I was disappointed to read in the Coeur d’Alene Press about the removal of Robert Singletary from the Kootenai County Historic Preservation Commission. Mr. Singletary has served our community faithfully now for many years and with a wealth of information concerning the historic properties and people in Kootenai County.

I was privileged when working as a volunteer to see him work with many people at the Museum of North Idaho including our school children and visitors to our area who come to the museum to learn about its history. Just because others apply to be on the HPC does not mean you remove someone with such extensive knowledge. The most knowledgeable senior member of the HPC was just let go.

Mr. Singletary’s age is mentioned in this article. Who better to know the historic information of the buildings and the area? Even Commissioner Chris Fillios recognizes that he is one of the most knowledgeable people when it comes to the history of North Idaho.

The column even mentions Mr. Singletary’s vast service. There really was no justification to remove him and appoint someone new when he was still willing to serve. We tout ourselves as being an open and progressive community and yet throw our older people to the side when political pressures present themselves.

Mr. Singletary is a treasure that our community needs. Further, the seniors in this community are watching, and I for one can’t even begin to understand what the commission was thinking when removing such a valuable asset. His removal just smacks of age discrimination.

KATHY HENNIGAN

Coeur d’Alene