ELECTION: Support for Open Space bond

I am supporting and voting in favor of the current Kootenai County Parks and Open Space initiative. 

As a life-long Coeur d’Alene and Kootenai County resident, I have had every opportunity to enjoy and appreciate the natural beauty of our North Idaho mountains, lakes and rivers. I have served as chair on the County Parks and Waterways Advisory Board, as president of the statewide Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and have been an active member and coordinator of two long-standing regional natural resource committees.  

Along with a number of others, I have participated in advocating for the county Parks and Open Space efforts. I see this initiative as an opportunity to provide selective park and open space amenities that will preserve and protect some vitally important elements of our rapidly growing area from being completely overrun with rooftops where once we enjoyed open prairie grasslands and unobstructed views and mountain vistas.  

Along with other committed individuals and groups, like the Inland NW Land Conservancy, I, and others, will stay active and involved to provide the best opportunities for strategically-located properties, suitable for public use and benefit.   

Some feel it is too late or too loosely structured, and such an effort should have been made years ago, but, if true, now time is critical, and with so many good people involved, now is the time.

I urge my friends and neighbors, and all like-minded citizens of these North Idaho community to get out the vote for this important opportunity now that it is finally on the ballot.  

In harmony and productive collaboration across all barriers and differences for the good of our community as a whole. 

J.A. "SANDY" EMERSON

Coeur d'Alene