OPT-OUT: Real estate connections

I read with skepticism the county commissioners’ intention to hold a public meeting regarding the elimination of the building permit opt-out implemented by our previous commissioners. After all, Mr. Fillios made clear his adamant opposition to the opt-out during last year’s public meeting on the topic and Mr. Brooks made his opposition to the opt-out a cornerstone of his campaign. In fact, although not reported in the Coeur d’Alene Press account of the candidates’ forum at Candlelight Church prior to last May’s primary, Mr. Brooks displayed disdain for anyone who supported the opt-out — sarcastically opining that perhaps we should eliminate all building safety codes — a proposition which no one was suggesting.

I predict, based upon their previous public statements, that commissioners Fillios and Brooks will use the public forum as an opportunity to grandstand on the topic of public safety and property values while castigating county property owners who favor keeping the opt-out provision.

These two men may be fine people, but they both have close ties to the real estate industry, a special interest group that expressed firm opposition to the opt-out. Some people might consider that a conflict of interest. Moreover, Mr. Brooks received $1,000 from the Coeur d’Alene Association of Realtors, $1,000 from the North Idaho Building Contractors Association and $1,000 from the Idaho Association of Realtors — in Boise — for his primary campaign. That’s a chunk of change, and uncommon for a Kootenai County commissioner race — particularly for a non-incumbent. Think about it.

NORMA WHITE

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