Insure future growth

Paul Herndon's letter to the editor speaks volumes about why Bonner County needs a building department. It is true many things that are left to government oversight should be left up to personal or private responsibility. Unfortunately, not everyone follows the rules especially if there is no one to enforce the rules. I know this from experience. I recently built a house in Bonner County and was able to occupy without any final inspections though I am now in compliance with state inspections. I know that I could have done so without compliance. Not everyone will do so.

Mr. Herndon's statement that "for those who want the protection of building inspections" is the catch phrase here. Without a building department, those who share Mr. Herndon's views and don't want an inspection, will not have an inspection, which will leave Bonner County with many substandard buildings.

There is a reason many anti-government people move to this area, one of the reasons is so that they can do things without any government intrusion. But allowing substandard housing and other buildings to be built — I'd put money on the bet that it would happen regularly — can only adversely impact our region's future. It is true that a building department will add to the cost and time of building but it is cheap insurance for current owners and future owners. But in the long run it well worth it. Mr. Herndon's views are very selfish and short-sighted.

MARTY STITSEL

Sandpoint