Coeur d’Alene makes national news, again, for something negative. A North Idaho College employee who ran for public office, Teresa Borrenpohl, was dragged out of a town hall, nearly losing her shirt. The CDA Press reported phenomenally despite reports of their credentialed reporter being “hit in the face by a security guard” and leaving early because “[she didn’t] feel safe [there].” We witnessed a cut over her eyebrow. The KCRCC and Lear Asset Management subsequently faced a rebuke from the city and Coeur d’Alene Police Chief White. One must wonder, will the sheriff resign? Will the KCRCC take responsibility for its actions? A video on it’s Facebook page seems to indicate the KCRCC is endorsing and explaining the treatment of Ms. Borrenpohl.
Watch the removal of Ms. Borrenpohl here. Below is a video from a different side of the room. Many senior citizens are booing, walking out, standing up, and yelling at the moderator, Ed Bejarana, and “interrupting” the town hall. None were physically removed. This creates a question: Was Teresa Borrenpohl targeted because of politics?
Ed Bejarana, creator and former host of the now-defunct podcast, Idaho Speaks, loudly proclaimed to the “Rabble Rousers” in the crowd, “Your voice is meaningless now.” However, not one candidate backed by the KCRCC won seats on the Coeur d’Alene City Council or the NIC Board of Trustees. The people’s choice resulted in NIC being back on track to full accreditation. Ironic? Maybe it is the KCRCC whose voice is meaningless now. Certainly, they lose credibility by doubling down on this tragic event.