HD 12 election needs more discussion

Editor,

The Supreme Court's ruling nullified the Governor's decision on a tied election. It also overturned District Court Judge Kim Christopher's decision not to exchange her judgments for those of the Lake County Elections Office or the County-supervised election recounts.

The Supreme Court set aside all prior decisions and judgments, interposed its own explanations of contested ballots and declared Jeanne Windham the winner of the HD-12 election. The Supreme Court's ruling corrected all prior errors made by Lake County officials and members of the public acting under its supervision during the ballot recounts.

Whatever recount errors the Supreme Court decided to correct, none of them could be laid at the feet of either candidate. The law empowers county commissioners with the highest executive authority in the county. They can accept responsibility for any consequences, monetary or otherwise, for errors committed by public officials, employees or duly appointed ad hoc committees.

The county can provide redress to any party so injured. Innocent parties should not have to encumber any cost for exercising their constitutional duty or for the mistakes of personnel under the supervision of the county commissioners.

As a citizen, I recommend the commissioners put on their agenda for discussion and decision the question of the county's obligation in this matter. An open, announced regular or special meeting would provide an opportunity to hear from constituents who are uneasy about where this matter stands. Remaining silent and not being able to know how to correct an injustice to a fellow citizen is worrisome.

Sotero Muniz

Polson