PLANNING: Rural has no voice

Last Thursday, the County Planning Commission held its monthly workshop. The new draft for the Land Use Plan (zoning) was discussed together with a proposed new comprehensive plan. The public’s lingering distrust was immediately apparent. Three of the commissioners seemed to be offended by a comment from a member of the audience that all seven commissioners reside in a small area around Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene, with no commissioners from any of the outlying rural areas. More on that later. Responses from these three commissioners were not just defensive, they were arrogant, rude and condescending. A series of rapid-fire questions from one commissioner to the Director of Planning on what the Planning Commission is not was the low point of the evening. Then two commissioners took the opportunity to lecture the audience on their failures in voting or not voting at the last election. Another commissioner held one citizen at the podium after his presentation to publicly admonish him for something he said or may have said at a different time and a different place.

Fire commissioners on the ballot

Some of today’s hottest election races are not between candidates seeking to be a mayor or city council member. They are for commissioners’ seats in several fire protection districts.

Records

LIENS

Bonner commissioners weigh options for PHD board spot

Commissioners are weighing their options when it comes to selecting a new at-large board member for Panhandle Health District.

PIAZZA: Conflict on paving issue

Before every Kootenai County Commissioners hearing the commissioners are asked if they have any conflicts of interest. What if a commissioner accepts the maximum donation allowed for a re-election campaign? Does this qualify as a conflict of interest when the company comes before the commissioners with a case to be heard?

TWETE: Excellent commissioner

The upcoming election for your highway district elections are important for your local roads. I would like to endorse your incumbent Highway District Commissioner, Rodney Twete. As your Commissioner for Lakes Highway District, Rodney has a wealth of knowledge with very high standards. I have worked with Rodney attending your Idaho House and Senate Transportation hearings in Boise and served with him on the IAHD Board of Directors for many years. Rodney has a clear vision and solid performance as your Commissioner. Don’t risk losing Rodney Twete in this election. Vote in this election and support your Commissioner Rodney Twete.

Rugged political roadway

Highway district elections draw a lot of interest this year

The gloves are off for the highway commissioner races.

LIDS: Might be one in your future

In the history of Idaho never has a Local Improvement District process started by a Highway District been forwarded to the County Commissioners for review. I believe it is because most Highway District Commissioners would listen when 70 percent are opposed and they would drop the project or find other funding.

Timberlake Fire commissioners retain seats

ATHOL - Timberlake Fire Protection District Commissioners Rudy Rudebaugh and Marty Fish will retain their seats after a recall vote on Tuesday.

Reject change to county government

When you look at a sample ballot the very first thing that you observe is that out of all the choices to make on the ballot, this measure seems confusing. For everything else we vote "yes or no," or choose one person or another. But when we vote on this measure, both choices require that we be "in favor" of something. To reject the County Manager ballot measure the wording implies we endorse the present commissioners, when in fact many citizens are not for either. The commissioners are seeking change - but this change will prove itself to be costly and further separate citizens from our government leadership.

Q&A on form of government

There has been a great deal of discussion on the commissioners' proposal to change the form of government. Many of us know little about the proposal so it might be worthwhile to take a closer look. I was surprised to learn that the proposed type of governance is relatively common and used throughout the United States. It's nothing new and has been around for a long time and is a very successful approach to governance while still providing effective public participation. There is a great deal of information available online from ICMA (International City Managers Association).

COUNTY: Reject structure change

This letter is in response to the Coeur d’Alene Press Editorial of Aug. 28, which endorsed Kootenai County Commissioner Bill Brooks’ desire to add more commissioners to manage Kootenai County and then have those commissioners appoint and employ a full-time administrator who would not be elected by or directly accountable to the citizens of Kootenai County.

Opening the lines of communication

Commissioners discuss limitations ahead of alternative forms of government workshop

County gun motion tabled

Commissioners question legality of ordinance

One step closer to reform

COEUR d'ALENE - The Kootenai County commissioners approved 2-1 on Tuesday a resolution to place an alternative form of county government on the ballot this November.

Reasons to change county's government

There has been a great deal of discussion on changing the form of county government to five part-time commissioners and a full-time manager. Many people know little about this so it might be worthwhile to take a closer look.

County commission leadership changes

Stewart ousted from chairman's seat; Green voted as new chair

COEUR d'ALENE - That was quick.

County commissioners to seat new Airport Advisory Board

Kootenai County commissioners are expected to fill two vacant seats on the Airport Advisory Board today and replace the remaining five members.

Commissioners 'learning together'

COEUR d'ALENE - The Kootenai County commissioners have a slew of questions to answer, according to Commissioner Todd Tondee.

Allies in the wings

Delavan supported by both political parties

COEUR d'ALENE - Some of the county commission candidates are calling on the outgoing county commissioners to reverse their decision to terminate the county airport manager.