Letters To The Editor

Idaho viewpoints

Kootenai commissioners have to go

Re: “Average folks need representation, too,” (March 11). I thank D.F. Oliveria for his column on the “Fat Cat Party.” He’s right on. I agree that the people of North Idaho are not being properly served by the Kootenai County commissioners. Their allegiance appears to lie only with the Fat Cat Party whose people funded their political campaigns.

The commission’s majority vote favoring the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway refueling depot and the lack of support for a new community center are symptomatic of their concern for only big-money interests. So secure are they in their support from this group that they will defy the expressed will of the citizenry and expert advice relative to potential dangers to the aquifer. It makes one wonder about the future and what other special financial perks they render to their chums among the financial elite.

I urge the citizens of Kootenai County to turn out Commissioners Dick Compton, Dick Panabaker and Ron Rankin at the next election, if not before. Bob McCroskey Harrison

What part of `no’ escapes officials?

When, all of a sudden, did the word “no,” no longer mean no? Countless times, the citizens of this area have said no to any kind of development on McEuen Field and to the potential elimination of the Third Street boat ramp in downtown Coeur d’Alene. Countless times, the citizens of this area have said no to construction of the railroad depot on the Rathdrum Prairie.

If this is the case, what is the purpose of referendums, elections and the like? I mean, we keep voting no and it still gets thrown on the table, time and time again. No means no. No. No! Dave Holmes Coeur d’Alene

Sandpoint needs viable bypass plan

After years of study, the state has proposed a Highway 95 bypass along Sand Creek. Is a bypass needed? (Ask anyone, especially a trucker!) Are there other better options? Yes.

I don’t believe I’ll live long enough to see any improvement. Every time a plan is agreed upon, the people in Boise say “there’s no money at this time.” Then, in a year or two, they say, “OK, folks, we have some money now but a new idea has come up. We would like to run this by you for consideration.” Off goes the argument again and it’s good for another couple of years.

The Sand Creek bypass would destroy any development possible to beautify the town in relation to the lake. True, it would alleviate somewhat the north-south traffic. But how about the east-west traffic? I’m not talking strictly about automobiles. A lot of 18-wheelers have to navigate this route also.

The way this area is growing, the Sand Creek bypass would be nothing but a Band-Aid. And those poor people in Sagle. It’s like playing Russian roulette getting on the highway. Why not go west of town, starting south of Sagle, and come across the river and west of town into the junction north of town? Grove Schoolcraft Sandpoint

Stokes an obstruction in our way

Recent letters and columns demonstrate well the problems of the Sand Creek alternative for reducing through traffic in Sandpoint. Particularly impressive was Joe Wythe’s clinical evaluation of the alternative, and why it is so wrong for this resort city. And it was moving to see the passion of former Mayor David Sawyer, who switched from a no-way, to a just-get-it-over-with attitude.

The difference between the Wythe and Sawyer presentations is that Idaho Transportation Department District 1 Engineer Scott Stokes hasn’t whipped on Wythe as he has on local elected officials and business leaders.

Stokes recently sent word to Sandpoint leaders he did not appreciate their going to Gov. Dirk Kempthorne and their legislators with an appeal to change ITD’s design for the Fifth Avenue corridor. An accommodation was reached but not without a tirade for going over his head. Its’ pretty obvious Stokes doesn’t want local folks to disagree with or criticize his department’s work. Former Mayor Ron Cheney knows that. Former Mayor Sawyer knows that. And local business owners know that. No doubt, current Mayor Phil Graves will soon learn not to rile Stokes.

As long as Stokes holds this sort of attitude toward the community and as long as we and our legislators allow him to hold it, getting a bypass design that best serves Sandpoint is not likely. Dick Wolff Cocolalla

Plan has support - get on with it

The Sand Creek bypass of U.S. Highway 95 may not be the perfect solution to all traffic problems in Sandpoint but it sure will help get rid of much of the truck traffic in town. It is time we quit fighting about this and get on with it. Let’s face it, folks, if we wait for a new route or some other nonsense, then it will be another 50 years and nothing will be done. The selection process was complete and the people support this plan. Paul Keller Sandpoint

Highway blamed for driver errors

U.S. Highway 95 was blamed for the deaths of five people. Did the writer examine the causes of these accidents? All can be attributed to either driving too fast for conditions or drivers not paying attention. Changes must be made in the driving habits and attitudes of drivers if we are to prevent accidents.

Although Highway 95 is not the freeway I might prefer, it has improved.

In the past few years drivers have become less considerate and more reckless. We have witnessed several incidents which could have resulted in severe accidents.

The state would do more to save lives if we would invest in more state police and stricter law enforcement. The Idaho State Police should be staffed and funded to enforce current laws and write citations for all violations.

The consequences of poor driving need to be stressed in drivers ed classes and in newspaper articles and news programs.

A statewide program could be established to allow people to report unlawful driving. An 800 number could be available to report the license numbers of violators. This could be entered in a computer database and if an individual is reported several times, they could be contacted by the state.

People may complain about their right to privacy but actions they take are performed in public and are affecting others’ rights to safely use a public highway. Chuck E. Waller Bayview

IN THE PUBLIC EYE

Ranger case much ado about little

Regarding Mount Spokane State Park Ranger Peter Wood and the whistleblower (Region, March 15).

It’s clear that if such trivial charges were routinely brought by whistleblowers, our government would cease to function. The charges included playing a day of golf on a work day!

As a 30-year Ski Patrol member at the Mount Spokane Nordic area and president of the Langlauf cross-country ski race, I’ve known and appreciated Wood as different than the typical government bureaucrat. He approached his job more like a business, being more concerned about cooperation and the maximum enjoyment of the park facilities. That was unlike many who have worked for him and use the strictest interpretation of the state’s policies to bolster their self-importance in their overzealous enforcement.

Unfortunately, this petty, bureaucratic position taken by less-enlightened state employees has been largely responsible for the decline in Wood’s ability to manage the park in the friendly, progressive way we so much enjoyed and appreciated.

The State Park and Recreation Commission had better seriously consider how it treats these petty “offenses.” Wood is definitely a cut above the average state management-level employee. Paul G. Smith Spokane

Indiscretion shouldn’t ruin career

I have had the pleasure of knowing Mount Spokane Ranger Pete Wood for several years. As a Search and Rescue coordinator for the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, I knew Wood as a valuable resource. He was always quick to help, and provided any information we needed to successfully complete the rescue.

As an outdoor enthusiast, I have enjoyed the park’s success in accommodating the numerous requests made on it. This has been largely due to Wood. As a friend, he and I have watched our kids grow up together.

I hope Wood can weather the storm of these accusations and can continue to provide the area with his professional approach and experience. As a taxpayer, I hope he doesn’t decide to charge the state for all the hours of overtime he hasn’t been putting in for in the past. It would make the minor indiscretions seem like small potatoes. Cpl. Tom Henderson Spokane County Sheriff’s Department, traffic unit

SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION

Principals I know are fine people

Re: the Golden Pen letter of March 13.

I am an investigator who has worked on several school district investigations, including school shootings. I have come in contact with several school principals during these cases and have found the majority of them to be caring educators, who are not “PR men.”

These are people who have been devastated by the tragedies in their schools and who want to provide safe, healthy environments for our students. They have hired us to find out the truth behind a multitude of situations, from sexual inappropriate behavior to students threatening others.

I have had two sons at University High School since 1994 and have had the privilege of observing Erik Ohlund, their prinicipal, as an administrator. He is everything but a PR man.

From addressing my concerns about a student threatening my son to giving me a reassuring pat on the back at my son’s wrestling tournament, there is no doubt in my mind that he is involved daily with his students and cares about them not only as students, but as people. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt the impact he has had in their lives when my son made it a point to tell me how much he respects Ohlund and what his support has meant to my son.

We, as parents, need to encourage the educators of our children, and hold those few accountable who are not involved with our students daily activities. Such educators would not be able to say, as Ohlund told me, “It’s been a pleasure watching your son mature and being an influence in his life.” Sandra Brewer Spokane

NORTHWEST DAMS

Wrecking our economy unacceptable

Finally, a sensible commentary on the dams question (guest column, March 13). Brett Blankenship showed common sense and thought. If we don’t let our feelings be known on environmental issues we are going to lose our way of life.

Of course we have to take care of things and with the rules and regulations now in place, we are doing a good job of protecting what we have. But when it starts to ruin the economy of our counties and country, we have to take a stand and at least use a sensible approach.

It really bothers me that at the meetings on breaching the dams the environmentalists bring in every person off the street to make it look like the whole world wants the dams breached.

Now with gas prices going sky high we need the dams more than ever. It has been stated it would take nearly 700,000 trucks to do what shipping by barge does. Can you imagine the shortage of gas that would cause, plus the wear and tear on already overcrowded highways? Alice Lundgren Curlew, Wash.

Compact benefits everyone

Wow! I’m impressed! Avista Corp., Indian tribes and environmental groups were able to negotiate an agreement to renew the federal license for two dams on the Clark Fork River, resulting in a win-win situation for all. What a concept - using consensus-building and working together for a solution which benefits all, rather than taking sides and creating prolonged political battles.

As Opinion editor John Webster points out in his editorial of March 12, conflicts over dams will grow in numbers as our region becomes more populated and environmentally stressed. We are all better served if this model of cooperation can be used to create solutions for the many contentious issues facing our region.

I echo Webster’s words: Congratulations to all. Linda S. Moulder Cheney

Over the line

Kootenai hearings strictly for show

Regarding the Kootenai County commissioners’ decision, was anyone surprised? Not likely! How about disappointed, disgusted, angry? You bet!

It was quite obvious that Commissioner Dick Compton had made up his mind in favor of the fueling depot well before the so-called public hearings. His claim of no conflict of interest is suspect at best, considering he is a Jobs Plus board member. Jobs Plus, almost by definition, had to endorse Burlington Northern Santa Fe and its “50 jobs” promise. It seems strange that Compton’s claim of no conflict wasn’t challenged. Apparently, his own declaration is all that’s needed.

As for the public hearings, holding a public hearing and listening to the public appear to be two different things to Compton and Commissioner Dick Panabaker. The commissioners’ decision was made after public testimony and pleas that BNSF’s fueling depot not be allowed over the aquifer, but was the public heard by more than one of the commissioners? It seems more accurate to say they were tolerated.

There is much to suggest predisposition on the part of the commissioners. Their rejection of the hearing examiner’s conclusion is a glaring example. Who believes that the examiners’ recommendation would have been rejected if she had recommended approval?

As for the conditions appended to approval, several stand out as admissions of possible disaster. Example: In the event of aquifer contamination the railroad shall be responsible for providing an alternative source of drinking water. Think about that one! Bob McClure Post Falls

SPOKANE MATTERS

Women, beware of perverts

Jill Chandler’s letter of Feb. 29, “It’s running - and flashing - season,” is a good reminder to women that they need to be cautious. Caution means avoiding areas known to be frequented by “perverts,” as she states.

But that is not enough. Women also need to be aware that perverts can appear anywhere, not just on the Centennial Trail. They may have been passive in the past but it is not uncommon for their behavior to change. Personal safety is the responsibility of the individual. If law enforcement could be everywhere, this guy wouldn’t still be on the trail.

Carrying a big stick is an option, but I don’t recommend returning to the same area. Perhaps a change of scenery is in order for the springtime running.

Nothing is 100 percent reliable when talking about personal protection but awareness of your environment and common sense go a long way toward safety and peace of mind. Robin Ball Refuse to be a Victim safety instructor, Spokane

Schmidt really is a great coach

Chris Peck’s March 5 column was the best.

Ross Thomas, coach of the state champion Saint George’s girls basketball team, has to be the luckiest coach alive. For years, eighth-grade coach Errol Schmidt has been sending him the best-trained ninth grade players in the city. To my knowledge, Peck’s column is the only time that Schmidt has publicly gotten the credit he deserved for the incredible success of St. George’s basketball program.

Schmidt also coached boys sports with similar results. His River City Raiders soccer team, which included our son Jacinto, played far above its natural talent and contributed several members to local high school varsities.

Even more outstanding was his AAU basketball team. Five of these young men played on some of the best high school teams in the area, and at least seven, including our son John, made one or more high school all-star teams in basketball or another sport.

I’ll always remember the satisfaction I felt when I realized that seven of the players on the field at a varsity soccer game had played for me in the recreation and/or select leagues. Coach Schmidt must get this feeling every year. Now he’s getting some of the credit he deserves.

Please accept Schmidt as my nominee for coach of the year! L. Jim Shamp Cheney