Candidate's letter was written to cause alarm

It has been my policy not to respond to potential political candidates, but Mr. Wheeler's letter to the editor was very clearly written to alarm the members of our community.

1. The Board of County Commissioners conducted a needs assessment for all county facilities as part of planning for Bonner County's future.

2. The board reviewed the needs assessment and placed the Adult Work Release Center and the Juvenile Detention Facility on the top of the list as priorities - not emergencies, but priorities.

3. The plans for a method to pay for these facilities were drafted and presented at a public hearing.

4. The board has voted to have a judge review the plans and determine if they are “ordinary and necessary.”

5. The most inflammatory comments by Mr. Wheeler regard “importing felons.” I have worked with the Idaho Department of Corrections for the past year regarding potential inmates. I can assure you that never was there a plan to bring in felons from other areas. The whole point was to transition inmates from our communities back into our county.

The obligation of sheriff is to make decisions based on the needs of all Bonner County - not just “our little resort town.” I am available to answer any questions regarding the Adult Work Release Center and our jail population. I can be reached at (208) 263-8417, ext. 220.

ELAINE SAVAGE

Priest River

Bonner County Sheriff