Candidate's views on books are concerning

The library board is not an earth-shattering position, however, a community's foundation is kept strong by many small foundational bricks. Jalon Peters was asked some basic questions, just to chum his thoughts in regards to running for the upcoming election for library trustee.  

One question exposed something frightening. He was asked – what is your philosophy for selecting new books for the library?

“My philosophy of selecting books would take four steps of observation, 1) Is the book moral? 2) Does the book honor or undermine our country? Does the book have an agenda that states theories as facts, or seeks to corrupt young minds that believe almost everything they read? 4) What are other works by this author?”

An ideal answer for a Chinese Library Board position perhaps, but please, not in this country. One thing is quite clear – free thought and the free flow of ideas is paramount for our democracy. Morality police is the last thing we need in Bonner County and hey, how about some faith in the minds of our children?

Join me in voting for Amy Flint and Jeanine Asche. Remember, Flint starts a fire and leaves you with Asche; but, let's not burn our constitution.

ROBERT PIERCE

Sandpoint