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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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MT: Grow’s Rights Don’t Outweigh Duties

Nez Perce County Commission Chairman Mike Grow, pictured, showed up for work last week after he was charged with a violent felony. Like every other criminal defendant, Grow is presumed innocent -- repeat, innocent -- until proved guilty. But Grow's constitutional rights as an individual do not parallel -- nor do they outweigh -- his obligation to serve the public interest. Valley County deputies arrested Grow April 14 at his Brammer Building office. The next day, he appeared before Magistrate Henry R. Boomer on a charge of sexually assaulting a woman April 3 inside a residence at Tamarack Resort near Donnelly. A preliminary hearing is set for May 10. Released on $15,000 bail, Grow attended the April 18 commissioners' meeting. So far, he has declined to talk about his case, except to say he intends to remain in office/Marty Trillhaase, Lewiston Tribune. More here.

Question: Should an elected official, like Nez Perce County Commissioner Mike Grow, continue in his job when he's charged with sexual assault or any other violent crime?



D.F. Oliveria
D.F. (Dave) Oliveria joined The Spokesman-Review in 1984. He currently is a columnist and compiles the Huckleberries Online blog and writes about North Idaho in his Huckleberries column.

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