Bonners Ferry Commissioner's Meeting November 7, 2022

Please read my letter that I sent one month after confronting them at the Commissioner's meeting.

Click this link to reference: http://boundarycountyid.org/minutes/commissioners-meeting-minutes-week-november-7-2022 I was reviewing the section regarding my visit at 11:03am. Present at the meeting was Michelle Rohrwasser, Glenda Poston, Tim Bertling, Wally Cossairt & Dan Dinning. I am writing this letter to notify you of a few concerns. I noticed Secretary Michelle did not include my comment in regard to Tim Bertling abusing his Commissioner's powers at the October 3, 2022 Boundary County Republican Central Committee (BCRCC) meeting. To further explain per the BCRCC's Agenda notice (see attachment along with the minutes) the Boundary County Commissioners were invited to attend the BCRCC's meeting to speak during the "Elected Officials Report (5 minutes)" time. Elected Officials Report time is supposed to be for the elected officials to report on their official business that they are elected to do. It was not the time to speak about personal concerns. Personal concern time is allotted under the "Public Comment (2 minutes)" time. Start at (14:55) https://youtu.be/DLH6XdsBIec Michelle, I know that the Commissioner's meetings are recorded, so I am confused why part of my comments were not added to the minutes. Can you explain why you did not include in the minutes my comment regarding Bertling campaigning while acting in his official capacity? Also can you explain why you did not include in the minutes my comment regarding Dinning calling community members “Taliban Christians” twice? I would like to elaborate on my Public Comment to the Commissioners that day. It is important that all elected and public officials understand their ethical role when working for the people. Per the "Idaho Ethics In Government" manual (page 13-14) and Idaho Statute: PUBLIC INTEGRITY IN ELECTIONS Question No. 24: Is it a violation of the Public Integrity in Elections Act for a public employee to campaign for or against a candidate or the outcome of a ballot measure to co-workers and/or the public while at work?
Answer: The legislative intent of this chapter provided in Idaho Code § 74-602 states: The legislature finds that it is against the public policy of the state of Idaho for public funds, resources or property to be used to advocate for or against a candidate or ballot measure. Campaigning while at work is a violation of this Act because the employee is using the states’ time, which is equivalent to funds and resources that should be dedicated to the states’ work. While this statute clearly prohibits the advocacy of candidate or ballot measure by a public entity and/or state agency, exclusions to this Act are provided in Idaho Code § 74-605 that allow for advocacy for or against a candidate or ballot measure by a public official or employee so long as no public funds, property or resources are used. The October 3, 2022 BCRCC Agenda notice clearly defined when it is appropriate to talk about personal topics (Public Comment 2 minutes). The agenda also clearly defines when it is appropriate to talk about elected official's business (Elected Officials Report 5 minutes). The Idaho Statute is clear that government employees and elected officials are not allowed to campaign while working under official capacity. Public integrity is important in order to maintain public trust. The bottom line is Commissioner Tim Bertling was abusing his power as an elected official. Bertling also took advantage of the BCRCC when they allowed him to speak at their Republican meeting. Especially, since he was running as an Independent and was not the elected Republican choice from the Primary Elections in the May 2022 elections. The BCRCC made a public apology during their November 7, 2022 meeting. They stated Bertling did not ask permission to campaign during that meeting and the committee was just as confused as the rest of the attendees that night. Start at (13:30) https://youtu.be/SeN-5yd9CK8 In conclusion, public employees and officials have a duty to follow ethical and legal practices. In this letter I have named a few potential unethical and legal issues. Community members have told me that they also have witnessed statements purposely being excluded from the minutes of the Commissioner meetings. Now I personally have experienced it firsthand. I also question why didn't Clerk Glenda Poston notify the State of potential Idaho Statutes being violated? Why didn't she ask me for my evidence? After all she was in the room when I gave my public comment about Bertling. Also, if I am not mistaken, she reviews the Commissioners minutes prior to the Secretary posting them to the public. My hope is that the Commissioners, Secretary or Clerk did not delete my comments about Bertling and Dinning deliberately. I look forward to your response so that my concerns can be put to ease. Thank you