SHRINER: Firmly rooted here

This letter is written in support of Democrat Jerry Shriner for County Commissioner. I have known Jerry and his wife Diane for several years as members of the Panhandle Back Country Horsemen chapter.

He is easy to approach and talk to and would make a good public official because of this trait. He has a varied background in law enforcement, construction, mental health services, and as a small business owner. He understands the government programs and running a small business.

Probably the most important issue on his agenda is that he is against the building of a new jail and contracting out bed space to out-of-area prisoners. He believes it is too expensive and the voters don’t want it. Historically families of prisoners arrive in the county to be close to their loved ones and may not be able to pay their own way and consequently become a burden on the county.

A new jail also fails to address the alternatives to the existing jail and turns a “break even” venture for the county into a “for profit” business with monies going to a private company. This is not a good investment for the people of Kootenai County.

Jerry grew up here and graduated from Worley High School, NIC, and the University of Idaho. He cares about this area he calls home and will keep the interests of the people of Kootenai County as his highest priority. Please vote for Jerry.

JONI LUECK

Coeur d’Alene