MOUNTAIN: Let the voters decide

The article dated June 8 regarding Rathdrum Mountain states, “For years the city heard little vocal opposition to the development of the city property on Rathdrum Mountain.” That is not true! I attended two meetings held over several years at Lakeland High School and I can tell you that the crowd was very vocal against the project both times. In addition to those meetings the city had contacts at other public events to get a feeling for this idea and the results were not positive. I have gone to three neighborhoods and talked to people about the idea, and the results of the footwork was 10 to 1 against.

What is true is that in the past groups and now the City Council have been working quietly trying to find an avenue to develop the mountain. Now a computer survey and an informal “come and ask a question” open house is being offered. The survey cannot be completed unless one identifies themselves by giving a water bill account number and telephone number. Will an independent entity audit this survey? How many surveys need to be completed to make it valid?

To be fair, should this be a ballot measure?

The article also states, “This is a quality of life issue.” “Low-impact, low-cost.” Really? Perhaps a negative impact on the quality of our lives. What is to say that it will be low-impact and low-cost once the door is opened? When this idea was first promoted, the goal was to make Rathdrum Mountain a destination to benefit a few. Is using the revenue from the trees for the benefit of all citizens not a better use of the mountain?

This issue is too important to our town to leave it to a Council survey. Put the measure on a ballot for all to have a say.

TONY MYERS

Rathdrum