County board was one of inequality

At church recently, we sang a song, "God Bless Our Native Land," and the last four words struck a chord with me. "God save the state." I had an experience on Friday, July 2, 2004, that I hope none of the citizens of Bonner County ever have to go through.

I attended a "board of in-equality" hearing. In attendance was the assessor, three county commissioners, three appraisers, a recording clerk of the court, and me. To my knowledge, I was the only person sworn to tell the truth. Thank God someone told the truth. I know I did.

I felt after I had left the room that I was the only person in attendance who understood that the measure of land was usually in square feet, square yards, acreage or hectares.

If you ever feel the need to attend, I recommend that a requirement exists or is required by someone in authority, that anyone who is allowed to speak is sworn in. Inappropriate comments made by commissioners and/or by appraisers/assessor are uncalled for and highly prejudicial to the proceedings.

JAMES A. BLAKE

Sandpoint