Fuhrman Latest Example Of Fast-Track Rehabilitation

Once upon a time, Mark Fuhrman would have faded from public consciousness, only to be recalled on anniversary dates of Nicole Simpson’s murder. But not today.

In the shameless 90s, nothing seems beyond redemption, except racism and child molestation. Marv Albert, for example, received job offers within days of his public humiliation in court. Watergate burglar G. Gordon Liddy has a popular talk show. And television already is teasing a reunion of sorts between ice-skating bad girl Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan as it prepares for the Winter Olympics.

Now, KXLY Radio has given Fuhrman a microphone on Thursday afternoons with which to discuss crime. His bid for redemption got off to a good start, too. Said one caller: “I want to tell Mark Fuhrman that I personally have a lot of respect for him, especially after reading ‘Murder in Brentwood’ (Fuhrman’s book).”

Fuhrman has kept his nose clean since moving to Sandpoint. He deserves a second chance. But so soon?

Shhh, NIC is handing out free trips to CDA

Hmmm. I’ve heard of colleges flying in three to five finalists during a presidential search. But 13 semifinalists? North Idaho College appears to be spending liberally to ensure that it lands the right person for the job. (Whaddya mean NIC already had the right person before the trustees muscled out Bob Bennett? Shaddup!) Worse yet, the Presidential Search Committee isn’t letting anyone know who the semifinalists are. Confidentiality is next to godliness, according to search standards established by the Association of Community College Trustees. Maybe you’d better make that “next to cleanliness.” NIC is a secular college, after all. It’ll be interesting to see if the 39 members of the search panel can keep the semifinalists’ names secret. Here’s betting they can’t.

Building department fiasco haunts Bonner

The cost of frugal government in Bonner County keeps going up. Now, Bonner County is trying to settle with 10 employees who sued for $8.8 million after ultraconservative Commissioners Bud Mueller and Larry Allen axed their department and them last January. Also, the brash action attracted other suits - and cost the county $13,700 in attorney fees because it took place at an illegal meeting. Then, the flurry of lawsuits caused the county’s insurance rates to more than double in 1998 to $454,000. What will the Dynamic Duo do for an encore this year?

, 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, or by sending e-mail to daveo@spokesman.com.