Bigfork Eagle Editorial Money not well spent

It is not fun to lose. Just ask John Kerry. But to lose gracefully is a true gift, and a rare one when it comes to politics. Wednesday's recount in the race for Flathead County Commissioner is not an example of grace.

Joe Brenneman's win over Denise Cofer may be by a slight margin-a mere 131 votes-but it is still a clear victory. Nearly $2,000 has been put up by Cofer and the Flathead Republican Central Committee for the recount. Although it is within her legal right to have the vote recounted, it is a poor use of time and money.

Now let's just hypothesize for a moment that by some very thin chance Cofer were to gain 130 votes in the recount. How plausible would it be that the new count would be accepted by the Brenneman camp, as well as the Flathead County voters? Also, the money that was fronted by the Republican committee will be returned and the county (also known as the taxpayers) will pay the bill.

Cofer has been unwilling to make any public comment or address the media since the election. Being unaccountable to the public also puts in question her dedication to the people she has fought so hard to represent.

Hopefully by the time this edition of the Bigfork Eagle reaches the stands, this issue will have a concrete resolution. It is time to move forward, for the best interest of Flathead County and its residents.