What's a man's word worth?
I do not know either County Commissioner Marc Eberlein or County Commissioner David Stewart personally. When they ran for County Commissioner they both presented themselves as champions of "personal property rights" and promised to represent the citizens of Kootenai County fairly. After researching their positions as much as I could, I concluded that there was nothing that either of these men said, or was quoted as saying, that would have prevented me from voting for them. In other words, I took them at their word.
Here are a few quotes from then-candidates for Commissioner, Marc Eberlein and David Stewart:
* Marc Eberlein:
"I would insist that the needs and vision of county residents be put before those of special interests and developers. I applaud the grassroots efforts of county property owners and will continue to listen to their concerns as County Commissioner,"
"To serve, it is essential that a Commissioner listens and understands. Trust is earned, not given. With honesty and common sense, practicality, fairness, good example and a commitment to serve the people of Kootenai County, I hope to earn your trust and restore your confidence in our local government."
http://www.kootenaigop.org/news/marc-eberlein-kootenai-county-commissioner-district-1
* David Stewart: "Property rights are a big issue with property owners. It is a big investment that property owners want to preserve and protect. For the past several years our property rights have been under attack by the current County Commissioners. As a property owner, and as your Commissioner, I will fight to protect your property rights."
"I believe government is representative of the people and the people should have access to its government. I also believe government should operate efficiently. An open and transparent government promotes equality, accountability, and fairness and provides information for citizens about what their Government is doing." http://stewart4idaho.com/
On Thursday, May 21, at 6 p.m. Commissioner Marc Eberlein and Commissioner David Stewart will have an opportunity to prove to all the citizens of Kootenai County, and in particular to its rural citizens, that they are men of their word. They are hosting a Public Hearing at North Idaho College, in Boswell Hall at the Schuler Performing Arts Center. The purpose of the hearing is to grant or deny a rezone petition by a major out-of-state developer, through a local proxy, to build an 85 unit high-density workforce residential subdivision on 34 wooded acres currently zoned rural. This property is located on the east side of U.S. Hwy. 95 and North Pope Road, approximately two miles north of Chilco Road and approximately 1.5 miles south of Bunco Road. Granting this zone change from "rural" to "restricted residential" would set precedence in our county for high-density development in rural areas, and open the flood gates for other major developers to follow suit.
Historically, the citizens of Kootenai County have expressed a strong desire to develop a Comprehensive Plan that reflects their values and shared beliefs about this natural treasure we all call home. Their fundamental values and priorities and ours haven't changed. We want to protect our sense of community; we want to preserve our small town feel; we value open space and wildlife; we want to preserve our natural areas and the sense of peace these areas provide; we cherish our rural lifestyles; we want to protect the beauty and scenery of our surroundings; and we recognize the fragility of our environment and the finite nature of our water resources. We also recognize the need to keep our county affordable with a robust sustainable economy. We want our county to be a safe place to live, and to provide the services necessary to ensure that safety. Most of all, we want governance that we can trust to champion and protect these commonly shared beliefs and values. We recognize that our county will continue to grow, but we want that growth to be managed in a responsible, sustainable way that preserves our expressed values and shared beliefs.
It is important for all three of our County Commissioners to be men of their word, and recognize that there is a qualitative difference between those who just own property in Kootenai County and citizens of Kootenai County who are property owners. The land for this proposed 34-acre high-density, workforce subdivision is owned by an out-of-state developer. His interest in Kootenai County is strictly financial. He doesn't share our values and shared beliefs concerning the future of this special place we call home. There have always been people of his ilk willing to turn a profit at the expense of others. I am reminded of a song written and released in 1970 by singer/songwriter Joni Mitchell entitled "Big Yellow Taxi" that expresses this kind of mindset. The lyrics to the first two verses go like this:
They paved paradise and they put up a parking lot
With a pink hotel, a boutique, and a swinging hot spot
Don't it always seems to go?
[that you] Don't know what you've got till it's gone'
They paved paradise and they put up a parking lot.
Took all the trees, put'em in a tree museum
And they charged all the people a dollar and a half just to see'em
Don't it always seem to go?
[that] You don't know what you've got till it's gone
They paved paradise and they put up a parking lot.
http://www.songlyrics.com/joni-mitchell/big-yellow-taxi-lyrics/
This upcoming public hearing on Thursday, May 21 at 6 p.m. on the campus of North Idaho College in Boswell Hall located in the Schuler Performing Arts Center will provide an opportunity for every citizen of Kootenai County to turn out and see whether these two new County Commissioners will be men of their word and represent the will of their constituents as promised, or be swayed by the power and influence of a major out-of-state developer. I strongly urge you to attend this hearing. As Marc Eberlein said, "I hope to earn your trust and restore your confidence in our local government." And as David Stewart said, "I believe government is representative of the people and the people should have access to its government."
We will see!
Lee Zimmer is a resident of Athol.