A poster on the Idaho Statesman’s website, calling himself “FreedomWorks,” has been quoting from an old November 12, 1995, story by Dan Popkey that originally appeared in the Idaho Statesman:
“Once just a laughable act, Ada County’s commissioners have become so poisoned by hatred and petty resentments they can’t do their jobs. …Commissioner Roger Simmons’ leash on Chairman Vern Bisterfeldt has become so tight Bisterfeldt abandoned conviction and a friend to appease Simmons. The latest conflict leaves Bisterfeldt threatening to quit…the flashpoint came on a matter with a personal twist. Bisterfeldt recruited a friend of 20 years, businessman Bud Fisher, for one of three openings on the Fair Board. When it came time to choose among four candidates, Bisterfeldt voted against Fisher out of deference to Simmons. He abandoned his friend, despite having (former Commissioner Gary) Glenn’s vote to assure Fisher’s appointment. This was agonizing to Bisterfeldt, who groaned and sucked for air. ‘I recruited Mr. Fisher,’ he said. ‘I’d sure hate to vote against him.’ …(But) Simmons got his way, winning appointment of his three choices… Bisterfeldt, who has been trying to find another job, said Thursday, ‘I damn near quit the other day over this. I almost walked off. I don’t know how long I’ll be able to keep my competence — not competence — my even keel.”
“Bisterfeldt acknowledged abandoning Fisher, but said he did it as a peacemaker. ‘What I tried to do was stop the fighting. I will do anything to try and keep the peace.’ That doesn’t serve citizens. Bisterfeldt puts conflict avoidance above what he thinks is right. Take the case of the attempt of John and Jennifer Wolf to rename their private lane. Bisterfeldt was about to (approve the Wolfs’ request), but when Simmons made his opposition known, Bisterfeldt flipped. Now, he says he’s ready to approve the change, but not if it means facing up to Simmons. Bisterfeldt has picked Nov. 28 for the vote, when Simmons will be gone. ‘There would be a quick vote and no confrontation,’ Bisterfeldt explained. ‘If there is a confrontation, I may not change my vote.’ Simmons is Svengali, says Glenn. ‘The merits of an issue are secondary to whatever hold Roger has over Vern.’ …Oddly, Bisterfeldt was a soldier and decorated cop. He knows what leadership is. It’s time for him to show it.”
It seemed to me the content is timely and worth repeating. Let’s hope, however, that this sorry chapter in Ada County’s history is NOT repeated.