encourages tor of The Coeur d'Alene Press and editor the children to accompany their parents of the North Idaho Business Journal to the actual polling places on election • Kootenai County Clerk Tom Taggart day to cast ballots in Kids Voting ballot • State Sen. Mary Lou Reed, D-Coeur boxes. d'Alene. The program, which began in suburWallace's husband, Marc, a partner in ban Phoenix in 1988, is modeled after a Sims, Liesche, Newell, Kelso, Wallace & children's election traditionally held in Wallace, is handling the program's legal Costa Rica, where voter turnout is often work. in the 90th percentile. Lori Barnes, executive director of Kids It is designed to increase voter turnout Voting Idaho, said she is impressed with in the short term by having parents take the list of community leaders who have their children to the polls. It also seeks to agreed to steer the program through its send more voters to the polls in the long first year. term by instilling an appreciation in chil"I'm looking forward to working with dren for the election process and thus crethese people. Their talents and abilities ating a strong voting habit by the time are well known," she said. "It's the begin- they are old enough to actually particining of a program that will have a positive pate. impact now and in the future of our
Winters
Stilwell
Stewart
Thursday, February 9, 1995 Stocks and classifieds inside
Business
Kids Voting plans under way COEUR d'ALENE - Directors of Kids Voting Idaho began Wednesday mobilizing the program that will send thousands of Kootenai County children to the polls this fall with their parents. The l~member board of directors established a $33,000 budget, formed committees and scheduled a kickoff luncheon at The Coeur d'Alene Resort. The Feb. 27 luncheon will serve as an introduction to the program designed to boost voter turnout. The event also will launch a drive to find the volunteers and raise the funds necessary to stage Idaho's pilot program. "We invite anyone who is curious about the program to come," said Lori Barnes, executive director of Kids Voting Idaho. "It's a community event." Barnes said she is pleased with the progress made during the fi rst board meeting. "It was exciting to see the enthusiasm from this group, especially from people who are involved in so many other things," she said. 'They jwnped right in. They were not at all hesitant to help out" Kids Voting Idaho co-founder and Coeur d'Alene City Council president BOB ABBOTI/Coeur d'Alene Pren Nancy Sue Wallace agreed that Kida Voting Idaho board member Joy Scherr confers with executive director Lori Barnes following Wednesday's meeting was a sound start WednNday's mHtlng at The Coeur d' Alene Resort. "Ever yone there was ver y enthused and ready to dig in to make this wo~" she said. ~
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The program - sponsored by The Coeur d'Alene Press and North Idaho Business Journal - is the 22nd state chapter of Kids Voting USA, which is headquartered in Tempe, Ariz. Patterned after a similar program in Costa Rica, Kids Voting seeks to increase voter turnout by having children accompany their parents to polls to participate in a mock election. Organizers hope that over the years, it will instill an appreciation in children for the election process and thus establish a strong voting habit. "Anyone who's concerned about our democracy is going to want to partici pat_e in this," said Kids Voting Idaho board member Sandy Patano, who is regional director for U.S. Sen. Larry Craig, R-ldaho. "'We can get more adults participating in elections by educating and including their kids. "I am thrilled. I want to get out and start sharing it with people," Patano
In conjunction with the Feb. 27 kickoff, an in-service seminar will be held for representatives of the Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls and Lakeland school districts to familiarize them with the Kids Voting curriculum. The school representatives will then demonstrate to their colleagues how they can utilize the lessons and su1r plies in the classroom. Kids Voting Idaho board member Hazel Bauman, who serves as Coeur d'Alene School District's director of elementary education, described Kids Voting as "the essence of what we're all about in education." "It's about developing a good citi-. zenry," she said •A democracy cannot function ffl'J ·well without . . . . . . eel pepulice. . . .!,. . .'i86e ftUiro riage of education ·and citizenry, and I think ought to get on with it'" Bauman said she is anxious to adopt the Kid• Voting curriculum,
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which will provide more focus and direction about the election process and help tailor the information for individual grade levels. "While we are doing some of that here or there, there is no develo1r ment curriculum. Kids Voting will provide that for us." As state executive director,
Barnes is not only coordinating Kootenai County's program for this
local organizations in an effort to recruit volunteers and community support. In addition to Patano and Bauman, the board of directors includes chairman Jim Thompson, publisher of The Coeur d'Alene Press and North Idaho Business Journal; treasurer Randy Bates, CPA; Katie Brodie of Idaho Forest Industries; former state Sen. and attorney Denny Davis; Coeur d'Alene Area Chamber of Commerce president Pat McGaughey; Joy Scherr of the League of Women Voters; Tony Stewart of North Idaho College; Jack Stilwell of Hecla Mining Co.; and Bruce Winters, owner of Holiday's
Hallmark.
year's city elections, but also is heli>-
The board also includes honorary
liliplentent programs for the 1996 presidential election. Boise, Burley, Twin Falls, Moscow and Lewiston have expressed an interest In the meantime, she is talkin2 tQ
Clarke of The Coeur d'Alene Press and North Idaho Business Journal; Kootenai County Clerk Tom Taggart; and state Sen. Mary Lou Reed, DCoeur d'Alene.
ina other communities in the state members Wallace; co-founder Ric
C4 THE COEUR d'ALENE PRESS Friday, Sept. 29, 1995
[lJQpinion
Kids Voting program well worth supporting Kids Voting, about which you'll be reading much in the Coeur d'Alene Press between now and Election Day, kicked off last week. Children throughout Kootenai County are learning about the candidates and the issues through this privately sponsored pr<r gram.
While The Coeur d'Alene Press is a prime sponsor of Kids Voting, North Idaho College also is actively involved. Tony Stewart's political science class will be surveying voters on Election Day to see if the program is having an impact. ¡ Also invaluable to the program are the school teachers themselves, some of whom last week dressed up in red, white and blue costumes to bring the story of democracy's miracle to their classrooms. Each school will pick an issue to get up to speed on, and then they'll vote on it They'll also participate in candidate forums conducted throughout the region. No, kids can't vote. Not in the real world. But they can become informed about the issues their parents must confront at the ballot box. They can inform the debate around the supper table. Apathy is the biggest enemy this republic faces. What Kids Voting teaches, beyond the issues and the candidates, is that each single vote makes a difference, that there is no such thing as a wasted trip to the polling booth. What greater gift can we give ourselves than an upcoming generation that cares and is informed?
Hayden Elementary student Danny Bissett, 6, puts in his ballot for Hayden
Meadows playground equipment and a mock city ballot at Hayden City Hall Tuesday morning.
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BONNIE HUDLET/ Coeur d'Alene Prass
Kids help get out vote By JANET FEILER Staff writer
COEUR d'ALENE - The official inauguration of Kids Voting was a big success and very likely increased adult turnout on Tuesday, organizers say. An estimated 2,600 children vi.sited various city polls throughout Kootenai County and another 257 cast ballots at school Exit polling at five precincts showed one-third of adult voters who were accompanied by children credited their youngsters and Kids Voting with bringing them to the polls. Nearly two-thirds said they did additional studying of candidates and issues because of their child's involvement in the process. "I'm just astounded with the results," said Tony Stewart, North Idaho College political science instructor who helped conduct exit polling. "Our conclusion is that Kids
Voting is impacting here like it is around the country," he said. Youth voters in Coeur d'Alene supported incumbent Councilwoman Dixie Reid, with 546 votes. But, unlike the adults, the kids placed Sam Sears second with 537 votes and Ron Edinger third with 528 votes. Chris Copstead and Bob Wachter trailed, with 426 and 287 respectively. Post Falls children overwhelmingly favored incumbent Mayor Jim Hammond, and chose Joe Bodman and Scott Grant for City Council. Lori Barnes, state director of Kids Voting, said the process went well. She said there were some concerns early on among poll workers but, by mid afternoon, when kids started arriving, everything went smoothly. She and Stewart said Kids Voting seemed to have a positive, uplifting effect on voters. Seventy-three high school stu-
dents were among the 216 volunteers who helped with Kids Voting. Besides voting on city candidates, students decided school issues. At Athol, students cast ballots within the school to choose lhe Eagles as their mascot. The Eagles got 116 votes compared to 68 for Panthers and 63 for Cheetahs. Lakeland Junior High students were asked whether a second school should be built to alleviate crowding. The results: 428 yes, 304 no. In Coeur d'Alene. Winton students overwhelmingly favored a community skating rink over a soccer field while Borah students picked a schoo l so ng. Ramsey and Rathdrum's John Brown school decided school colors. Hayden Lake and Hayden Meadows students chose what type of playground equipment they wanted and Fernan kids approved a drinking fountain for the playground. Students al Coeur d'Alene's two high schools overwhelmingly voted for an open campus.
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Craig BuclVThe Spokesman-Review
Kelsi Bates gets a sticker after voting, while her parents and sisters wait at SeHlce Elementary In Post Falls. All over Kootenai County, more than z,â&#x20AC;˘ children went to the polls Tuesday. LJ , r, 1S5/ d k ,-.1? YI. IT t>l-',e()) I/- -
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Little citizens cast their votes Dry run for Kids Voting program brings children to polls with parents By Susan Drumheller Staff writer
POST FAUS - Ten-year-old Jordan Fish, dressed in a bulky blue snowsuit, strode purposefully to the Kids Voting booth at Seltice Elementary School to exercise his right to vote. ''I'm not going to vote for Jim,'' he said, referring to Post Falls Mayor Jim Hammond. "He wants to put in big business and I'm against that."
When he was done marking his ballot, he folded the paper between stiff mitts and slid it into the red, white and blue ballot box. All over Kootenai County, more than 2,000 children went to the polls Tuesday. But unlike previous years, they weren't just watching their parents vote. The city elections provided a dry run for the countywide Kids Voting program, which is designed to teach citizenship and improve turnout. Students voted at kid-sized booths. Their ballots were counted separately. Despite Jordan's protest vote, Hammond easily won the votes of the younger generation. He had 164 votes to Don Kline's 65.
Kids: May help voter turnout Continued from 61 High school and North Idaho College students helped at the polls and conducted surveys to find out whether Kids Voting was improving voter turnout. In 1994, the program increased turnouts in other states an average of 3 percent, according to a Stanford University study. Of 128 parents surveyed, 32.2
percent said they would not have voted if their children hadn't wanted to vote. "I'm simply astounded," said Tony Stewart, an NlC politics instructor and Kids Voting board member. Results were broadcast on a special cable television program hosted by NlC students and the Kids Voting organizers. The most important goal of Kids
Students also voted in Joe Bodman and incumbent Scott Grant to the council. Had the children been in charge in Coeur d'Alene, Sam Sears, Ron Edinger and Dixie Reid would have won the Coeur d'Alene elections with 472, 454 and 425 votes respectively. Elizabeth Meyer, 12, said she voted for Edinger because be is a school custodian. Students studied community issues in school and came up with their own schoolwide issues. At Seltice Elementary, students chose the name of their mascot; would it be Humperdink the Seltisaurus or Repto the Seltisaurus? Continued: Kldl/84
Voting, organizers said, is to get children interested in the democratic process. "It felt good," said Anna Taber, 8, after she voted at Seltice Elementary. Her mother, Sandra Taber. said Anna had been asking her questions about the election for a week. "She says, 'Mom, we need to vote'," Taber said. "It's good. Maybe it will get some people out here who wouldn't necessarily vote." Staff writer Ken Olsen contributed .;;..... ___. to this report .
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Farrakhan's views concern N. Idaho civil rights activists By JOE BUTLER Staff writer
Marchers rededicate themselves Page A4
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COEUR d'ALENE - The goal of atonement and racial unity in Monday's Million Man March in Washington, D.C. agrees with a local human rights task force. However, the fact that the march was led by a man preaching racism and anti-Semitism repelled the same group. Linda Payne, president of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations, said wasn't !~le to hear any of the speech by march leader Louis Farrakhan and couldn't comment on it. She did, however, share her views on Farrakhan and the march in general. Farrakhan, she said, is a "Black racist," and she doesn't know what message he will send to America. However, she said Associated Press it's good for men to Louis Farrakhan during congregate for a pos- his speech to the itive purpose. Million Man March on "The unity of people getting together Washington, D.C. was a good thing for Monday. them," Payne said. "It will be good for responsibility." Tony Stewart, another task force member, agreed with Payne about the worthiness of the effort by the hundreds of thousands of men in the march, but was equally concerned about their leader's motives and philosophies. Stewart thinks Farrakhan is anti-Semitic and sexist "He's not the kind of leader Martin Luther was," he said. "Farrakhan used divisive language rather than healing." Stewart said the local task force strives for unity between all races but quickly turns away from any leader of any race who preaches hate or intolerance. "Certainly in dealing with human rights, it's important to work against prejudice and bigotry," he said. "Anyone who uses statements like those aren't contributing to the cause." Payne said there is nothing planned in North Idaho related to the march, though the task force ¡s planning other activities this month and especially this week to help curb all types of violence. This Friday is Eliminate Racism and Hate Day, she said.
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choose peace' WAS HIN GTON (AP) Seeking suµp on for a risky military mi~::;ion. President Clinton pre sented hi::; case Monday night for sending 20.000 U.S. troops to e nforce a fragile peace treaty in Bosnia. ;!In the choice between p c :? Cc.' 3:,d war," Clinto n declared, ' 'America mu st choose peace." Without American force, "the war will re ignite. The slaughter of innocents wil l begin agai n," he said. Despite misg1v1ngs. it appeared Congre::;s would give Clinton hi::; way. Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole s aid h e bel ieved in the co nstitutional authority of the president and add ed. "No doubt abo ut it. whether Co ng r ess agrees or not. troops will go to Bosnia." In a prime-time add ress from t h e Ov al Office, Clinton acknowledged American troops wi ll fa ce danger and h e assumed '·full responsibili ty" for any casualties. However, he laid down a marke r to anyone threatening th e peacekeepers: ''America protects its own. Anyone - anyone - who takes on our troops will s uffer the consequences. We will fight fire with fire and then some." He sa id a smal l nu mbe r of American troops would go into Bos nia sometime next week to lay the groundwo rk fo r thousands more to come . probably before Ch ristmas. "Le t us lead." C linton implored in a 20-minute speech del ivered in somber tones. "Th at is our responsib ility as Americans."
Locals
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-B·a~ sn~Ta By RITA HOLLINGSWORTH Staff writer
COEUR d ' ALENE Th e morning coffee drinkers who congregate at T.W. Fisher's Brewpub to chew on the major issues of the day added a touch of class to their gathering on Monday. For the first time ever, a chalkboard announcing the topic of the day was carefully propped up against the oak barrel that decorates the meeting corner. The club's first-ever formal debate topic - s hould President Bill Clinton send American troops to Bosnia - greeted seven regulars as they gathered around the tables, mugs of steaming brew in hand. Ray Stone, former Coe ur d'Alene mayor, stood alone throughout the debate. For Stone, the decision ·was straightforward: The American people must act to save lives and e nd human suffering. See BOSNIA, Page A2
See PRESIDENT, Page A2
Tuesday,Jan.23, 1996
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REV. GURLEY STEWART ROBBINSVILLE - The Rev. Gurley Stewart, 84, of 509 Lost Tree Land, Knoxville, Tenn., died Friday, Jan. 19, 1996, at KnoxviUe Health Care Center. He was a native of Graham County where he lived most of his llfe. He was an ordained Baptist minister and was elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives from Graham County In 1942. He was the son of the late John Wesley and LIiiy Belle Adams Stewart. He was preceded In death by his wife, Margie Myrtle Eller Stewart. He Is survived by his son, Tony Stewart of Coeur D'Alene, Idaho; daughter, Carol Knaff! of Knoxville, Tenn.; sisters, lcie Smith of RobblnsvlHe, Lura Belle Nebblets of Clarksville, Tenn.; a grandchild; two greatgrandchlldren. Services wUI be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Cedar Cliff Baptist Church with the Revs. France Postell and Joe Caldwell officiating. Burial wHI be In Carver Cemetery. The family received friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at Townson-Smith Funeral Home, Robbinsville, where the body wll remain untU placed In the church 30 minutes before the service.
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Idaho • North Idaho College political science instructor Tony Stewart was surprised
Friday with a plaque honoring his 26 years of exempwy service. The award was presented during NIC's commencement ceremony by board of trustees member Jeune Givens. The board aJso established a scholarship in his
name.
Stewart was the impetus behind the NIC Popcorn Forum and Convocation Serie.,, and the NIC TV Public Forum. He is known for his civil rights activism. Also on Friday, Bngtisb instructor Chad Klinger received the NIC Foundation's Sl,000 faculty achievement awmL ~ bas taught E.nglisb at NIC for 10 years. He is adviser for ''Trestle Creek, a pablication,ofshort~ and poems submitted from across the ,::ountiy. • . Also reccmngSSOO awatds from the,foundatioo were fac:u.ltJ members Carol Lindsay, David Man and Oecqe Ives; and staff members Mike Wolf, Rhonda Pic:tlea and Olemnar Fullmer.
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Reed, Batt extol initiative, flexibility (the) flexible, and you are an imPortant part of that future," said the COEUR d' ALENE - To the beat of Republican Governor, a Native American drum and words noting that American from Idaho Politicians, 300 North Idaho businesses are desperCollege students walked across the ate for workers who are stage Friday morning to receive educated, ambitious degrees or certificates. clear-thinkers and prooAbout three-fourths of eligible gradu- lem-solvers." ates attended the two-hour commenceHe said the annu al men t ceremony in the Boswell Hall- spring tradition of comSchuler Auditorium. mencements represents State Sen. Mary Lou Reed and Gov. a "renewal of Idaho's Phil Batt used styles as different as lifeblood - its people." their Political persuasions to offer simi- Reed talked about the lar counsel and congratulations. powers and mysteries of "The future belongs to the smart, the human brain and By JANET FEILER Staff writer
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NIC President Bob Bennett serves as master of ceremonies.
credited inventive minds with making today's world a better place than ever before. She said Americans can celebrate that the world is at peace, Martin Luther King' s dream is still in progress and women are climbing the rungs of corporate ladders. The global glass is half full, not half empty, she
said. Calling the graduates the "portable generation," Reed said, "You are masters of your own machines." She admonished graduates to use - not lose - their heads. NIC President Bob Bennett introduced speakers and presented special awards. The White Horse Singers from the Coeur d'Alene Tribe chanted as graduates filed into the auditorium. Tribal executive Marjorie Matheson Zarate gave a welcoming message. Student body President Kris Stein challenged fellow graduates to lifelong learning and introduced his mother who also was receiving her associate of arts degree from NIC.
NIC Foundation honors Stewart, other teachers COEUR d' ALENE - Graduates science at NIC 26 years. weren't the only ones receiving awards During an awards breakfast for all at North Idaho College Friday. It also employees, the NIC Foundation prewas a day to recognize contributions sented several faculty and staff members with awards of excellence for their made by faculty and staff. Tony Stewart, who for 25 years has service to NIC. been the impetus behind the North Chad Klinger, English instructor, Idaho College Popcorn Forum and received the prestigious North Idaho Foundation Faculty Convocation Series and the- NIC TV College Public Forum, received the NIC Board Achievement Award, which includes of Trustees' first-time Award of Merit $1,000 in cash. A committee of former The board presented the surprise award winners, Dean of Instruction award in appreciation for ~tewart's Jerry Gee and a student representative exceptional dedication to teacbing and pick the recipient The three other facu1.
community.aemce. The board .iso set ty members wbo were nominated and aside moJtey for a ecbolarship in received $500 each are Carol Lindsay, Stewart'a Dllib,e.¡He baa faljght political child development instructor; David
Mann, computer science instructor, and George Ives, English instructor. Klinger teaches English and is advisor for Trestle Creek, a publication of short stories and poems submitted by writers from across the country. "Chad serves as a model of what a questing mind should be," said Ives, who nominated Klinger. "He is disciplined, fair and an inspirational mentor." "'Through 10 years of full-time service to NIC, Chad has demonstrated his superior teaching abilities," said Virginia Tmsley Johnson who chairs the English divjsion. "Add to that his always thoughtful, considerate, and caring
"6. THE.COEUR d'.ALENE PRESS Saturday, May 18. 1996
treatment of not only his students but his colleagues across the campus, and you have a person who is clearly an asset to our college community." Klinger has a bachelor of arts degree from Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pa.â&#x20AC;˘ and a master's of arts degree in English and literature from Columbia University in New York City. He has served on numerous college committees and is active in the community. The Foundation also recognized three staff members for service to the college. Mike Wolf, maintenance, Rhonda Pickles, transportation and Glenmar Fullmer, business office, received checks for $500.
NOnvoters arell't non-achievers By MalyDittric:b and Michael M. Lazerow MedillNeieSemce
WASHINOTON-lt'I not a, if 49-year,,old Nancy ICoscher doesn't care about public affairs. The ·owner ofa small carpet-installation business in "Cn.1...-. Incl . ·Koecber supports A .· . abor'tioQ ruth.. • " · ,tor the Elkhartlted Ql)ss, t doselym her locil ichootboard. cbapte . But-~ dklatt vote in1992, and probably won't
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Nonvoters: Television blamed for nµning citizens from participants to spectators Continued from A1
many characteristics of voters. They read newspapers and watch television news. They discuss politics with their friends and families. They write to their local and congressional representatives; · But they don't vote. Nonvoters who most closely reflect the stereotype of the nonvoter actually make up much smaller group, researchers found. They labeled that group "Alienated." There·s not a single type of nonvoter, said Dwight Morris, president of The Campaign Study Group in Washington. D.C., which administered the survey. ··Toe public debate now is based on a view of nonvoters that is not accurate," he said. .Nonvoters hold strong opinions, and many 9f them are not as divergent from voters as some might think, the poll revealed. For example, they rated crime as the most
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important issue facing the country, an opinion which mirrored that of the overall population in a poll published in The New York Times in late June. Many also are rather optimistic and hold fairly high opinions of the government. The suivey found: 65 percent agree with the statement, "As Americans, we can always find a way to solve our problems and get what we want." More than 50 percent agree the federal gov~mrnenl does a "better job than people give it credit for.•· 83 percent say the government should play "an active role" in improving the lives of middle-income families. Some local scholars were surprised with the findings. "I agree with the categories, but I am surprised that the Doers are the largest and the AJienated are the smallest," said Tony Stewart, a political scientist at North Idaho
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In North Idaho. residents can register to vote at 1he polls or at their county elections office. For more lntonnation In Kootenai County, call the voter registration office at (208) 769-4428. College. "It represents a reversal of the data 1, for many decades." Pam Behring, president of the Spokane chapter of the League of Women Voters, said the views of nonvoters are normally not that different from the views of voters. '·I think for the most part the results of elections do reflect the sentiments of the country as a whole," she said. Experts have said for decades that inconvenience and mobility are among the leading reasons people traditionally do not vote. But only 20 percent of nonvoters said they didn't vote in 1992 because they were not registered. That may be even less of a factor in
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Nonvoters form five general categories, By Mary Dittrich Medill News Service
WASHINGTON - Nonvoters do not fit neatly into a single group. But a nationwide survey of adults who probably won't vote this year su~CJ>ts they do fit into five general catcgones. Here are profiles and examples of each group:
THE UNPLUGGEDS (27 percent) Most llrc fairly young, with :four out of five under 45. and less settled than other groups. Less than one in five regularly follows news about government and pubhc affairs, and four of five do not regularly talk politics at home. Two out of three are not registered, although half "plan" to vote in November. They rarely send letters to elected officials or newsparrs, and most don't identify with poliuca parties. Twenty-five percent say elected officials don't care what they think. Kelly MlchHI Smith only watches the news when he can't find any good sports on TV. _ "Only when my games aren't on," said Smith, a 39-year-old single father and construction worker from Dayton, Wash. "I love
my Mets. and the 49ers are the best." He occasionally picks up the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, but between working various odd jobs, takin~ care of his 7-year-old son Skylar and keeping up with his teams, he has very little time to pay attention to local or national politics. ''I'm too busy trying to survive," he said. "Paying on a house in this unpredictable line of work is tough; there's a lot of bills. If I want to talk .e<>litics I will, but I'd rather talk about sports. Smith has always thought he should register and vote. "I might just do it this year, but I've got so much going on right now."
11IE INJERS (29 percent) They look, talk and act Like voters but don't vote. Most are under 45. and more than half have annual incomes above $30.000. More than half read a newspaper six to seven .times a week and three-fourths watch CNN at least occasionally. More than half have attended college, and a fourth have a deiree. They have favorable opinions of political parties and Congres.,;, with nearly three-fourths saying the federal government does a better job
than people give it credit for. Jason Caldwell is no stranger to political activism. He works on the campaigns of his favorite local candidates, rallying support with bumper stickers and yard signs. He tracks his congressman·s voting record and writes regular letters to give feedback. But he did not vote in the 1992 presidential election, and he's not sure he'll vote this year. "I didn't like any of the candidates, and I'm not going to vote for someone I do not believe in,'' said the 29-year-old roofer from suburban Kansas City.
THE IRRITABLES (18 percent) They are informed, but fed up. More than half read the newspaper six to seven times a week, and roughly two-thirds watch CNN and follow what's going on in public affairs. Slightly older than the Doers, their education level is about the same. Most have lived at their current address for more than two years, but more than half who voted iJl 1992 also said they are not currently registered. They have a low opinion of government and politics - two-thirds say . the country is seriously on the wrong track.
Ttrrfl Printy got nervous the last time she cast her vote for president, and pulled the wrong handle. It W'clS 1988 and she accidentally voted for the losing candidate. Democrat Michael Dukakis. The 49-year-old resident of Montrose, Iowa, a lifetime Republican, has not voted since. ''Experience has taught me a lesson: Even when we vote, we have no control over what's going on in government," she said.
THE INJN'T DOWS (14 percent) Stereotypical nonvoters. they have little interest in news and politics, and nearly three-fourths are not registered. Two of five have only a high school diploma, and more than half earn Tess than $30,000. Fewer than one in 10 regularly discuss political issues in their homes and only 15 percent have sent a letter to a member of Congress. They have no .opinion, favorable or unfavorable. of political parties but aren't necessarily alienated from government. Four of five think government should play an active role in improving health care, housing and education. Dottle Turner says voting is a waste of time.
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