My family moved to the Sandpoint area seven years ago to escape the destructive policies and divisiveness that were plaguing our former hometown.

In the past several years — which corresponds with the time the current mayor has served as both city councilman and then as mayor — we’ve noticed the same policies and divisiveness creep into Sandpoint. From the perpetually torn-up roads, to the mayor insisting our chosen hometown is full of virulent racists, to labeling anyone with dissimilar viewpoints as “extremist,” we’ve become saddened for our adopted town, and find ourselves patronizing Sandpoint more and more infrequently.

Except Sandpoint isn’t racist. It’s one of the most welcoming places we’ve ever lived. The people are kind and will do anything to help their neighbors.

So voters have an opportunity to re-make a city council that currently works not for the diverse Sandpoint-area citizens, but increasingly for tourists and their own self interests.

Jacque Guinan offers a chance to help restore Sandpoint to the friendly, welcoming town we all love. Along with fiscal responsibility, environmental stewardship, and reigning in excessive taxes and fees, she’ll truly represent and respect the voices of all area residents, working to restore Sandpoint’s reputation as a town that is truly inclusive and welcoming to everyone.

Please consider voting for Jacque Guinan for city council on Nov. 5.

JASON GIDDINGS

Sagle