Today’s test is impossible to ace

There are no easy answers anymore.

Not where the novel coronavirus is concerned.

Once upon a time in this newspaper, we at least half-heartedly suggested that toll booths should be set up on the state line and vehicles with Washington plates would be required to pay a $5 per person fee to come into Kootenai County for special events, like the July 4 parade and fireworks. Our westerly neighbors were compounding parking and traffic headaches; some of the visitors were intoxicated to the point of causing harm to themselves and others; and, frankly, an entry fee seemed only fair to offset the extra cost and anxiety some of these folks were creating.

Such sentiments are surfacing again. With so many North Idahoans abiding by Gov. Brad Little’s edict, law enforcement has a little extra time to target Washington plates invading our golf courses, dirt tracks, parks, hiking trails and our boat launches. The violators get no sympathy from those of us who believe they should abide by their state’s rules and not come over and break ours.

But there aren’t any easy answers anymore. Just ask a local business person who depends heavily on people from somewhere else.

Hotels are catching the brunt of the governor’s order right in the bank account. Those who don’t sell meals are left virtually revenueless because travelers are an endangered species, sliding toward extinction. Even those hotels that do sell meals see their funds evaporating like a puddle on a Phoenix summer sidewalk. A trickle of cash does not offset the flood of bills due.

The hope here is that a path can be charted soon that will keep North Idahoans safe while allowing businesses to breathe. Are the two mutually exclusive? Do we have to open the floodgates and go back to the pre-COVID-19 days immediately, or keep the clamps on the lid even when pandora casts a small shadow? Do we have to declare a side in the fight — masks vs. no masks, Washington plates vs. Idaho, all or none?

Gov. Little is doing his utmost to honor the imperative for citizen safety. Having worked with him for years, we attest that he’s also a staunch advocate of Idaho business and widespread economic health.

Gov. Little understands there’s nothing he can do that will make everybody happy, so he has only one choice: Do what’s best for the most, knowing that there are no easy answers because every question is loaded.