PRIMARY: Critical for county residents

The primary election will take place Tuesday, May 25.  Its purpose is to tell the Republican and Democratic parties which candidates to nominate for November’s general election.  In the primary election, voters, regardless of how they are registered, can ask for a Republican or Democratic ballot, but not both.

In November, people are not bound by their primary election vote.  They are free to vote for any candidate from any party appearing on the ballot.

Two county commissioner positions currently held by Rich Piazza and Rick Currie are being contested.  Dan Green and Kevin Ratigan are running against Rich Piazza, and Chris Fillios and Jai Nelson are running against Rick Currie.   No Democrats are running.  The Republicans elected May 25 will become the next Kootenai County Commissioners.  People wanting to vote on these positions need to request a Republican ballot next Tuesday.

Rich Piazza and Rick Currie recently voted to eliminate land use density designations from the new comprehensive plan.  Their decision goes against the general public and planning commission’s support for orderly growth and favors leap frog development.

Voting in Tuesday’s primary election for candidates who support orderly, community based land use planning is very important.

WES HANSON

Coeur d’Alene