Communities should take lead on walkways

Re: “Let’s make Sandpoint a true walking town” (April 19) by Jack Carleton.

As with so many things in life, finishing or replacing sidewalks costs money. With the tight budgets in government and taxpayer’s homes, we need to realize that perhaps a great way for Mr. Carleton to get the goal achieved is to start a “Sidewalks for Sandpoint” organization that would raise funds and oversee the construction projects to see that the money is spent wisely.

So many people talk about what needs to be done, but are unwilling to put in the time, money, and effort to see the goal accomplished.

Sadly, more think that government should do this, but it has been proven over and over that government can’t do everything and much of what they do cost far more than it should. So if Mr. Carleton or someone else wants to start such a group, I will be the first to donate to such a worthwhile cause. Remember, if you want government to get smaller and more efficient, you can’t be asking it to do more and more.

MARTHA BARLEY

Sandpoint