A memorial fountain is planned in downtown Coeur d’Alene. $750,000 for a fountain is far too much to spend, even though it is private money. Coeur d’Alene has 43 percent of households at or below poverty level. Thirty-three percent of households in Kootenai County are at or below the poverty level. Some help that could benefit many would be well received, and could be donated in the names of our heroes. Lake Coeur d’Alene, at one time, was named No. 5 most beautiful lake in the U.S. A water feature is not needed; we already have it all/Sally Miles, of Hayden, letter to Coeur d'Alene Press editor.

Question: Is this project an extravagance in view of the hard financial times experienced by so many?