Batt Should Not Commute Paradis’ Death Sentence

Political spin doctors have nothing on Coeur d’Alene Press columnist David Bond, whose unholy passion has been to free an old friend, convicted killer Don Paradis. Bond sees some sort of vindication in the recommendation Friday by the Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole that Paradis’ death sentence be commuted to life in prison without parole (which could set the stage for freeing the killer). Crowed Bond in a Brand X editorial Sunday: “For nearly a decade, this newspaper stood alone among its peers in questioning the outcome of Paradis’ murder conviction.” But only one thing can be read into the parole commissioners’ unusual recommendation: The board still thinks Paradis is guilty of murder. But three commissioners were conned into thinking Paradis’ victim might not have died near Post Falls, which could shift jurisdiction. Never mind that the testimony they heard was not under oath or subject to cross-examination. Never mind that convicted murderer Thomas Gibson failed to confess to Kim Palmer’s 1980 murder, as expected. Never mind that appeals judges have plowed this same ground for 16 years and their findings side with the commission minority. Gov. Phil Batt should, too.

Coeur d’Alene petitions confirm anti-hydro feelings

Both Coeur d’Alene newspapers emphasized Saturday that a petition drive to outlaw hydroplane racing on Lake Coeur d’Alene barely had reached its goal. Opponents collected only three more signatures than the 3,199 needed. But popular veteran Councilman Ron Edinger easily won reelection last November with only 1,747 votes. If 3,200 Coeur d’Alene residents bothered to sign petitions against hydroplane racing, the outcome of a public vote is a done deal. Besides, Bill Doner, head of the Unlimited Racing Commission in Seattle, has said, “You send me the petition with 3,100-something signatures from the community on it, and I will write a letter saying we won’t come.” The petitions are in the mail, Bill.

Kudos to courageous Shoshone County deputy

Brett Surplus, a Shoshone County sheriff’s deputy, deserves Sweet Potatoes and a hero’s citation for saving a Washington woman’s life Saturday. Surplus, just six months on the job, was investigating an Interstate 90 accident at Lookout Pass when he heard a bang and saw a Lincoln Continental careering toward Stephanie Bair, 25, of Kelso. So Surplus jumped a barrier and was pulling Bair to safety when the car clipped her. She suffered bruises and a broken finger, but she probably owes her life to the quick-thinking deputy.

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