Recall stance raises candidate questions

As a parent of seven children, four of whom are still in Lake Pend Oreille School District schools, I have watched with baited breath the school violence throughout our nation. No parent can send their child to school and not worry about their safety. As a parent, I appreciate all that LPOSD has done to make my children safe while in school.

It is with sadness that a school board member is being threatened with recall for opening a discussion about training and arming select staff members. The idea of an elected school board is that they represent the needs and desires of the area they serve. Schools across the nation are looking at this very issue, why wouldn’t we? It seems that a discussion is appropriate and it is important to note that this is currently a discussion, not a decision.

By opening a recall for instituting a discussion it appears that they are afraid of letting the system work through its process. This is a board of community-minded citizens who fundamentally have our students’ best interest at heart. This decision will ultimately be made after careful consideration of the facts, but also after hearing from our community about their desires as well.

My larger worry is that one of the individuals involved in the recall is running for Sandpoint City Council. If elected, will he be open to discussing the difficult issues? Will he welcome open debate on controversial issues? It does not appear that he appreciates that quality in other officials, but I know that I do.

ERIN BONINE

Sandpoint