Back those dedicated to the common good

Imagine what chickens’ lives would be like if farmers hired a couple of foxes to guard their hen houses. After being terrorized as their eggs were stolen, these hens would be eaten alive. The foxes, now multiplying and living comfortably, would take ownership of these farms.

Most residents of Bonner County are aware that policies and regulations to encourage decent and sustainable growth have existed in many forms for more than 25 years. If our commissioners, planners and public agencies had executed their responsibilities thoroughly and consistently, developers would have been required to assure provisions for vital services, such as waste management and water acquisition, prior to approval of their subdivisions. This would have provided for the public’s health and welfare and protected future landowners from having to incur exorbitant costs, paid out of their pockets down the road.

 Panhandle Health District and Idaho Department of Environmental Quality have ignored serious problematic conditions known to exist on lands scheduled for development, essentially gave their approval by not denying these projects. Recently, new zoning and planning ordinances containing serious ambiguities have been adopted by Bonner County and the city of Dover. Influential developers have benefited from broad interpretations of these codes, taking advantage of every opportunity to further their schemes. Real concerns of residents immediately affected by approval of these questionable projects are blatantly and unprofessionally ignored.

Help preserve the beauty and natural resources we all cherish. Vote in representatives who are committed to defending the common good.

CHERYL STERN

Sandpoint