Question for Concerned Businesses

I’ve been a long-time critic of Concerned Businesses of North Idaho, due in good part to the fact that it was organized by Duane Hagadone back when, based on an Oregon model. I’ve always viewed that model with suspicion because it struck me as a way for businesses to control local governments via their campaign contributions and influence. Also, I didn’t like that CBNI is very private about its membership list. Exec Kelly Richards (photo) has done a very good job in making the organization more public by arranging informational meetings and involving members more in the public debate. But the fact remains that few members of the public know who CBNI members are. This morning, I received a phone question from a prominent local woman:

Why doesn’t Concerned Businesses identify their members and contributors?

Kelly, this one’s for you.

DFO