Vote with your head, not on name recognition

Numerous people have asked my opinion about the upcoming elections because of problems I'm having with the Boundary County officials and the lawsuits that we are pursuing.

I'm asked: "Who I would vote for?"

I won't endorse anyone at this time, but I will ask some questions.

Which candidate will work aggressively to bring new jobs and businesses to Boundary County to replace the missing timber jobs? Is it fair that the local loggers are forced to work so far from home? Is it proper to have so many people that are struggling to keep their heads above water?

Which candidate will work to change the image of Boundary County?

I have spoken with numerous officials at the state and federal levels, including several of my military customers and none has a good opinion or image about the local politics and law enforcement.

Which candidate will restore our faith in the sheriff's office? Which candidate will represent both the old-timers and newcomers of Boundary County?

There needs to be a balance; one-sided politics does not work. Every person from the farmer to the technology specialist needs to be fairly represented because all voices can make valid points during an argument.

Which candidate will secure a better business/job tax base to provide for greater funding for our schools?

Nobody can argue that schools should never be under funded and required to hold community fundraisers to provide for our kids; thank-you Mr. Becker for your efforts.

The kids deserve nothing less than our best efforts to provide them with a good education and diverse future employment opportunities.

Boundary County has some serious problems that need to be addressed. Hiding your head in the sand and ignoring the problems has not worked in the past. Don't blame the FBI, CIA, State Police, all the environmentalists or me for the problems that are currently plaguing Boundary County.

Blame the politicians that were required to protect/attract jobs, build a better school system and to clean up Boundary County's image.

Vote with your head and don't pick a person just because you went to school with that candidate. I personally would like to see a clean sweep with new candidates and then let's start over.

James Conachen

Bonners Ferry