On April 2, 2013, First District Court Judge John P. Luster released his decision approving the City of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, petition for judicial confirmation to incur $36 million in debt to upgrade the City’s wastewater treatment system.
After officially voting to approve the City’s petition on January 2, 2013, Councilman Adams reconsidered. Although he could not change his vote at Council, Councilman Adams appeared at the Court’s hearing and was heard by Judge Luster.
Judge Luster’s decision addressed the issues Councilman Adams had raised, and as reported in today’s Coeur d’Alene Press article headlined No vote necessary, Councilman Adams will not appeal the Court’s decision.
Councilman Adams has been vilified by the Mayor, the City Attorney, and some disturbingly ignorant colleagues on the Coeur d’Alene City Council.
Online Press pseudonymous commenter “Sheeken Hunter” says it best in his online comment.
Well done, Councilman Steve Adams!
ADDENDUM: The questions raised in our March 21 post “Under Color of Law” remain unanswered. Specifically, what Idaho statute gave the Mayor and four members of the City Council the authority to pass a motion to exclude a duly elected City councilman from a deliberation but not a vote on a matter pending before Council?
Even tho Steve Adams was vilified, I can appreciate his actions. Additionally, I do believe he was upholding his oath of office and in his own way saw the weakness in the judicial confirmation and acted appropriately in order to serve his constituency. At the same time, we deserve an answer regarding the legal process regarding the motion. I also appreciate the humbleness and courage it took to turn this situation around. This brought out more than just color of laws, it brought out true colors of individuals.
Comment by Stebbijo — April 4, 2013 @ 5:25 pm
Very well said, Stebbijo.
Comment by Bill — April 4, 2013 @ 5:28 pm