CdA Habitat director fired

The executive director of Habitat for Humanity of North Idaho has been dismissed. Jim Brannon was given the news in a letter Wednesday just 90 minutes before a televised debate in his campaign for a Coeur d’Alene City Council seat. Habitat for Humanity Board Chairman Rick Shipman told the Coeur d’Alene Press the decision to eliminate Brannon’s job was forced by declining revenue. But Brannon supporter Jim Doty believes the decision was politically inspired. Brannon would not conclude he was fired for political reason, but he said he had some unfavorable feedback from the organization two years ago after he lost his last campaign for city council. He has been director since 2006. The job pays $44,000 a year.