John Padula: A Question of Leadership

Scripture is clear on the responsibilities of leadership. 1 Corinthians 3:16 reminds us that we are God’s temple, yet Mr. Padula’s public comments were neither temperate nor rational. Furthermore, 1 Timothy 3 outlines the qualifications for overseers: they must be blameless, sober-minded, gentle, and not quarrelsome. They must also manage their own households well.

Reports regarding Mr. Padula’s family life and his inability to control his public emotions suggest he has significant personal work to do. Before seeking a public office that demands stability and incorruptibility, he should perhaps focus on the biblical requirements of the pastoral role he already holds.

Most of us remember the recent scandal about Kristi Noem and her husband. She apparently was having an affair. Soon after that was exposed in the media, it was revealed that her husband has serious fetishes and likes to dress as a women with a large chest. Why was this so important? It was a very important part of their lives that should have been revealed ahead of her appointment to serve in President Trump’s cabinet. We all understand how critical it is to have people in positions of authority that cannot be compromised nor be blackmailed. If all that has been said about Mr. Padula is accurate (some comes from his own words), then he poses a serious risk for Kootenai County. This could be a liability that could cost our county enormous financial hardship.

The citizens of Kootenai County deserve leaders who represent everyone with maturity and character. We need officials who tackle tough problems head-on rather than punting them for the sake of popularity. We need leaders modeled after our founders—unwavering, incorruptible, and committed to their “sacred honor.”