What do YOU think of living here?

No question.

Lately we’ve been chatting a lot about the population boom in Kootenai County — and North Idaho in general.

In terms of our own county, it feels like we’ve concentrated quite a bit on the negative aspect of things.

I’ve got a boatload of emails here complaining about potential tax increases, the exodus from California, traffic snarls, school district purchases, annexations, airport debates, construction everywhere, even the increase in annoying sirens.

Yes, really.

Remember that a reader asked if there were more sirens around the county these days, and why she wasn’t seeing stories of catastrophes in The Press on the following mornings.

So, yet more people chipped and noted, among other things, that our original reader lived on Ramsey Road — and “didn’t she see all those new developments to the west”?

Retta Jones offered the opinion that medical calls to our increasingly older population wouldn’t show up in the newspaper.

We even heard from someone who suggested the sheriff’s department and various fire stations weren’t very forthcoming with information on what those sirens were all about.

I suppose the point here is that we all know the county is growing quickly.

In most of these conversations, for whatever reason, we’ve come to focus on the downside of all this change.

And yet ...

I think most of us would raise our hands instantly if someone asked: “Who loves living in the Coeur d’Alene/Kootenai County area?”

It’s a no-brainer.

I mean, there are a hell of a lot more people moving in than moving out — which pretty much says all you need to know.

Since all these population-boom issues have gotten so much publicity, I thought I’d try a little experiment.

OF COURSE, we’ve done several polls and surveys here in the land of A Brand New Day — but most of them have been fun items, like best movie lines and favorite songs.

I’d like to offer up one that has a little more meaning.

Let’s try this...

Send me an email and explain what you like most about living here — and then mention whatever bothers you, if anything.

This is me: scameron@cdapress.com

Now here’s something important: When you discuss the positives of being a Kootenai County resident, there’s no need to stop at one reason.

I want to hear all about what you’re thinking.

Same thing if you want to gripe about the downers.

Bottom line, I honestly want to know what readers of this column really like about being here — and then what they might want to change.

We tell outsiders about our Northwest paradise often enough, so why not remind each other?

When I first moved here, I would have listed the surroundings and wonderful things to do on top of my list.

Funny thing, though, as spectacular as the physical beauty of this place might be, it’s now dropped down just a single notch on my list.

No. 1 now?

The people.

But don’t let me sway YOUR opinion.

Please let me know what you personally like so much about living here. And if you’d change something, what would it be?

I’ll remind you all about this survey again soon, but don’t wait.

Just sit down and write me a note while it’s fresh in your mind.

I’m here and waiting.

- • •

Steve Cameron is a columnist for The Press.

A Brand New Day appears Wednesday through Saturday each week. Steve’s sports column runs on Tuesday.

Email: scameron@cdapress.com. Twitter:@BrandNewDayCDA