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“County Exits Bonner Regional Team” (Daily Bee, Feb. 13, 2019) makes me ask why county commissioners, Dan McDonald and Steve Bradshaw would pander to the paranoia of the local GOP Central Committee’s resolution authored by Tom Cleveland voting to disengage from a regional planning initiative, the Bonner Regional Team? The BRT, “a group of elected and appointed officials from incorporated cities in Bonner County … meets to discuss emerging issues … wildfire threat, affordable housing, public transportation, other matters that cross bounds of political subdivisions in the county.” Diane Brockway, Dover Councilwoman, and BRT member says “the panel has no decision-making authority,” and “is a forum for sharing ideas.”

McDonald cited he had problems paying county employees to attend meetings. Bradshaw said, “regionalization is another form of socialism.” Why is it wrong for towns in Bonner County to talk to neighbors about county issues? The two of you represent all of Bonner County.

You should be present in these meetings so you can hear what concerns towns other than Sandpoint. You should welcome and support collaboration between communities in Bonner County. Why would you endorse division, suspicion and separatism? This is not the federal government stepping on state government, nor is this a Boise taking over Bonner County. The BRT has no decision-making power. We are merely talking about neighbors communicating with neighbors, sharing concerns and looking for solutions. I, like many voting Americans, am sick and tired of the divisive attitude that the GOP promotes. Pitting, Dover against Sandpoint, saying that if they collaborate is socialism, is ridiculous. This is the United States of America. If we embrace your example, perhaps the name should be the Dysfunctional States of America. Remember this gentleman: A house divided, cannot stand. Didn’t your mothers, ministers or coaches teach you to work together for the common good?

BETTY GARDNER

Priest River