'Compromise' serves as a warning to all

In reference to the article in the Bonner County Daily Bee (Jan. 24, 2012) entitled, “Shop’s expansion plan ends in compromise.”

Here we find the owner of Common Knowledge, a teahouse, organic restaurant and book store. Shelby Rognstad, who just happens to be the vice chairman on the Planning Commission, petitioning members of the commission to allow him to expand the limited teahouse service to serve alcohol, seat diners outdoors and schedule live music and entertainment between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

This allowed action by the Planning Commission will truly have an adverse impact on our neighborhood, ending the tranquility and bring forth a disruptive unwelcome environment. Many individuals throughout the surrounding neighborhoods have vested heavily in the remodeling and upgrading of their homes and now find themselves confronted with the inept decision of the Planning Commission.

Quoting Shelby Rognstad from the newspaper article: “Allowing these changes will mean the difference between another vacant storefront and a thriving business that employs several community members.”

I say to you, Mr. Rognstad. If your initial business plan is failing, it should not then fall upon your neighbors to sacrifice their hopes and dreams of a tranquil neighborhood to accommodate your selfish wants. Even when your neighbors voiced concerns in protest before the commission, you arrogantly disparage them as nothing more then imaginary.

This alarming conflict of interest and the appearance of preferential treatment concerning Mr. Rognstad as vice chairman of the Planning Commission, and the commission’s action should be a warning to all who live within the city limits of Sandpoint. Even more frightening is that Mr. Rognstad was appointed to the City Council to fulfill the current mayor’s previous council seat position. What hope is there when concerned citizen’s opinions fall upon death ears? It’s time to end the reign of self-serving officials and invoke sound governance.

STEVEN CARTER

Sandpoint