Bingham to skip KEA forum, too

Republican Bob Bingham, who was the only candidate in a contested Kootenai County race not to attend a recent Athol forum, has declined an invitation for a commissioners’ debate, sponsored by the Kootenai Environmental Alliance. Independent candidate Russ McLain, who is challenging Bingham, and uncontested Republican Chris Fillios have accepted invitations. The forum will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday at Java on Sherman. Bingham and McLain are running for the seat now occupied by retiring Commissioner Dan Green. Fillios defeated incumbent Republican Commissioner Dave Stewart in the GOP primary and now is unopposed.