Midvale resident’s answer to citizens voices at hearings

Dear Editor:

 “Citizens voices should be the last word in hearings.” Nope.

 In response to Mr. Swartz recent letter, it is important to understand that governing is not a “popularity contest,” just as our Nation is not a Democracy, which is “rule by a mob,” where the majority wins.

 Decisions must be based on findings of fact.

 Nov. 24, 2025 at the BOCC during the “discussion period,” Commissioner Wilkerson revealed that P&Z members have been replaced “as needed for many years.” He provided names and corresponding dates as proof that the County Code has been “ignored for years.” Strangely, the recently dismissed members of P&Z, who were appointed outside of the Code, are those who are emphatically against altering the Code.

 The hearing was about making the Code match what the County has been doing all along – replacing members “as needed,” which is common sense. What I wonder is why are Mr. Swartz and his pals so worked-up about changing the Code from once a year for appointments of P&Z members, to “as needed?” It is a simple correction that puts the Code in compliance with what the County has been doing.

Carolyn Kiesz 

Midvale, Idaho