The Bushnell Report

The Kootenai County Republican Central Committee hosted a Kootenai County Legislator Town Hall on 4/27/24. The legislators were asked about what they thought the highlights of the legislative session were. From Left to Right: Idaho State Senator Phil Hart, Idaho State Senator Carl Bjerke, Idaho State Representative Ron Mendive, Idaho State Representative Tony Wisniewski, Idaho State Representative Elaine Price, Idaho State Senator Ben Toews, Idaho State Representative Joe Alfieri, Idaho State Representative Jordan Redman, Idaho State Representative Vito Barberi, and Idaho State Senator Doug Okuniewicz. MC: Kootenai County Commissioner Bruce Mattare www.thebushnellreport.com

Illegal immigration in Idaho was spoken on. Idaho State Senator Phil Hart, Idaho State Representative Jordan Redman, and Idaho State Representative Tony Wisniewski commented on this issue. This is video from the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee hosted a Kootenai County Legislator Town Hall on 4/27/24. From Left to Right: Idaho State Senator Phil Hart, Idaho State Senator Carl Bjerke, Idaho State Representative Ron Mendive, Idaho State Representative Tony Wisniewski, Idaho State Representative Elaine Price, Idaho State Senator Ben Toews, Idaho State Representative Joe Alfieri, Idaho State Representative Jordan Redman, Idaho State Representative Vito Barberi, and Idaho State Senator Doug Okuniewicz. MC: Kootenai County Commissioner Bruce Mattare www.thebushnellreport.com

Federal funding of schools was discussed. Idaho State Senator Carl Bjerke, Idaho State Senator Phil Hart, Idaho State Senator Ben Toews, Idaho State Representative Elaine Price, and Idaho State Representative Vito Barbieri gave their thoughts. "What is the biggest threat to our freedom?" Idaho State Representative Joe Alfieri, Idaho Representative Vito Barbieri, and Idaho State Representative Ron Mendive commented on this. A question regarding squatters laws in Idaho was asked. Idaho State Representative Jordan Redman, and Idaho State Representative Joe Alfieri commented on this issue. This is video from the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee hosted a Kootenai County Legislator Town Hall on 4/27/24. From Left to Right: Idaho State Senator Phil Hart, Idaho State Senator Carl Bjerke, Idaho State Representative Ron Mendive, Idaho State Representative Tony Wisniewski, Idaho State Representative Elaine Price, Idaho State Senator Ben Toews, Idaho State Representative Joe Alfieri, Idaho State Representative Jordan Redman, Idaho State Representative Vito Barberi, and Idaho State Senator Doug Okuniewicz. MC: Kootenai County Commissioner Bruce Mattare www.thebushnellreport.com

Digital Currency was discussed. Idaho State Representative Elaine Price, Idaho State Senator Ben Toews, Idaho State Senator Phil Hart, Idaho State Representative Ron Mendive, and Idaho State Representative Tony Wisniewski commented. This is video from the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee hosted a Kootenai County Legislator Town Hall on 4/27/24. From Left to Right: Idaho State Senator Phil Hart, Idaho State Senator Carl Bjerke, Idaho State Representative Ron Mendive, Idaho State Representative Tony Wisniewski, Idaho State Representative Elaine Price, Idaho State Senator Ben Toews, Idaho State Representative Joe Alfieri, Idaho State Representative Jordan Redman, Idaho State Representative Vito Barberi, and Idaho State Senator Doug Okuniewicz. MC: Kootenai County Commissioner Bruce Mattare www.thebushnellreport.com

The topic of minors having their own accounts on social media was discussed. Idaho State Senator Ben Toews, and Idaho State Representative Elaine Price commented. Veterans benefits not being taxed by Idaho was discussed. Idaho State Representative Jordan Redman commented. "What are you doing to reduce the size, scope, and power of the state?" Idaho State Representative Joe Alfieri, Idaho State Senator Ben Toews, Idaho State Senator Doug Okuniewicz, Idaho State Representative Vito Barbieri, Idaho State Representative Jordan Redman, and Idaho State Representative Tony Wisniewski commented. This is video from the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee hosted a Kootenai County Legislator Town Hall on 4/27/24. From Left to Right: Idaho State Senator Phil Hart, Idaho State Senator Carl Bjerke, Idaho State Representative Ron Mendive, Idaho State Representative Tony Wisniewski, Idaho State Representative Elaine Price, Idaho State Senator Ben Toews, Idaho State Representative Joe Alfieri, Idaho State Representative Jordan Redman, Idaho State Representative Vito Barbieri, and Idaho State Senator Doug Okuniewicz. MC: Kootenai County Commissioner Bruce Mattare www.thebushnellreport.com

Blaine Amendment discussed. Idaho State Representative Elaine Price, and Idaho State Senator Ben Toews commented. "Why is so much of the state of Idaho federal land?" Idaho State Representative Ron Mendive commented. "Do you support a convention of states?" All the legislators answered. This is video from the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee hosted a Kootenai County Legislator Town Hall on 4/27/24. From Left to Right: Idaho State Senator Phil Hart, Idaho State Senator Carl Bjerke, Idaho State Representative Ron Mendive, Idaho State Representative Tony Wisniewski, Idaho State Representative Elaine Price, Idaho State Senator Ben Toews, Idaho State Representative Joe Alfieri, Idaho State Representative Jordan Redman, Idaho State Representative Vito Barbieri, and Idaho State Senator Doug Okuniewicz. MC: Kootenai County Commissioner Bruce Mattare www.thebushnellreport.com

All the legislators were asked to raise their hand if they agreed with the following questions: - Do you agree with Crapo and Risch on approving aid to Ukraine? - Do you believe the greater Idaho movement should continue? - Do you agree that something should be done about bills not being given a hearing during the legislative session? - Do you think Governor Little is receptive to conservative bills? - Do.you think legislation could be introduced where people who needed blood could get unvaccinated blood? - Is the Idaho Freedom Foundation scores the main way to determine a legislators effectiveness? Each legislator then was given one minute to discuss what they would like to accomplish in the next legislative session. This is video from the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee hosted a Kootenai County Legislator Town Hall on 4/27/24. From Left to Right: Idaho State Senator Phil Hart, Idaho State Senator Carl Bjerke, Idaho State Representative Ron Mendive, Idaho State Representative Tony Wisniewski, Idaho State Representative Elaine Price, Idaho State Senator Ben Toews, Idaho State Representative Joe Alfieri, Idaho State Representative Jordan Redman, Idaho State Representative Vito Barbieri, and Idaho State Senator Doug Okuniewicz. MC: Kootenai County Commissioner Bruce Mattare www.thebushnellreport.com

A question regarding squatters laws in Idaho was asked. Idaho State Representative Jordan Redman, and Idaho State Representative Joe Alfieri commented on this issue. This is video from the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee hosted a Kootenai County Legislator Town Hall on 4/27/24. From Left to Right: Idaho State Senator Phil Hart, Idaho State Senator Carl Bjerke, Idaho State Representative Ron Mendive, Idaho State Representative Tony Wisniewski, Idaho State Representative Elaine Price, Idaho State Senator Ben Toews, Idaho State Representative Joe Alfieri, Idaho State Representative Jordan Redman, Idaho State Representative Vito Barberi, and Idaho State Senator Doug Okuniewicz. MC: Kootenai County Commissioner Bruce Mattare www.thebushnellreport.com

Marianna gives public comment at the Community Library Network's recent April meeting. She makes good points about how the new law signed by the governor will affect CLN. www.thebuhsnellreport.com

Suzanne gives a very sarcastic public comment at the Community Library Networks April 17th meeting. Thank you to Friends of the CLN Network for the video clip. www.thebushnellreport.com

Michelle Grossgluer, precinct person for precinct 522, hosted a town hall with current elected officials from Worley, Kootenai County, and legislative district 5. Speakers included: Idaho State Senator Carl Bjerke, Idaho State Representative Ron Mendive, Idaho State Representative Tony Wisnewski, Worley Fire District Captain Ben Dion, a Worley City Council Member, and Kootena County Sheriff Bob Norris. www.thebushnellreport.com

Joanna asked ,"...since the trespass case against Bowman was dismissed with prejudice, why is he still not allowed on county property?" She also asked why Bradshaw is allowed to comment but Williams is not. She expresses that she is concerned about why it appears that Omodt and Bradshaw have hated Williams from the start. Omodt has to temporarily recess the meeting due to a lack of quorum. www.thebushnellreport.com

Mrs. Kramer comments that she is suspicious of Commissioner Omodt's motives this meeting due to the primary election coming up in May. www.thebushnellreport.com

Commissioner Omodt had just finished reading how public comment should not disparage staff, etc, when Commissioner Bradshaw started talking and disparaging Commissioner Williams and a county employee named Joslen (Not sure I spelled that right). Bradshaw brings up the restraining order issue between himself and Williams, which he recently lost his attempt to have the retraining order dismissed. Bradshaw claims that he didn't threaten Williams. He said that her lie is out of the pits of hell. Bradshaw also claims that the county employee Joslen(?) lied under oath and may have been financial motivated. www.thebushnellreport.com

Commissioner Williams brings up the Bonner County Ordinance regarding public comment. She has been asking to be able to give public comment due to Omodt and Bradshaw not allowing her to have items on the agenda. A vote was taken. Williams and Omodt voted to allow Williams items to be on the agenda, not in public comment. Bradshaw voted no. www.thebushnellreport.com

Susan gives comment on how she is not a fan of how Commissioner Bradshaw keeps spending county money by inviting lawsuits. Commissioner Bradshaw interrupts and disagrees with Susan. Susan asks to not be interrupted. Then Commissioner Omodt interrupts Susan. Omodt then calls for a recess. www.thebushnellreport.com

Susan continues her public comment after the recess. Commissioner Bradshaw is not present at the meeting at this point. She asks about how to find out what lawsuits the county currently has against it. Commissioner Williams said she will provide an update at next week's meeting. Susan reminds the commissioners that the law allows her to say things they don't want to hear during public comment. www.thebushnellreport.com

There was a strange interaction between a member of the public and the legal counsel for the City of Hayden. Legal counsel came across as quite rude. This type of behavior will end up affecting people feeling comfortable making public comment or giving the city input. Here is a link to the full meeting: https://www.youtube.com/live/XH6lSSwp690?si=-jk_gnXcg0pkwXT6&t=3947 www.thebushnellreport.com

Christine gives public comment at the weekly business meeting of the Bonner County Commissioners. www.thebushnellreport.com

The Bonner County Commissioners discuss why public comment is being taken on and off the agenda of the weekly business meeting. Commissioner Williams expresses concern that Bonner County ordinance is being ignored. Commissioners Omodt and Bradshaw disagree. www.thebushnellreport.com

Jennifer gives public comment on public comment at the weekly business meeting of the Bonner County Commissioners. www.thebushnellreport.com

Commissioner Williams proposed modification of the agenda was shot down fairly. I don't understand the law that Commissioner Omodt referenced. It doesn't seem apply to the situation. www.thebushnellreport.com

The Bonner County Commissioners discuss requiring the County Prosecutor to be at all Commissioner meetings and all executive sessions. Current a lawyer on his staff attends the meetings via zoom. Commissioners Bradshaw and Omodt insist that the board of commissioners have been following legal advice given by the PA's office. Commissioner Williams points out that there are multiple times, including the previous week's business meeting where Omodt and Bradshaw ignored legal advice. Omodt and Bradshaw cite Idaho statue as their reasoning for requiring the PA at all meetings. I don't read Idaho statue as says that the commissioners are the boss of the other county elected officials. The commissioners control the budget of the other elected officials. On a personal note, I find it funny that Commissioner Bradshaw said the commissioner meetings have been a "shit show'. Perhaps he should consider his role in that. www.thebushnellreport.com

CLN legal counsel Boyles talks about things to keep in mind as the trustees go over the material selection policy. www.thebushnellreport.com

Summer makes public comment at the 12/21 meeting of the Community Library Network Board of Trustees. She expressed concern over the behavior of one trustee and support policy changes being a group effort. www.thebushnellreport.com