SCHOOLS: Let the healing begin

I wanted to thank the many people who participated in the great democratic process of voting in the recent school board election. Local elections are where government is closest to the people and where individual votes can have a considerable influence on the direction of our public institutions. I am also deeply appreciative of the persons who voted for me and the many people from all political persuasions who worked on my campaign.

My opponent Mr. Bjorn Handeen, ran an excellent campaign and I am grateful that we were able to conduct this campaign without personal animosity or pettiness. I look forward to listening further to Mr. Handeen about his ideas on education in the Coeur d’Alene School District as well as the views of many other people in the community.

It is time to move forward healing this community’s conflicts over the schools. We’ve historically had great schools in Coeur d’Alene and the school board will continue to need the support of all of the citizens of Coeur d’Alene to provide the best education we can for our children.

Many people throughout this country’s history have given their lives for our right to vote. Thank you fellow citizens for your ongoing concern about our schools and for participating in the democratic process.

TOM HEARN

Coeur d’Alene