Crossett is responsive to residents' needs

In response to Terry Lamb's defamatory letter of March 23: your representations of Todd Crossett's motives are untrue.  It is time we quit accepting the word “liberal” to stand in for a reasoned argument. 

Concerned by ever-rising property taxes falling on residents, Commissioner Crossett made a campaign promise in 2006 to bring a reasonable schedule of impact fees to Bonner County. Thus far, rapid development and its capital burden has been paid for by the existing taxpayers. Impact fees address the immediate costs of growth that affect our county budget: increased road & bridge, increased public safety (law enforcement, emergency medical, fire districts), increased utility infrastructure, increased parks and trails, and increased water resource protection. Ironically, under Idaho State Code (the responsibility of our long-time Republican-dominated Legislature) impact fees can not be used to address the issue of new development on public education. 

Todd Crossett worked hard on this issue that is good for the people of Bonner County who are paying an inordinately high price for rapid growth. He made good on his campaign promise. 

I encourage you all to contact your commissioners to determine if Terry Lamb is correct in his subjective view of “heavy impact taxes.” Commissioner Crossett will be able to walk you through his reasons for pursuing impact fees and the justification for the schedule of fees. He is easy to contact at the courthouse: 265-1438. Be assured that Todd Crossett will be responsive and respectful to you with your questions.

DEBORAH CROSSETT

Cocolalla