Here's why we endorse an optional building inspection system
While not uncommon, it is unfortunate when political or policy debate moves away from facts and into character attacks. Let’s set aside the personal attacks and vitriol and focus instead on the facts concerning the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee and the recent change in the county building permitting system.
The Kootenai County Republican Central Committee (KCRCC) is comprised of committeemen elected from each of the 70 precincts in Kootenai County. The KCRCC is arguably the most diverse political organization in the county. The committeemen are unpaid volunteers who work tirelessly to advance public policy that promotes freedom, smaller government, personal responsibility and prosperity. These policies are articulated in the Republican State Party Platform. The success of the KCRCC is evidenced in the fact that well over half of the registered voters in the county affiliate with the Republican Party.
Like any citizen, committeemen are free to personally endorse and support any candidate(s). Committeemen spend countless hours helping candidates by organizing events, distributing literature and attending functions. Committeemen serve their neighbors in their precincts as the first and closest level in the political process. It is my honor to serve with so many patriots dedicated to our Republic.
Candidates are encouraged, and given the opportunity to be placed on the agenda to they can introduce themselves to the committee during a KCRCC meeting. The KCRCC, as a body, does not endorse candidates prior to the primary. After the primary the KCRCC supports the Republican nominees chosen by the electorate.
As chairman my role is to conduct committee meetings and maintain decorum while ensuring all committeemen wishing to speak have the opportunity in an orderly manner and under the rules. The chairman does not participate in debate and does not vote unless to break a tie. The will of the committee is the will of the majority. The role of chairman is everything a dictatorship isn’t. The Idaho Republican Party Platform Article 9 states: “The Republican Party oppose(s) any federal, state or local regulation that would diminish a property owner’s right to develop his property.” In accord with this principle the KCRCC unanimously passed a resolution in support of the Eberlein/Bingham proposal to make the use of the county building inspection system optional for property owners in the unincorporated areas. According to numbers provided by the Planning Director, this could save county residents up to one and a half million dollars per year in fees.
At a recent town hall the Planning Director confirmed that the county monopoly on building inspection does not guarantee the quality or the safety of a building. It does, however, limit the remedies available to the property owner for poor workmanship. Contractors are shielded by county inspections and the county cannot be held legally liable for errors and omissions in inspections. Add to this the costs and delays and the case for a free market solution for building inspection becomes very strong.
Compare property appraisal with building inspection. During an appraisal buildings are inspected and appraised for their value. During a building inspection buildings are inspected and appraised for their conformance to standards. Both utilize trained and licensed professionals. Both take about the same time to conduct. Both have similar work products, a report. One is provided by the marketplace and one is provided by government. The government service takes about 10 times longer and costs about 10 times more than the free market solution. An appraisal may cost $300 to $400 and take four to five days to complete. A building inspection permit costs about 1 percent of the project so may cost $3,000 to $4,000 for a typical home and take 45 days to be issued.
If you are thinking that the government monopoly can be improved, I would point out that it has been improved. It used to take much longer, as much as six months, to get a permit but under the leadership of the current Planning Director, David Callahan, service has improved greatly.
The same or similar arguments for a government monopoly on building inspection can be used to justify a government monopoly on building appraisal. Should all appraisals be consolidated into the Assessors department? I doubt you will find many Realtors or appraisers that would support that change.
In the era of ‘fake news’ and rampant internet hearsay it is a good policy to gather facts from the source before forming a strong opinion. The Kootenai County Republican Central Committee meets the fourth Tuesday of every month (except December) in the County Administration Building at 7:00 p.m. The public is welcome and encouraged to visit and observe the proceedings. You may be pleasantly surprised.
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Brent Regan is the chairman of the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee.