No headline

Rather than help Bonner County, Dan McDonald quit on the issue of the Newport smelter. Dan produced a video attempting to justify his unwillingness to take a position. A close look at his purported reasons reveals that he is willing to say almost anything rather than admit he is unwilling to help Bonner County.

Dan asserts that, if a commissioner takes a stand on a public issue it could cost the county millions. He then makes a vague reference to Boise County. Although a $4,000 000 judgment was entered against Boise County, it resulted from a decision in a land-use case. However, liability had nothing to do with a commissioner commenting on or participating in a land-use proposal in another jurisdiction.

Would participation in the permitting process for the smelter expose the county to liability? Of course not. The purpose of environmental policy acts is to solicit public comment in an effort to obtain a thorough discussion of the significant aspects of the probable environmental consequences of the proposed activity. The comment is sought from individuals and public agencies. The BCBOC is just such an agency.

Bonner County citizens should expect, if not demand, that our commissioners participate in the planning process for the smelter, from the beginning. On this important issue we need to know where Dan McDonald’s stands. I want someone out front in a position of leadership, not lagging behind hoping to skate through the upcoming election without taking a stand.

The BCBOC, individually and collectively, are best positioned to request that the probable impacts to Bonner County, arising out of smelter operations, be addressed in the forthcoming EIS. Dan McDonald has failed Bonner County by abdicating a role he was elected to provide.

I want someone to lead the fight against the smelter. I am voting for Steve Lockwood.

PAUL VOGEL

Sandpoint