Jamie on the Issues
Planning for the Future
The future of Sandpoint, and our ability to maintain its character, relies on proper planning now in order to achieve our vision.
Our population is going to grow. If this is well managed, it will add to the vitality of the City, helping residents and businesses alike. The huge public turnout for the comprehensive planning process shows that people want to direct growth, have it fit in well, and not lead to sprawl. I feel the Comprehensive Plan is a quality tool we can work with to accomplish the goals and vision of the Sandpoint populace. We can ensure that Sandpoint will maintain its small town character and provide adequate services if the City moves forward to give the Comprehensive Plan legs.
Water Bond
I support the current water bond, because it comes with a generous grant that reduces the cost to ratepayers. I also think we need to look at ways to conserve water.
The question is not “if,” but “when” we increase our treatment capacity, and the current bond appears to be the most logical, economical approach. The City’s water use is going to continue to grow, and it makes sense to ensure we have the capacity to provide for the future. The bond on the upcoming vote would allow the City’s water treatment plant to expand its capacity with the minimum possible cost increase to rate payers. In addition, this bond would be supplemented with funds from USDA Rural Development. The alternatives are to:
1) Do nothing, which would encourage sprawl to outlying areas and reduce available service to existing customers.
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2) Perform the expansion in the future, which will cost much more. The grant funds currently available to the City under the current bond will not be available in the future.
Nobody wants to pay more – these are tough times, but putting the expansion off may be more devastating financially in the future.
Water Fluoridation
I support removal of the fluoridation process from our water treatment. I believe people have the right to decide for themselves whether or not they ingest fluoride, and there are other ways to get fluoride to those who want it that may not be able to access it otherwise.
I believe the uncertainties related to fluoridation are substantial enough to warrant removal of fluoridation from our water treatment process. The proponents of fluoride have focused solely on the dental health of citizens. There are many other potential health effects associated with fluoride that warrant consideration.
Fluoride is the only element that is added to our water that does not serve the purpose of making the water safe to drink. The Public Works director has stated that fluoride is not necessary for water treatment, and is an additional cost to treatment.
I would fully investigate other ways to get fluoride to those who want it and do not have the means to obtain it. For example, Panhandle Health District provides weekly fluoride rinse to schools in the panhandle that wish to participate. In addition, they contract with a dental hygienist to offer fluoride and sealant protection to eligible children and pregnant women in Idaho's five northern counties (more information is available here, or by calling PHD in Sandpoint at 263-5159).
Byway Construction
In the long term, the Byway will allow us to reclaim our downtown core. However, it is important in the near term to monitor the Best Management Practices employed to protect Sand Creek and Lake Pend Oreille.
The contractor failed to implement proper BMPs to contain sediment and stabilize soils in the beginning stages of the project. Measures need to be taken for the remainder of construction to ensure all sediment is retained onsite and stabilized when construction is complete.
When the bypass is open, the City should insist on management of the downtown streets that ITD now controls. The City could make the downtown area safer for non-motorized transportation and more enticing for shopping and events.
Affordable Living
The City has a number of means to encourage affordable housing in Sandpoint, including zoning and density rules. These elements are part of the next step in the planning and zoning process, which should be carried out with affordable housing in mind.
An important component of our economy is ensuring an adequate employment base – we must be willing to support the workers who keep our economy running. We don’t want to see Sandpoint turn into a resort community where workers have to commute long distances and work multiple jobs - where housing prices are through the roof. Sandpoint is a community for everyone.
Strong Local Economy
Sandpoint’s economy is relatively diverse, including manufacturing, tourism, retail, natural resources, and service industries. One major role for the City is to assure that its services make Sandpoint appealing: a clean lake; parks and recreational opportunities; good police, fire control, and disaster response; and well-maintained streets, sidewalks and bicycle lanes. Sandpoint needs to maintain good infrastructure to serve our residents, businesses, and visitors.
Another role the City can play is to encourage an intellectual base to maintain locally-employable citizens and make Sandpoint an appealing place for employers, as well. The City should strive to foster partnerships with workforce training institutions and other educational resources.
Communication
I believe the City could enhance its communication – in both getting pertinent information out to residents and businesses as well as listening to those who live, work, and recreate in Sandpoint.
There are a number of significant issues Sandpoint voters make decisions on. I would look for ways to reach out to the community and connect people with the resources they need to get information in a timely manner. In addition, I would encourage opportunities for residents, visitors, and businesses to express their concerns and values to the City Council in a friendly listening environment.