We need adults to step up and serve

Last week, two special City Council meetings were held to discuss a local option tax and land use planning map. Both items were significant and urgent. Council scheduled these meetings, in advance, knowing some members found attendance at an Oregon golf event a higher priority.

It is no secret that the city of Bonners Ferry, at this point, is in crisis. They've had to deal with a staffing crisis, a budget crisis, a community drug crisis, policy stalemates, growing conflict between neighbors, and a sour political climate only stoking division … all in the face of officials who deem recreation more important than the business at hand.  

The second meeting delved into a spirited policy discussion with P&Z commissioners and city staff struggling. Only the bare minimum quorum of three councilors was present. The meeting was never formally called to order, and it ended with no motion to adjourn. One councilor retorted, "I guess we are adjourned." The frustration of nearly all present was apparent.

I ended last week with a deep feeling of sadness. It seems as if the only folks that matter are old high school classmates, student-athletes and the perennial "squeaky wheels" within the county. This is compounded by officials who do not take their duties seriously. We need adults, in the prime of their life, to step up and run for office to take charge of our future. It's no wonder we have elected officials who can't remember yesterday! What the heck?

GERALD B. HIGGS

Bonners Ferry