Follow golden rule when it comes to shoveling

There's no reason sidewalks in Bonner County shouldn't be clear.

Sure, it takes constant vigilance and attention — as well as regular shoveling and/or plowing and a healthy fistful of salt or two on a regular basis — to keep it safe for pedestrians. However, it's about as close to a no-brainer as you can get when it comes to doing right your customers and area residents as you can get.

There's also a city ordinance which mandates sidewalks be kept clear of snow, but let's focus on the "rightness" of keeping sidewalks clear. In a nutshell, think "golden rule" — do unto others as they should do unto you.

Or, as a wise sage recently said, "shovel unto others as you would have them shovel unto you."

As a business, we all want customers to make it safely in the door where ideally, they'll spend money or at least leave happy. As customers, if a business is too difficult to get to or the sidewalks are unsafe, then we're going to take our money elsewhere and make sure all our friends and loved ones know why.

Most businesses in the downtown have been pretty good about keeping the sidewalks clear — especially during a year in which it seems the snow hasn't stopped falling. A few, however, could use some work.

Among the worst — the Sandpoint post office. I've seen more people slip, slide and do the wavy-arm dance as they try to keep their balance than anywhere else in town. Sooner or later, someone is going to get hurt.

There's no getting around the fact that we've had lots of snow this year and more is on the way. Let's all pitch in to make it as safe as possible for everyone.

Caroline Lobsinger is the managing editor of the Daily Bee