COUNTY: Don’t fall for administrator

The “commission” form of government is one of the oldest forms of county government, with roots going back to colonial Pennsylvania. It is a true representative republic form of government with elected commissioners who implement, oversee and administer policy, with their actions directly accountable to the citizens.

Mr. Brooks’ ongoing agenda to fundamentally transform Kootenai County into “commission-administrator” form of government is bad for several reasons. It grows government, creating another level of bureaucracy. This new level is appointed and unaccountable to the citizens.

Commissioners can pass the buck, and pass the blame, to an appointed employee administrator for their unpopular shenanigans when questioned by angry citizens. Because it is unaccountable, it also politicizes this Administrator position. All you have to do is look at police chiefs in major cities. They are nothing more than appointed politicians serving the interests of those who keep them in that position. It doesn’t “enhance democracy” as others claim. Far from it.

Mr. Brooks should seriously reconsider his effort to transform our form of government and do the commissioner job he was elected to do. If he lacks motivation or feels he is in over his head and needs the assistance of an administrator, then he should step down immediately. Shame on him for running for this position with an ulterior motive.

JOHN TAPPERO

Hayden