Issue sees a death of common sense

Might I suggest that Sandpoint mayor Gretchen Heller and the Sandpoint City Council read a book published in 1994, by a fellow named Philip K. Howard.

The book is titled “The Death of Common Sense”. I believe it should be mandatory reading for all city, state, or national governmental employees.

Reading the book might return a bit of the “common sense” approach to decisions made by these persons.

With the parking space issue so prevalent in Sandpoint, use common sense to determine that any available space, open to the public, should be used. This includes the Fourth and Main parking area, owned by Panhandle State Bank. If necessary, charge Panhandle State Bank a small fee so that this space will be available for parking until the bank determines what will be this area’s future use. 

Again, common sense seems to lead to the conclusion that $100 for a parking fine is a bit overboard. I just got off the phone with the court system in Seattle, and they fine violators $45 maximum, which is the highest fee involved with a parking ticket. Just a bit of common sense.

JIM CORCORAN

Sagle