Let's express ourselves with open communication

I beg you to bear with me as I set the stage for a few things I want to share with you today.

Last week, I had an article in your Daily Bee reflecting on some of the changes going on in Sandpoint, mainly the new freeway.

In the article, I stated that some experts predicted the freeway might help the existing traffic situation for about a year and then we would be right back cussing those malodorous cattle trucks. I suggested that the city of Sandpoint think ahead and construct a fleet of ferries that would operate from the south end of the Long Bridge to the Kootenai border.

I stated that this could be a money-making endeavor by renting spaces on each ferry to real estate companies, attorneys, and the makers of strange and exotic coffee.

I also suggested that the city create a Sandpoint Transport Company with its star boat called, “The Family Feud,” to be the new home of the Sandpoint City Council. The Feud’s superstructure would be made of glass to symbolize the transparency of the mayor’s administration.

Now I know, or hope, all of you realized that what I said about the ferries was “tongue in cheek.” We are going to have a freeway through Sandpoint. The best definition of the word “happy”, for me, is acceptance and adjustment. I do not like the freeway, I did not want the freeway, but I can adjust to it and still be happy.

Now let us talk a minute or two about the things I wrote about the City Council.

During the week, I pondered some of the things I said in my article. They were things I had heard and I am sure many of you have also heard them. They were not things I had experienced or talked to the players about. I was not present, or ever will be present, at the exceptionally long council meetings.

I know not what deep and troubling matters might have cropped up that might justify that much time from these dedicated leaders. I mentally recounted some of the things I have heard recently.

Things like — they bicker among themselves like a bunch of small children, the mayor thinks she is a council member and follows no rule of order, they give money away that the city needs, they have crazy ideas like the drive-thru and sidewalk fiascos, and who is secretly pulling the strings at city hall, and on and on.

Folks, as I sat thinking, I realized I had been like a man looking in a well and seeing a reflection, assumed I had seen the bottom. I came to a decision that if I would ever know the truth about any situation in life, I had to move past the reflection of self and self-interests and fathom the depths of other people’s thoughts and ideas.

I decided that two-way communication was the only way to achieve this goal of understanding and truth. The lack of communication always leads to confusion, ignorance, and hostility. When communication between city government and citizens break down, the people will create their own reality, which may or may not be true. 

I would like to offer an idea that makes far better sense than the ferries. Let’s call it a network with the sole purpose being open communication. This idea came from Mayor Heller’s Web page where she pledges a transparent administration. I am sure she will agree that this will take two-way communication and will pledge her full cooperation.

Here is how it would work:

1. Anyone with a legitimate question can give me a call at 1 (800) 507-9426. Leave your name and number and I will return the call. If you prefer, e-mail me at bgunter1@roadrunner.com and tell me the question you would like answered. 

2. Your question will be sent to the person most capable of answering it at city hall or the county courthouse.

3. The Daily Bee will periodically run both the question and the answer as a community service. 

4. The identity of the person asking a question is required but their name will not appear in the paper or be given to the person answering the question.

This is an opportunity for everyone to do what my old aunt Minnie used to say, “Speak up and ‘press yourself.”