" Well Todd, now you can go back to making your big money in the private sector, where you belong, thank you for your service, as short and miss guided as it may have been, no loss, good bye. "

" todd, tell me what commissioner in sandpoint has run a 48 million budget and oversaw three-hundered eployees before being commissioner. i didnt think so. "

" Very well put Todd. My opinion is that the Commissioners should get more than $60K per year. Ron, you and I have had a number of disagreements as well as agreements on some things. In this case you are wrong, in my opinion, to use words like "raping the public trust." All the Commissioners are decent, hard-working, people, and I believe they have the best interests of Bonner County in mind. I like Cornel, but I am betting he won't cut his pay when he takes office. We'll see. "

" Ron and CC. Something to think about. The County Commissioners make the same as the County Clerk, the Assessor and the Treasurer and significantly less any Department head who has been around for more than a year. And, until this year, significantly less than the Sheriff, Undersherrif or first lieutenants. And less than most school principals.

It is not possible to recruit any kind of manager with sufficient education and/or experience for less than the mid $50K/year range. We've tried.

If you really want to spend a lot of tax money, hire inept management. You get what you pay for.

I took a 75% salary cut when I cleared my schedule to take on the Commissioners job. I was happy to do it but the money and stealing from taxpayers (which include myself, my parents, and numerous cousins - none of whom are independently wealthy) was certainly not part of the motivation.

Commissioner Rich actually wanted to raise the Commissioners and other elected officials to $58K this year but Commissioner Young and myself disagreed. I supported less than was taken and we ended in a compromise.

The Commissioners run a $48 million budget and oversee over 300 employees. That takes experience and education to manage successfully.It is also a 50+hour/week job. Sure, you can hire people for far less if you are willing to lower your standards, but how much is it going to cost in the long run? I can tell you from experience, inexperience is expensive. "

" Hello Ron, good blog. Just out of curiosity what should the salary of a county commissioner be? Should they make more then a lieutenant on the sheriff's dept. or less? Should they make more then the county clerk or less? Should they make more or less then a local high school principal at an elementary school? "

" If the bee endorses them, maybe i'll vote for the opposition. "

" For cc: With more people come more rules. As the population here has doubled in the past tens years so have all the "can't do this" rules. That's because people move to a relatively undeveloped area and think they can do whatever they want to do. It gets the hackles up on a whole lot of others who request "there ought to be a law". And so there are more rules and laws. Blame it on yourself...in an indirect way. "

" Frankly I don't care who the Bee endorses. I voted today and I voted with my mind. "

" Right on Ron Adamik!
I am so sick of these pucks that run for office only to steal from us.

I am from California; I escaped CA and fled from the law makers who took my rights away then. I lived in Santa Clark County were the agriculture was the best in the world. soon the same came to my world there and changed it in to one rule after another...I moved to Sandpoint....and not far behind me came others with one think on their minds...corruption...ruin Sandpoint...with all the law making crap so no one can do anything with their property...so on and on we go.The Economic Depression should scare the hell out everyone hereand it doesnt its business as usualWell its here folks. And I hope you begin thinking about what business man you want to help us...Cornel Rasor Is my choice.
Hes business longevity has lasted long after many has failed. In Sandpoint that is because of a good business plan, and business savvyhe know how to make it workin short!
Young is a spender and crosset is too young with no financial experience at all. Text books education is nothing...compared to real time... "

" I think the Bee has it all wrong with Anderson vs. Elgar; Elgar will work circles around Anderson!

Looking over one of Anderson's campaign flyers, I see it states that he was raised in Priest Lake. It's my understanding that he was raised in Spokane and vacationed at Priest Lake. His father worked as an attorney in Spokane while he attended Shadle Park High School. He also represents Priest Lake on the Northern Lights Board but his most often used residence is in Sandpoint. None of his children went to school in Priest Lake and his wife resides and works in Sandpoint. I think being honest with voters is very important and Anderson is not being honest.

He says he supports businesses but he was recently rejected from a restaurant/bar at Priest Lake and instead of issuing an apology, he organized a boycott in an attempt to hurt the business or worse yet, close it down.

I think we have been misrepresented in Boise by Anderson. He is more for himself than for you and me! I'm voting for Elgar! "

" I am very disappointed once again in some of the Bee's endorsements this year. The one that really bothers me is the endorsement of Eric Anderson for State Legislature.

The reasons given are transparent. It is unfortunate that one of the reasons given is, that Steve only shows up during election years. I guess the Bee overlooked his work with; Schweitzer Recreation (taxing) District, Bonner Partners in Care Clinic, Northern Lights Electric Coop, and the Schweitzer Mountain Community Association. He is an active member in our community all year every year.

As for his campaigning, this is the weakest reason of all! I have many friends who have had Steve knock on their doors 3 and 4 times. What they are struck by is the fact that he always wants to find out what issues are important to them. He takes the time to find out what the residents of this district are concerned and focused on. Most people I know would not even be able to recognize Eric Anderson in the grocery store!

As for chemicals in the lake; what other alternatives has Eric Anderson lobbied for? When asked this question he simply states that there are other options but the milfoil issue is urgent and this is the most effective way to treat the problem. While the milfoil issue is important, a quick fix to a long term problem is not always the answer. I think this is very short sighted and not something I look for in my Legislators. I am looking for smart and thoughtful decisions from my Elected Officials.

Shelley Landry,
Sagle "

" The Bee's portrayal of Eric Anderson and Steve Elgar is a real stretch of the imagination. Steve Elgar has worked full time for the community for many years, serving on several boards, chairing serveral boards, has been visible at local community events, and has done the research and lobbied for the prevention of a chemical only plan for the milfoil in the lake.

Eric Anderson rarely appears at community events, and his legislative record, which one would assume is more important than campaigning abilities, demonstrates that he'll only appear to be moderate when he votes on a watered-down bill that does little for anyone in District 1 or even for Idaho; otherwise, it's a straight, fall-into-step, Republican vote.

A vote for Eric Anderson is a vote for more of the same old one-party, do-nothing legisltion we've had for years.

A vote for Steve Elgar is a vote for action. "

" In general people are unhappy with the way that things are in Idaho. These same people claim that it's the fault of the Dems. Reality check - our state representation is less than 20% Dem! And it has been for quite some time. Vote for change at the state level this time around! Vote for people who truly represent the people of Idaho and not special interst groups. Follow the money... "

" Good grief! I'm amazed that the Bee characterize Steve Elgar as only a campaigner! I've seen him year-round at numerous serious Bonner County activities, meetings and events. He participates in community decisions and contributes as an involved citizen.

Since the Bee is not at many of those working meetings that seek to improve health care for all, the water in our lake, and recreation that may be why they are so wrong about Steve.

Still undecided? Steve Elgar is hard working, thoughtful, and dedicated to the people of N. Idaho. I strongly encourage you to vote for him. "

" The Bee should not endorse anyone, they are a news paper and should only report the facts. They need to report the news not make the news. "

" Folks, please don't listen to Ron Adamik. Let me opine that his argument is rediculous! Ron, really, Fannie and Freddie??? Young and Crossett are moderate, level-headed Commissioners who have done wonders to return credibility to the office. The Bee is right to endorse them. "

" In regards to the endorsement for Todd Crossett for commissioner Dist. 1, it would appear that the editor has missed some of the facts regarding Cornel's past experience in local government when they stated, We would hope Rasor would get involved with solving county issues as a citizen before running for office. Cornel has over 4 years as a precinct committeeman (an elected position), and is currently serving as the Chairman of the Republican Central Committee. He also attended the commissioner meetings for 4 years, when they were more accessible, and printed the minutes for the general public to be better informed. He is, and has been working to solve County issues and is merely taking the next step in action. In the primaries thousands of voters showed that they thought Cornel HAS proven that he does have the best interests of the county in mind. On land use issues perhaps the concerned voter would be best advised contacting Cornel and getting accurate answers to their questions and concerns.

Concerned Voters
IBY & AEY "

" While I agreed with many of the Bee's endorsements, I was surprised at the ongoing nod for Eric Anderson, and shocked at the innaccurate portrayal of Steve Elgar's involvement in our community. Steve brings the same high level of engagement, intelligence, and dedication to his community service that he brings to his campaigning. Currently, he chairs the Bonner Partners in Care clinic, as well as the Schweitzer Recreation taxing district, and is board member of the Northern Lights Electrical Coop. All this... and his day job. If you think Eric works hard for us, I can't wait to see what Steve can do for North Idaho! "

" Anderson has earned our vote???? How can you even think that? He is the reason that only chemicals are even considered for treating milfoil. He, and the rest of his 'Team' are responsible for all Idahoans paying 20% more - including renters - for their groceries. Those Idahoans that rent didin't see a dime of the much vaunted Property Tax relief (which by the way was a shift not relief) Yes, maybe you had better 'shy away' from making endorsements. You got several wrong on many levels. "

" One of Anderson's campaign slogans is "solid leadership" - he'll lead you all right - right to the closest bar! Steve Elgar is my man! "

" So where was this "long standing tradition" in last years Mayors' and Council elections? Perhaps you do "shy away" "

" I guess I don't get the Anderson endorsement. You say his challenger has out worked him. That is true. Anderson has never worked very hard at campaigning, considering a win his entitlement as a Republican.

So, do we want a representative who is unwilling to work for our vote just because he's a member of the majority party or do we want someone with a clear work ethic and the intelligence to go with it, to serve in a minority, working to advance new ideas?

As to the chemicals in the lake, either I missed it or there has been no definitive evaluation of the success of those chemicals. And, clearly, the goal of the treatment program, eradication, is not possible. The best we can hope for is control, so I'm told.

Go Elgar! "

" THROW THE PROFITEERS OUT

My fellow Bonner County taxpayers, the current county commissioners raised their salaries a whopping eight thousand dollars in four years! From $ 48,000.00 to $ 56,000.00 yearly. That is outrageous! How many of you have received a raise of $ 8,000.00 in four years? How many have seen your pensions swell $ 2,000.00 yearly? If they had raised their salaries to say, $ 50,000.00 over four years, now thats a raise of $ 500.00 yearly, I would not say a word (although that would still be a tad high). But a raise of $ 2,000.00 yearly? At that rate, if reelected, they will be drawing a salary of $ 64,000.00 in four years. $ 72,000.00 in eight years. It appears that our current county commissioners are in bed with the folks at Fannie / Freddie, Inc. That is the kind of spending that is going to bankrupt Bonner County government. We really need to send Joe Young and Tod Crossett packing folks. Let me further opine that having these guys looking after our hard earned taxpayer monies is like asking Wily Coyote to keep the coyotes out of the chicken coop. You get the point.

I am afraid the Bee missed the mark by glossing over an issue that should be front and center in their thinking. Obviously the current county commissioners think the people are stuck on stupid. In these trying financial times, can we afford commissioners who vote themselves exorbitant raises while most taxpayers are having a hard time just making it from a financial perspective? No we cannot my fellow taxpayers, Democrat, Libertarian, Republican, etcetera, alike. Let me opine that this is simply an issue of farness and good common sense money management by the commissioners. Let me further opine that they have failed miserably, raping the public trust with a whopping $ 8,000.00 raise over four years for personal gain. I am left to wonder, did these guys previously work for Fannie / Freddie, Inc.?

Remember: Vote Cornel Rasor and Brian Orr folks. Show your outrage. Lets return Bonner County to challengers who understand that yearly raises of $ 2,000.00, when most in North ID, to include transplanted Californians, are just trying to make ends meet, is political chicanery that can only be dealt with by banishment from office. Lets do it at the ballot box, and send both Joe Young and Tod Crossett to the private sector. I doubt they will see a raise of $ 2,000.00 yearly in the private sector. Not unless they go to work for Fannie / Freddie, Inc. that is. . (And the remaining commissioner not up for reelection this go around, lets send him packing next time around. Let us send him a loud and clear message to start looking for new employment.)

Cornel Rasor and Brian Orr can return financial integrity to the office of county commissioner. A Republican and a Democrat working together for financial integrity while representing the people. Everyone benefits, and we get the Fannie / Freddie, Inc. clones out of office. My fellow taxpayers, you know what to do.

Sincerely,

Ron Adamik
Outraged Bonner County Taxpayer
ron2342@wildblue.net "