Let’s Talk About It, Bob

How does conservative Bob Hunt expect to win a Post Falls council seat if he doesn’t talk to the press? Hunt refused to be interviewed by The Spokesman-Review for a routine candidate profile. Said he: “I have given up on papers.” I feel his pain. The media are notorious for making life rough on conservatives. We “presstitutes” have a way of sneaking in nouns and adjectives such as “extremist,” “right-wing” and “radical” to slime people with whom we disagree. But we’re talking about a City Council election here - not a race in which abortion, gay rights and other social issues come into play. City councils are responsible for sewers, streets, public safety and planning. If Hunt’s not willing to discuss those mundane issues publicly, he shouldn’t be running.

Play ball! And go to school, too!

Lake City High School administrators groused because they had to keep the school open Friday during the state A-1 and A-2 volleyball tournaments. But the Coeur d’Alene School Board was right in denying their request to close. The kids need as many school hours as they can get now, particularly with winter and possible closures for “snow days” ahead. Besides, Lake City High had ample parking and hallway space to handle the crowds. The only conflicts came during class breaks and lunch periods from 11 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. And those brief times of congestion shouldn’t have bothered upperclassmen only two years removed from the jammed old Coeur d’Alene High.

D.F.’s lowdown on council candidates

Oliveria’s quick handicap of Coeur d’Alene City Council races: Councilman Ron Edinger - Any fiftysomething who can stop a speeding car with a piece of decorative bark can play for my team any time. Councilwoman Dixie Reid - She’s sugar and spice but not everything nice. Dixie tends to lecture and talk down to those holding opposing views. Planning Commissioner Chris Copstead - Reincarnation of Councilman Mike McDowell but without the bureaucratese. Sam Sears - He’s an independent cuss running for a seat on a council that desperately needs an independent cuss. And Bob Wachter - As a former state chairman of United We Stand America, he certainly seems independent. But, for goodness’ sake, how could anyone take bazillionaire eccentric Ross Perot seriously?

, DataTimes MEMO: D.F. Oliveria’s “Hot Potatoes” runs Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can comment on the items by calling (800) 344-6718 or (208) 765-7125.