Huckleberries Online

Wanda Shouldn’t Reapply

Posted by DFO

Feb. 11, 2012 12:04 a.m. • 6 comments

A mutual friend asked today if I thought Wanda Quinn should reapply for a spot on the Coeur d'Alene School District Board of Trustees, now that she's been judicially booted to the curb by a 2nd District Judge. I told her Wanda shouldn't. It has nothing to do with her qualifications. I can think of no one in the school district more qualified than she is after multiple terms on the board, including time as chairwoman. I'd guess that , deep down, new Trustees Tom Hamilton and Terri Seymour, would admit that Wanda knows her stuff and probably should continue. But they would be in a bind if they decided to reappoint her, after their successful suit challenging the board's unorthdox appointment of Wanda to a vacancy last year. Also they'd have to explain to certain of their conservative supporters why they thought Wanda should continue. Ultimately, the ouster of Wanda could cause a 2-2 tie for months, which would lead to the Board of Commissioners appointed a new trustee. Wanda's too classy and has served this community too well to put herself through a three month ordeal. Wanda should resist temptation to reapply and accept the gratitude for her service from those not blinded by ideology — DFO.

Question: Do you think Wanda Quinn should reapply for the Coeur d'Alene School Board?

Six comments on this post so far. Add yours!

Randy_Myers on February 10 at 7:08 p.m.
I think if Wanda wants to serve and is wanting to offer her talents to SD271 then, yes, she should re-apply. I think it would show grit and determination.

There are other thoughts on the possible replacement too. Jim Purtee who lost to Edie by just a few votes is one. Who else might want to serve ? I think the more candidates the better and that would include Wanda Quinn.
mrd on February 10 at 7:57 p.m.
I understand your point DFO, but I’d like to see her apply for a similar reason to Randy’s. She is well qualified and if she is wiling, should pursue it.
CaptainAmerica on February 10 at 10:27 p.m.
I agree DFO WQ should NOT run. However, for opposing reasons. She was part of the L O N G history of incumbants that utilized the same tactic of resign—and—appoint.

Trustees got W A Y to cozy with the establishment. Good to get fresh perspectives…

Not to mention she and “Edie” were wrong along.
Fishwife on February 11 at 12:55 p.m.
Nothing will get done with the two newest members. Wanda, go enjoy your well deserved retirement. Go run for legislature or something-as a D.
condor on February 12 at 7:44 a.m.
Whoever decides to run, at least we should be more comfortable that it will be a fair and ethical process this time around and that is what truly matters.
oldhydrofan on February 12 at 9:48 a.m.
Wanda should apply to continue. She remains the top talent available for the opening. The needs of the District have not changed since their flawed process put her into office. Hamilton and Seymour should endorse her for the demonstrated skill set she brings to the board. At the end of the day the district as a whole will be much better off.

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About this blog

D.F. Oliveria is a columnist and blogger for The Spokesman-Review. Huckleberries Online was judged the best 2008 Idaho newspaper blog by the Idaho Press Club. And the best 2007 news blog in the Pacific Northwest by the Society for Professional Journalist. Print Huckleberries is a past winner of the Herb Caen Memorial Column contest by the National Association of Newspaper Columnists. The Readership Institute of Northwestern University cited this blog as a good example of online community journalism.