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Regional 911 will save money and lives by supporting fast, cooperative emergency responses. Contrary to some comments, conversations on regionalizing 911 operations were initiated more than two years ago in Bonner County. Unfortunately, progress stalled.

According to former Bonner County Technology Director Bill Harp, in 2016 Bonner County won a state grant to fund a key component of 911 regionalization. Due to inaction by commissioners, the $127,000.00 grant has not been executed, and the county will likely have to return the funds.

I spent my career managing telecommunication infrastructure in the technology industry. I started out climbing poles and ended up delivering high quality service at far lower than average cost for AT&T as operations manager for Oregon.

It is unacceptable that critical public safety projects have been ignored. 911 technologies are complex, and vital. Realistically, regionalization will take years.

The county’s current proposal to charge other jurisdictions for the current 911, contrary to existing agreements, is ill advised. Funding should be reconsidered as part of a broader 911 regional plan. If I am elected in November, you will see attention to these issues and strong collaboration on behalf of local and regional public safety.

STEVE LOCKWOOD

Sandpoint