POST FALLS - Even though Kootenai County voters have turned down proposals to create more space at the jail twice, it continues to be a hot-button issue among candidates.

District 3 county commissioner opponents for the May 15 primary - incumbent Dan Green and challengers Larry Spencer and Vic Holmes - squared off during a forum sponsored by the Panhandle Pachyderm Club on Friday at Red Lion Templin's Hotel attended by about 50.

Holmes, who is Rathdrum's mayor and a former city council member in that city, said he believes the jail overcrowding issue needs to be revisited, especially since inmates are being sent to other areas.

He said funds spent doing that could be used toward fixing a problem at home that won't go away any time soon.

"I'd like to help solve what to do about the jail," he said. "I'm not saying that we need to jump in and spend a lot of money, but there's a train wreck coming and, when that happens, we're going to be looking at bonding. We can't ignore it."

Green said there is a work release center on the sheriff's campus that's being underutilized and could be better served by holding low-security inmates.

"The citizens have made their choice twice (about expanding the jail)," Green said.

Spencer said Kootenai County's growth spurt has leveled during the recession - and so has the jail's population as a result overall - so now isn't the time to seek more funding, especially when voters earlier said no.

"To ask them a third time would be somewhat of an insult," Spencer said. "We need to get the county back on track without building more buildings."

Spencer, a political consultant, said he also doesn't believe the county government needs to be restructured as some do because that would cloud the system of checks and balances.

He said he has concerns over the proposed land use code and believes private property rights are being threatened.

"Property rights is something near and dear to me," said Spencer. "It's the cornerstone of America. If we lose property rights, we may as well give up guns too. People should be able to use their property as long as it's not detrimental to neighbors or the environment."

Green, who is retired after working in the forest products industry, said he has lived up to three promises he made when he was elected.

Those include bringing private sector thinking to the county to reduce costs, promoting economic development and at the same time protecting the quality of life and promoting the concept of public service in the Commissioner's Office.

Examples he cited as saving money under his leadership included eliminating 18 positions, revamping the employee benefits package and the recycling program, a new contract with the waste hauler and an agreement with Kootenai Medical Center for indigent care.

Green said operations have been streamlined, including reducing meetings, and he's challenged managers to think outside the box and be proactive. He said he's set his sights on a review of the county's compensation package.

Holmes, who owns Eagle Garage Doors, said he's learned a lot about land use and how to have the government avoid being sued during his time at Rathdrum. He said he believes a lot of research on issues can and should be done in house.

"Rathdrum is going in the right direction - and I'm in a bit of a comfort zone there - but I also realize the county needs help," he said. "The rural residents are mad (about land use and other issues) and it could use some help with openness in government. If I lived in Harrison or Rose Lake, I'd be furious if I had to come to a county meeting to find out what's going on."