No headline

Thank you for your response, Mr. Mayor. I assume that my other letters stand as penned. Also, thanks for explaining the difference between fees and taxes — totally different.

As for the appointment of Jeremy Grimm to the Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency, let’s review the facts:

Mr. Grimm was previously on the board for his planning expertise. He told me personally that Aaron Qualls is a totally qualified planner — he is on the board. Since the perspective of a businessman is sought, out of the 400 businesses in the BID, there are many people with much more business experience, personal investment and valuable insights that are never considered.

I have no individual in mind, but look at it another way: At least three current council members started as appointees by the mayor, including you, Mr. Mayor. So why not advertise the position and see what kind of resources come forward? You might find an undiscovered ultra-progressive with sought-after skills for future mayoral appointments.

One sure sign of a lack of leadership is the fear of outside ideas. New approaches are needed in this city, yet you continue to appoint the same people, based on your political objectives. So we potentially have two planners on the board, neither of whom lives in the city that they planned? How vibrant.

CAL OGLE

Sandpoint