Mediator Tries To Keep Harmony But Sandpoint, Festival Organizers Are A Long Way From Accord

Festival at Sandpoint organizers, under fire for plans to move some concerts to Kootenai County, brought in a hired gun Wednesday to help resolve community angst.

Psychologist and professional mediator Max Bromberg was put in charge of Wednesday’s meeting with about 20 people.

The idea was to keep the session civil, but festival organizers still endured some tongue-lashings.

“People all over this town are ready to bring this festival back from the dead, but with the current leadership that’s impossible,” said resident Kevin Wunrow.

He said festival staff unfairly blame residents for a tumultuous concert season. “To say this is the community’s fault is bull.”

Tony Saulino, a Chamber of Commerce member, said the festival was too quick to start looking at sites outside of Sandpoint.

Festival board member Bill Love said the group still is eyeing 10 Bonner County sites.

Other residents were upset with the meeting format, which initially was intended for a handpicked group of about 10 people. Others who showed up were allowed to stay.

“We have a major communication problem and we are concerned about this format,” said Debbie Ferguson of the county Board of Realtors.

“It’s time we all start talking and working this out.”

Bromberg said the festival board was there only to listen.

“Board members are not in agreement on the three big issues (money, a festival site, and programming) so they can’t answer those questions,” he added. “That is why we are here. They want input.”

No one was invited to the meeting from the Sandpoint city government, which controls Memorial Field, the festival’s main stage concert site.

Use of the field is a major bone of contention. Earlier this year the city bowed to neighborhood complaints and voted to oust the festival from the field after it’s 1997 season.

Sandpoint’s mayor elect, David Sawyer, was at the meeting anyway.

He said it’s time for both the festival and city to start talking.

“I’ve heard more damn rumors and misinformation about what the festival is doing, and it’s put this community in turmoil. That’s got to stop,” he said.

Overall, the group agreed it was time to stop pointing fingers and devise ways to keep the festival in town and financially solid.

, DataTimes