Question: What do you think of the recall announcement today?
Sandi Bloem: We were informed earlier so I wasn't surprised. I've been hearing rumors for several months. They have the right to do that.
Question: What do you plan to do at this point?
Bloem: I plan to do just what I would be doing whether the petition had been filed or not. I will continue working with the staff and the community to hopefully make this a great place to live.
Question: Are you disheartened that a recall effort is under way not only against you but three fairly respected members of the council?
Bloem: I'm disappointed because this is divisive for the community. For me personally, I would be very selfish if I was disappointed in the 11 years I've been able to serve this community. It has been an incredible opportunity and I would do it again in a heart beat.
Question: Do you think that Frank Orzell & Co, who filed the recall papers today, speak for the community?
Bloem: They speak for a portion of the community. They have surrounded themselves with others who think like they do. I'm sure they don't speak for the community as a whole. No one does that.
Question: Would you do anything differently re: your approach to McEuen Field upgrade?
Bloem: No, not as far as hiring the amazing team we have (Team McEuen) and the approach of the advisory group and community meetings. I would change the way the message was delivered to some degree. I would try to communicate what was happening before untruths and rumors took the lead.
Question: Will this recall effort cause qualified people in the community to take a pass on public elected office?
Bloem: I think it will play a part in stopping people from running. The lack of civility at times & lack of respect for differing opinions, along with this effort, will make people think twice before they decide to put their name in the hat.
D.F. (Dave) Oliveria joined The Spokesman-Review in 1984. He currently is a columnist and compiles the Huckleberries Online blog and writes about North Idaho in his Huckleberries column.
