KMPO: Discourages citizen participation

It appears that KMPO took measures to discourage citizen participation at its Post Falls “open house” on Thursday.

1) The venue: Black Bay Depot on Third Avenue was difficult to find. It sat way back from the street, with no sign, nothing. One had to drive through a parking lot and back a block to find this place.

2) The temperature: There was no air-conditioning, and it was stifling.

3) The noise level: Picture a hot, packed room, everyone shouting. No chairs.

4) The sponsors: No one seemed to be in charge. There were several large posters set up, telling people how these cameras are good things to have in our communities. No one spoke to those of us who came; there seemed to be no agenda. People took to the hallway to try to converse, but it soon became deafening also.

5) Survey sheets: There were three sign-in sheets if people wanted to let those “in charge” know who came. Survey sheets were almost hidden in the back corner of that same table. People had to know they were there and ask for them in order to complete a survey.

6) Where were the KMPO board members?

In summary, we value our privacy. If this “open house” is an example of the management of this project, it is destined to fail. This invasion of our privacy with these cameras is yet another step in the smart city agenda, and we do not want smart cities.

LYNNE PURSEL

Post Falls