Saving lives and saving money. The deposit on that combo made Monday a very nice day. News that Coeur d'Alene will be home to Idaho's second state-funded mental health crisis center sent immediate positive ripples throughout the community. It's a harbinger for much good that this facility will do in the years ahead. Few citizens like to acknowledge the devastating relationship between mental and behavioral health problems and substance abuse. Fewer still want to do anything about it. But thanks to Rep. Luke Malek -- the bill's floor sponsor and legislative champion -- and a whole host of supportive professionals ranging from Sheriff Ben Wolfinger and Kootenai Health CEO Jon Ness to members of the executive board of the Region 1 Mental Health Board and Regional Advisory Council on Substance Abuse, ground will soon be broken in Coeur d'Alene for a local facility. A year ago, even though Kootenai County showed the greatest need, our region was passed over because of a lack of local legislative support. This year, representatives Kathy Sims, Ron Mendive and Vito Barbieri opposed the project. But other Kootenai County Republicans including senators Bob Nonini, Mary Souza and Steve Vick, and representatives Malek, Don Cheatham and Eric Redman, all pushed for passage of the House bill that authorized a mental health crisis center in North Idaho/Coeur d'Alene Press Editorial Board. More here.

Question: Why do you think all of the legislative delegation from Kootenai County supported the mental health crisis center this year, except Reps. Sims & Barbieri?