Economic issues take center stage during 'listening tour'

SANDPOINT - The Greater Sandpoint business community got a chance last Wednesday to speak directly to a Congressman-elect Walt Minnick.

Organized by the Greater Sandpoint Chamber and sponsored by the Bonner County Economic Development Corporation, North Idaho Chamber of Commerce, and Ponderay Development Corporation, more than 70 people attended the "economic listening tour."

Minnick expects the new Congress to address the economy in its first session in January. Owning his own business, he said he identifies with business leaders regarding the high costs of oil and the hardship of obtaining loans.

Also discussed were the federal bailout, wages and unions, forestry and public transportation. One of the greatest concerns voiced is the lack of adequate infrastructure. Minnick offered support for funding and promised to look into the concerns expressed by residents.

"It was great to hear  Congressman-elect Minnick realizes our infrastructure challenges," said Karl Dye, executive director of the Bonner County Economic Development Corp. "From broadband and fiber optic connections to roads and sewer systems, we are challenged to even maintain our current local economy without improvements in infrastructure.

"I think Congressman-elect Minnick will be a partner and resource for fixing these inadequacies."

Susan Kiebert, public involvement specialist who manages the Transportation Information Office, shared Dye's optimism.

"As someone who works with transportation issues on a daily basis, I was thrilled to hear that Congressman-elect Minnick will join our congressional delegation with knowledge of our transportation needs in northern Idaho," she said. "Even with the many improvements which we are now enjoying on this north-south route, we still have many miles to improve."

Public transit, another infrastructure concern, was also addressed. The Idaho Transportation Department is moving rapidly to fund opportunities throughout the state, and Minnick indicated support  for efforts to expand  infrastructure needs.

Locally in Bonner County, public transit has been on the radar. After a public transit feasibility was conducted in 2007, a transit committee was organized to coordinate infrastructure. A community public transportation workshop will be held on Friday, Dec. 12, at the Tango Café from 9-11 a.m. and will begin the process of identifying public transit needs and expanding local input into the distribution of resources to meet those needs.

Amy Little, Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce executive director, hopes Minnick will return to Bonner County next year to visit constituents here.

 "We were very fortunate to have this opportunity to interact directly with him. I hope that as he heads off to Washington, D.C., that we all take the time to continue to communicate with the congressman and his staff," she said.

Little said the economy is local residents' top priority. Much of what happens nationally influences local businesses and swift, sensible and immediate action by officials will help the community thrive, she said.

"Most of the discussion centered on infrastructure, but the underlying theme was how do we put things in place that we need to succeed and grow our local businesses," Little said. "Mr. Minnick's support of initiatives to assist in economic recovery is a high priority for him."