MikeK: Remembering Lee Shellman

Mike Kennedy: Late summer of this year he came by my office and told me he supported me in my re-election and apologized for the events of four years ago as he had come to regret his involvement in the opposing campaign. I thanked him and told him an apology was unnecessary - politics is a tough business and that I had buried the hatchet, too. We disagreed in the past but I think he was an honorable man with passion and was open to taking a second look. I respected and appreciated that. It showed me a lot of character on Lee’s part because I think it took a lot for him to seek me out quietly and privately as he did. It was among the more sincere and encouraging things that have happened to me in local politics. Full post below .

Question: In a small community like those in North Idaho, it isn’t hard to get crosswise with someone over an issue or politics or some other nonsense. Sometimes, the feuds go to the grave. Occasionally, age mellows them. Who is someone in your community that you came to appreciate after initially having a bad impression of him/her?

Four years ago I was re-introduced to Lee Shellman in the midst of a political scrape. He was supporting one of my opponents and took off after me with gusto - ads in the newspaper attacking my residency, phone trees, etc etc, though we really didn’t know one another beyond at most a passing acquaintance.

During the ensuing four years we had occasion to work together on some city business and parks issues, and in light of unfair political attacks on some of our mutual friends, we found ourselves on the same side of the table. I had hoped that his view of me had evolved, as mine had of him. It probably didn’t hurt that he saw me at several Vandal football games (though I’m not an alum) and he figured I couldn’t be all bad.

Late summer of this year he came by my office and told me he supported me in my re-election and apologized for the events of four years ago as he had come to regret his involvement in the opposing campaign. I thanked him and told him an apology was unnecessary - politics is a tough business and that I had buried the hatchet, too. We disagreed in the past but I think he was an honorable man with passion and was open to taking a second look. I respected and appreciated that.

It showed me a lot of character on Lee’s part because I think it took a lot for him to seek me out quietly and privately as he did. It was among the more sincere and encouraging things that have happened to me in local politics.

I wish Lee’s family all the best as they cope. His death is sudden and surprising, and the community will miss Lee’s involvement and energy - regardless of party or political outlook.