Luke Omodt offers new and innovative solutions

Luke Omodt has earned the right to serve on the Sandpoint City Council. He is a lifetime resident, graduated from our schools, is raising a family in Sandpoint, and serves an educator in the public schools. I met Luke through his large family. He served as a Boy Scout leader and mentored my son and other young men on scouting trips. Many became Eagle Scouts.

Luke has the best idea to solve the affordable housing crisis in Sandpoint. Luke believes that Sandpoint should join with Kootenai, Ponderay, and Bonner County and form a public housing authority.

The public housing authority could raise funds, not through taxes, but by selling bonds and act, replacing a private developer, to build affordable housing. The authority would acquire land and develop it in a responsible way building good quality but affordable housing. The housing units would be sold or leased at a very competitive price to qualified families who work in the community.

Since these families bought these units at below market prices, when they eventually decide to sell a portion of the inflated equity would go back to the housing authority to sustain the program. This model is nothing new or experiential. It is authorized under Idaho code and used in other communities around this state. Good government means new and innovative solutions.

GARY SUPPIGER

Cocolalla