Regarding the front-page article “Mental health facility goes south”:

No thanks to Rep. Vito Barbieri of Dalton Gardens, Rep. Ron Mendive of Post Falls, Sen. Bob Nonini and Rep. Kathy Sims both of CDA, who voted NO on this issue. In my opinion, this no vote represents a political populous expedient thing to say having put forth no real effort in researching the needs of our community. This level of opposition (non-thinkers) is not what our community needs, and we will remember to give you all a no vote when the time comes.

An expansion of government? Private sector a better solution ... I ask Mendive precisely what private sector is going to endure these expenses? Perhaps Mendive would like to foot the bill for this? And Barbieri’s reason being concerned with the expense? I ask Barbieri - have you even considered the current expenses we, as taxpayers, are burdened with? And Nonini and Sims couldn’t find it in themselves to return the calls?

What kind of community representation is this?

You “no” voters are worried about spending $2.1 million for a behavioral health crisis center for the citizens of CDA. Well, consider this ... the state of Idaho (taxpayers) spends approximately $200 million annually to support illegal aliens. What’s wrong with this picture? Perhaps you “no” voters could look into this issue and come up with some of that $200 million.

JOANN LOKKEN

Coeur d’Alene