Originally posted at 9:49 a.m. Saturday, March 23

(Treasurer Tom) Malzahn (pictured) chose to remain, he said, out of concern that the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee would not choose an adequate replacement for him. "It's not about me. It's about the citizens of Kootenai County," said Malzahn, treasurer for 12 years. "It's the fact that the person qualified to fill the position would not be that person (selected). That's my concern." State statute requires the county commissioners appoint Malzahn's replacement, from a list of three candidates recommended by the county Republican central committee. Malzahn is convinced the central committee isn't up to the task/Alecia Warren, Coeur d'Alene Press. More here.

Question: I trust neither the activists running the Kootenai County GOP Central Committee to provide a list of 3 qualified individuals for the position of county treasurer -- nor the County Commission to choose a qualified person if one accidentally was on that list. Therefore, I tip my cap to Treasurer Tom Malzahn for serving his county one last time by delaying his retirement. Thoughts?