Vote, don't yell, if you don't like decisions

In my previous life, I had the privilege to serve as a county commissioner for four terms in Yakima County, Wash. (Yakima County is 2.24 times larger than Bonner County and five times greater in population). During my tenure on the Yakima Board of County Commissioners, I learned the importance of listening to the people before making a final decision. It is extremely important that all commissioner agenda items be very open to the public and given adequate notice to allow for public comment.

The BOCC is charged to listen to you, the citizens. Citizens are charged to give public comment to the BOCC in a “proper” manner.

Citizens must be professional (on point), concise (affording time for others), non-repetitive (repetition does not garner more votes), and respectful (don’t bite the hand that will decide). After all public comment has been heard, the BOCC is charged with making the final decision for Bonner County for the benefit of all citizens, not a select few. If you disagree with BOCC decisions, you must exercise your right to vote, not by yelling louder into the microphone.

Finally, I do not support Zoom as a vehicle to give “public comment.” Zoom is not public. Aside from technical difficulties (which are significant), a Zoom participant can be selective and choose not to listen or engage with others. Citizens must exercise their right and obligation to give “public comment” before the BOCC, not behind the private curtain of Zoom.

MIKE LEITA

Sandpoint