“I don’t want any hillside development”, said councilman Woody McEvers, as quoted in the Press today. Sure the people of CdA may not want development on the hillsides, but the city council has to be very careful about the way they handle the subject. It’s not as simple as just saying “No”. (more…)
February 26, 2008
February 25, 2008
City Elections, 2009
Subscriber “Wallypog” asked this question in another topic, “When are the next elections to take place and what offices will be running?” Allow me to fill you in.
The next city election will be in November of 2009. There are three city council seats up, and the mayor is up for election at that time. Here are the players:
Sandy Bloem. Mayor. First elected in 2001. If she runs again and wins, she will be serving her third term as mayor. Bio.
Deanna Goodlander. Councilman. First elected in 2001. If she runs again and wins, it will be her third term as well. Bio.
Mike Kennedy. Councilman. First elected in 2005. If he runs again and wins, it would be his second term. Bio.
Woody McEvers. Councilman. First elected in 2001. If he runs again and wins, it would be his third term. Bio.
The elections are a long way off, politically speaking. Asking any of these people whether they’re running or not would be silly at this point, though I would assume that they’re all interested. For now, it’s their job — indeed, their sworn duty — to represent us. We need to do our best to ensure that they stick to that duty.
February 24, 2008
LCDC–Lesson from Founding Fathers?
When the White House was being planned, back in 1792, they needed an architectural design for the building but wanted to be completely open with their bid process to insure that the architect was chosen solely on the merits of their design, not favoritism. So Thomas Jefferson placed an ad in the newspaper, soliciting architectural designs. The winning plan would be chosen by President George Washington. Jefferson himself submitted a design, under an assumed name, “Mr. AZ”, but did not win. Now that’s a fair, transparent bid process! Perhaps our LCDC should take a lesson from history?
What is a “Stakeholder”?
I suppose the wholesome definition of a stakeholder would be someone who is concerned. An engaged or interested party. But I don’t exactly believe that’s what the City thinks when they toss the term around.
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February 23, 2008
February 22, 2008
Education Corridor Update I
The door to open government is firmly closed and has no windows. The people’s business is apparently none of the people’s business when it comes to the Education Corridor in Coeur d’Alene.
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The Big Loophole – Intentional Ignorance
In a press conference which concluded just a few minutes ago, Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden announced that the Idaho State Board of Education may have engaged in a non-knowing violation of Idaho’s Open Meeting Law. The AG’s decision is based on a recent Idaho Supreme Court decision which effectively allows intentional ignorance as an affirmative defense to alleged violations of that law.
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February 21, 2008
Do you love us now?

Here’s a news flash: LCDC approved a $35,000 budget to hire a Public Relations firm. Our urban renewal agency is using taxpayer dollars for a PR consultant to help make the public like them. Our tax dollars at work!
The City’s Pulse 2/21/08
Day and Night 
The contrast between the Post Falls URD and the LCDC, Coeur d’Alene’s urban renewal agency could not be more dramatic. It’s like day and night. One city uses urban renewal specifically and judiciously to achieve their clearly planned goals. The other uses urban renewal broadly with an undefined vision and a flexible plan. The first city has a positive public relationship, the second city cannot seem to establish trust with their citizens. (more…)
CBNI Forum Update
This morning was the CBNI Forum on Urban Renewal. The “clear the air” forum. I admit that I had reservations and concerns about this. But I was glad that I went and feel that the CBNI did the community a favor.
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