Conflict? It certainly is one now...

[Charle5170@aol.com]

Whether or not Commissioner Kimball could do both jobs without conflict of 
interest is now beside the point.  

The simple perception that there is a conflict of interest fueled by the FACT 
that there is the POTENTIAL for one now makes a decision to resign from one 
or both positions the only way to salvage trust among what appears to be a 
growing segment of the public.  Without judging Paul or his ethics, this is 
the suggestion I would make before a bigger firestorm erupts.  How much trust 
is lost?  How big is that public?  Who knows.  But better people have fallen 
for less and it would be a shame to lose someone who wants to serve--and 
perhaps should in one or the other--over something that may or may not become 
real.

The old saw, "perception is reality," is only part right.  There must be an 
element of fact that pushes these things along in public relations, even if 
that fact is unrelated or irrelevant.  People will not assess the quality of 
fact but will use it to support the perception and hence the damage is done.

To rely on an underresourced local press, a few citizen watchdogs, and others 
to monitor Paul's every move from now on is counterproductive to all parties.

Charlie Powell
Moscow, Idaho