Party politics can't solve local issues
Recently the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee created a resolution declaring their opposition to the transit center in Riverstone. This resolution, made by the KCRCC, clearly demonstrates how party politics can separate us from our fellow man.
Political divisions have never been worse in modern history, and the ongoing attempt by local political parties to add partisan politics to every element of our community is deeply damaging. Just name a local issue such as schools, roads, or utilities and there is a partisan attempt to control it. Creating divisions in every area they can see, we are witnessing national party politics threaten the community values we hold here in Idaho.
We must return to a time of communities coming together, to a time of recognizing the good in one another, and to a time when we give a helping hand to our neighbors.
The history of the Republican Party is one that embraces infrastructure and how it helps with economic development. Long before Lincoln defended the liberty of all Americans, he fought for infrastructure development including waterways, trains, and roadways in Illinois.
The recent history of the Democratic Party is toward social equality and improving transportation infrastructure. That’s one thing a community can do to ensure equal opportunities for access to work and education. This seems like an issue that provides a clear opportunity for diverse political factions to come together. Better yet, a proposal determining if a building should be built at a bus stop is an issue that does not need political party involvement at all.
Recently, notable local Republicans have denounced this position by the KCRCC. In doing so they have demonstrated leadership that transcends partisanship. These leaders demonstrate the opportunities for cooperation that exist across the political spectrum.
In our community, we must work together to ensure we continue to thrive and resist the temptation to poke each other’s eyes out.
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Dan Hanks, M.Ed, LPC, Ed.S, of Cultivation Counseling, is a Coeur d’Alene resident.