Approval of asphalt plant

a poor decision by board

May 3 was a bad day for the people of Sagle. Today as I was riding down Highway 95, the smell of asphalt was in the air. It reminded me again of the stench emanating from the county commissioners' office.

On May 3 two of these commissioners (Joe Young and Karl Dye) voted to renew, yet again, the conditional use permit for an asphalt batch plant in the heart of a residential community. These two men need to have their heads examined, particularly that part having to do with listening.

The Sagle community is overwhelmingly opposed to this plant. The callous disregard for their wishes on May 3 was a wake up call for all the people in Bonner County who want to have some say over how they live their lives.

What I experience at this meeting had the foul whiff of corruption in government. This was power corrupting judgment. This was arrogance that says "I have power so my judgment is better than everyone else." This is judgment that says "the profits of the few trumps the health and welfare of many."

Those people in the area that have been focusing their attention on mining in Montana could help by putting some of that concern into mining and manufacturing in Bonner County. Those in construction and real estate who want to build and sell houses here need to pay attention. Those with small businesses who want to attract customers to the area need to pay attention. The tourist industry took it on the nose as well.

These commissioners need a hearing aid badly. Residents cannot afford leaders indifferent to those they claim to represent. We need to turn up the volume.

KEN WILLINGER

Sagle