Gem team should take lead on city's vision

This is a time of substantial change for Sandpoint. The population is growing, real estate is skyrocketing in value, development is booming. City residents and business owners are divided on many issues, especially including those mentioned. Ours is not the first city to undergo this economic and population explosion. There are lessons to be learned from others — Aspen, Colo., Ketchum, Coeur d'Alene — we all know examples.

Sandpoint is unique in its history, blessed in its location. I believe it is important to consider the needs and desires of all members of our community and guide our future accordingly. This can result in maintaining qualities we consider essential in our community as change occurs.

Sandpoint's Gem team started the process of developing a vision based on the views of a variety of people and interests. Is that vision being further developed? Is it guiding the decisions of our elected leaders? I think not. Those two steps need taking, if the resources pouring into Sandpoint are to be used constructively for all.

Sandpoint City Council needs to take the lead in reactivating the Gem team to expand on the vision they have started discovering in our population. That might involve "town meetings" on several topics, and drawing even more people into the discussion. The council then needs to use that vision to guide us to a future that adds to prosperity and quality of life while protecting the "Sandpoint" we love today.

STEVE LOCKWOOD

Sandpoint