Keeping a campaign pledge

You want transparency in government.

Once the dust on the ol' ballots has settled, you want those you elected to do what they said they would do.

And you hate surprises.

Why, then, the tempest over a teapot of an announcement from the Kootenai County Board of Commissioners that this time next year, voters will be able to decide if they want a new form of county government?

No sooner had that story been posted on cdapress.com than the critics came out with both barrels a-blazin'. Some called for the removal of any commissioners who would challenge the status quo. Some jumped to the conclusion that the new form of government would cost taxpayers more and, therefore, should be summarily rejected. And some said "Been there, done that," in reference to the county hiring an administrator or manager.

As we write this, the commissioners are doing much more than assembling their thoughts on an alternative form of county governance. They're asking for constructive suggestions from county citizens, taxpayers and other stakeholders.

Why the violent over-reaction?

On their respective campaign trails, all three commissioners, Dan Green, Jai Nelson and Todd Tondee, said this is an issue that should be examined and ultimately left to the voters to decide. They have not fashioned a top secret, executive session-protected stinkbomb to drop on unprepared voters a couple weeks before the question shows up on the November 2012 ballot. In fact, their announcement that ideas are being formulated so the county prosecutor can prepare ballot language is about as transparent and anti-surprise as government can get. So again, why the angst?

This is as good a time as any for level heads and open minds to gather information and consider the possibilities. Because commissioners are giving you so much notice, there will be plenty of time to gripe and complain later.