For someone whose top priority is the environment, it’s tough to watch the Sandpoint mayoral race. Two candidates have shown concern for the environment and the local effects of the climate crisis, but will likely split the vote and both lose. Shannon Williamson has made protecting the environment her professional priority for years and served on the board of 350Sandpoint when the membership was less than a dozen. Mayor Shelby Rognstad has supported climate change awareness in the community, has experience in the job and has been a good mayor.

The fact is that, as the climate clock ticks on, we need both these fine people in city government.

For all the reasons put forward by other letter-to-the editor writers, I hope that Shelby wins and that with Shannon on the City Council, the two will work together to address climate change more aggressively.

If you care about our home in North Idaho, please think carefully about the downside of both candidates losing. I would urge you to cast you vote for Shelby, but in any case, vote.

Good luck to everybody.

NANCY GERTH

Sagle