PANEL: One person, one vote

On March 12, the board of the KMPO voted to expand its KCATT (Kootenai County Area Transportation Team) committee by adding five members of the public. These members are to represent interests in areas such as bicycling and trail usage. The board voted not to grant these new members voting rights. Mine was the sole vote in opposition.

I find it sad but typical that in this country that a board composed mostly of elected officials can deny voting rights to members of the public on a subcommittee. It’s ironic that the board did so in the process of adopting its “Public Involvement Policy.” Further, board members justified the move, claiming that KMPO doesn’t want “special interests” to hijack the committee. I would offer that each elected position in this country offers anyone the opportunity to have a voice. That’s how our system of government works.

DAN GOOKIN

Coeur d’Alene