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I just read an article printed in the Oct. 21 issue of the Nickel’s Worth. The article describes the boundary of Legislative District 7 and gives information regarding the political contests of the district. The boundary is close to being accurate except it does not include the northernmost line. The Clark Fork River from the Montana state line with Idaho to somewhere in the vicinity of the center of Lake Pend Oreille to include Sagle with the western boundary meandering south.

The article mentions those individuals who are interested in becoming members of the Idaho Legislature. Until I saw the article, I had no idea who might be on the ballot upon which I am supposed to place a mark and expect some sort of representation in state affairs. As I have learned, two individuals from Sagle are competing for two of the seats open in this election. I don’t think they are aware of the boundaries as we have not been exposed to yard signs (blessing?) and or advertising in our county newspaper. Or is it a county newspaper. It seems to me that at times such as the current political climate names at least could be produced and perhaps a statement from the candidates.

I tried to participate during the last assessment of the one-man, one-vote rule. I presented information to the committee, they thanked me for my time and went on about their business. Redistricting is a valuable process to the people. When it is abused by individuals in power within the Legislature it is shameful. Thanks to Mr. Lawrence Denny, former speaker of the house, the plan brought forward by this committee was scrapped because it did not have enough registered members of a political party. He fired that committee and established another group that apparently heard their marching orders.

Now folks are wondering about our national elections. Sometimes I wonder also. I wish folks would take time to look at the candidates and listen to what they have to say. Then maybe a choice of the individual could be elected and not one chosen by “the party.” That is, if they have the opportunity to know who the candidates are.

BYRON LEWIS

Bonner County