SENATORS: Now hear this

A group of concerned citizens in North Idaho has been assembling weekly at the offices of U.S. Senators Risch and Crapo. For six weeks, the request has been a simple one — schedule an open meeting in Kootenai County. Questions and concerns regarding this administration’s agenda need to be acknowledged and addressed by both senators. During each of these meetings, which have been calm and respectful, staff members have stated that neither Risch nor Crapo had any intention of paying a visit here anytime soon.

Then, this past Saturday evening, as we stood outside The Coeur d’Alene Resort during the Republican Lincoln Day Dinner, we learned that they, as well as our Congressman Raul Labrador, were in attendance. Their dismissive attitudes toward us, their constituents and employers, have been duly noted. At this juncture, I would like to point out that while there are just under 300,000 registered Republicans and Constitutionalists in the state of Idaho, there are 435,000 voters who are neither. Should our concerns and ideas be of no interest to any of our current representatives, perhaps we, the people of Idaho, will find someone who is interested during the next election cycle.

SUSAN MELKA

Harrison