IGNITE: Citizens should pick board

This letter is in response to the LCDC name change article. My husband and I moved to Coeur d’Alene in 1966 so I’m not new to this area.

Years ago I was aware that a “downtown” association was formed for the purpose of improving the downtown area. I was in full support of the idea.

As for LCDC, I must admit I was not aware of how it came to be or much about what their actual function was. I read several articles both pro and con about LCDC in an effort to educate myself.

To this day, I have difficulty understanding how board members are appointed to a publicly funded association without any community input. It would appear that the board has the authority to pick and choose what projects will be done using public funds — again without any input from the community. It would seem the taxpayer should have some input as to how tax money is used.

In addition, I question how many board members own property and/or have businesses or business interests in the LCDC area, and how that fact would affect the votes of other board members. How would the taxpayers know if there is a conflict of interest in decisions made by the board? Also, I don’t know if the board meetings are open to the public and if not, why not?

I find it interesting that LCDC is so concerned about their public image that they felt it necessary to spend $54,269 to change their name to IGNITE CDA. Makes one wonder.

I would appreciate it if you would let me state my views without labeling me “anti this” or “anti that.” I thank God I live in America where I can freely express my views.

JANET CARPENTER

Coeur d’Alene