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LAND USE: Complaints overblown

| August 11, 2021 1:00 AM

Numerous letters to the editor are, in my opinion, incorrect, possibly even untrue. As a community newspaper, you have an obligation to publish opposing views by residents. A higher level of scrutiny is required for Coeur d’Alene Press staff-written articles.

The Coeur d’Alene Press believes this article demonstrated the integrity of the elected leaders. The problem is that it reinforces the unfounded claims that decisions, particularly land use, may have been due to corruption.

Based on my years of experience, objectors seldom walk away saying I understand the logic for the approval of a decision demonstrated at the public hearing. Complaints of corruption and pay offs are often what follow. Corruption is seldom the case; our elected leaders approve multi-million dollar budgets and a 1,000 other actions each year, but land-use decisions are viewed as corrupt. I do not personally know any of Post Falls’ elected leaders but respect each one and do not question their integrity.

This article is a double-edged sword, except one edge is much sharper than the other. I fear your article, however well intended, serves to reinforce the erroneous beliefs posted all over social media. Claims of corruption diminish the need to address our local problems, not only growth, in a meaningful and purposeful manner.

PHIL WARD

Coeur d’Alene