Mary Souza’s Newsletter 
It has been a very interesting first week of the Recall CdA effort! You may have noticed the many prominent negative news articles, letters to the Editor and blog comments trying to besmirch the Recall. You may have noticed a nearby town publicly admonishing the Recall. And you may have noticed our former Lt. Governor and owner of Pita Pit, Jack Riggs, labeling the Recall CdA effort as “un-American”.
All of them are out of line. The Recall is one of the most American of endeavors. Abraham Lincoln said that we have a government “of the people, by the people and for the people.” Our Idaho State Constitution says “All political power in inherent in the people. Government is instituted for their equal protection and benefit, and they have the right to alter, reform or abolish the same whenever they may deem it necessary.” What part of this Recall, undertaken by the people and according to state law, is “un-American”?
Push all the bluster and distractions aside please, and let’s get to the bottom line of this Recall: Signing the Recall petitions simply puts the Mayor and the 3 council members on the ballot in November. Then all of the voters in CdA will have the opportunity to vote them back in or vote them out. It will be our public VOTE.
The power players can gather all the in-crowd groups to say they are against the Recall, but it will not distract nor discourage us from gathering signatures. We are keeping our focus. And you would be impressed with the wonderful people we’ve met this week as they have come in to sign the Recall petitions. I’d like to share some of their interesting and inspirational stories with you:
First let me tell you that with very few exceptions, every person who comes through the Recall office door says, “Is this where I sign?” They don’t need discussion or more information before they make up their minds; they are motivated by their own reasons and they can’t wait to put their pen to the petitions.
One woman came in saying, “Do they even remember who Mae McEuen was?…that field is supposed to be for youth recreation, not tourists.” She said she has lived in CdA all of her life and she does not like the city completely changing the park without letting people vote.
Many military veterans have come in. One told us he was born and raised here, he was wounded in combat three different times and he said that he fought for our freedom to vote. He does not like the city trying to go around the voters. This guy had a lot of trouble walking but was determined to get to our office and sign the petitions. (Un-American? I don’t think so Mr. Riggs.)
A number of young professionals have come in to sign, saying there’s much more that should be done to help businesses all over CdA, not just pour money into one park.
Some unemployed folks have come in to sign. They have stories of their job losses and their unsuccessful searches for new jobs. They are struggling financially and the city’s spending upsets them. They want to know why the McEuen money can’t be used for infrastructure to bring in bigger businesses with real jobs.
And in the category of “unexpected”, several people have admitted that they were never registered voters before, but that this Recall issue made them go register just so they could sign the petitions and vote on these officials in November.
The Recall is an ongoing effort people, and we need your help! Tomorrow, Saturday, April 14, is our “Signature Saturday”. Please come in sign the petitions. We also need as many people as possible to walk the neighborhoods for a couple of hours, gathering signatures. It’s fun to do the walking in teams of 2, 4 or 5 (one drives a car alongside).
Remember, you don’t have to live in CdA to help.
PLEASE help us with this Recall! Our Headquarters is in the Sunset Mall, at Hwy 95 and Bosanko, right near Coin Nuts, AAA and Las Chavelas restaurant. Phone: 704-1596. We’re open from 10-2 and 4-7. Come on in and be part of our patriotic, All-American endeavor.
I’ll leave you with a quote from Thomas Jefferson about the role of the people in government: “Every government degenerates when trusted to the rulers of the people alone. The people themselves are its only safe depositories.“
**************
Mary Souza is a 24 year resident of CdA, local small business owner and former P&Z Commissioner. Her opinions are her own. To sign up for the free weekly newsletter, or access a free archive of past columns, visit www.marysouzacda.com Comments can be sent to marysouzacda@gmail.com. Please visit the local issues web site www.OpenCdA.com for more discussion.
I signed your petition and I guarantee the current council wouldn’t believe that I did!
Comment by lexacon — April 13, 2012 @ 9:02 pm
Thanks, Lexacon, send all your friends in too!
Comment by mary — April 14, 2012 @ 8:03 am
Another excellent My Turn today by a chap from Post Falls. “On point” is his subject. He mentions all of the obfuscations issued by the recalles (my new word)most notably the marvelously amusing it’s all about me the always whinging Mike Kennedy stated. On this site, and I am also guilty, we continually go off point. Most notable with John Austin when we veer off to LCDC discussions. It is only about the democratic process being denied to those whose tax dollars will be subverted th this McEuen pork barrel. I believe it is incumbent on all of us that we remain on point in our answers to those who oppose the recall. It’s not personalities. Had the Empress Bloem granted a vote, none of this would be happening. That is my mantra and my continuing answer.
Comment by rochereau — April 14, 2012 @ 9:30 am
I’m surprised and disappointed to read in the CDA Press that Jack Riggs called the recall effort UN-American because he is smarter than that and certainly knows better.
The recall is provided as a statement of the sovereignty of the people over it’s government in Idaho’s Constitution. As a former Idaho State Senator and Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Riggs took an oath to uphold the Idaho Constitution. To disparage any of it’s provisions, even though he no longer holds those offices, is what is UN American. That’s why I am surprised and disappointed.
Comment by Gary Ingram — April 14, 2012 @ 9:34 am
“… that Jack Riggs called the recall effort UN-American because he is smarter than that and certainly knows better.”
No, apparently he’s not, and apparently he doesn’t.
Comment by Bill — April 14, 2012 @ 9:55 am
Roch: ‘It is only about the democratic process being denied to those whose tax dollars will be subverted th this McEuen pork barrel’.
Oh, so just those few property taxpayers in the Lake District whose tax dollars will be subverted to McEuen? That’s what this is about? Less than 10% of taxpayers paying for McEuen?
I thought it was about much more than that.
Comment by John Austin — April 14, 2012 @ 1:05 pm
Don’t twist my words John. I give you credit for being smart enough to know what I meant. Am I incorrect about your facility for comprehending the printed word? I don’ think so. I shall simplify and also admit I could have been more clear, knowing that those of us in favor of the democratic process are having every word and sentence nuanced by the opposition inorder to muddy the waters. Ready….the recall is strictly about the voters of CDA being denied the right of an advisory vote on a very high cost item that is deemed unecessary. Better John?
Just to be very clear, for Johns sake, although he well knows what I meant.
On the very bright side, I stopped in at the recall office and was delighted to see a steady stream of people coming to sign the petitions. And when I say steady, that is neither hyperbole or exageration. Put a smile on my face!!!!
I will repeat, for the sake of clarity, had Bloem not denied an advisory vote, this can or worms would never have been opened. It is all about denying the democratic process of the vote. A successful recall petition will not remove anyone from office. It will put the matter on the ballot so the people can vote their preference. What a concept!!!
Comment by rochereau — April 14, 2012 @ 2:01 pm
John Austin helped form Uber-URD, LCDC back in 1987 and it’s still living high on the taxpayer hog. That’s 27 years by my calculator. He makes his living from the things for crying out loud. If URD’s are “found out”, those working within them are in peril. Between the bus deal, the Dover Bajillionaire Haven URD and Panhandle Area Council, Mr. Austin has all kinds of pokes in tax sustaining operations. Must be a pretty good gig I reckon. Get used to Mr. A always showing up to praise the glory of LCDC. Whether anyone even brings LCDC up, there he is introducing the topic and pouring his perfume all over the thing.
Comment by CDAShenanigans — April 14, 2012 @ 5:00 pm
The Recall CdA effort is not just about McEuen. Everyone who signs, and I’ve got to tell you all we had a FABULOUS DAY today…has their own reasons for making a special trip to our Headquarters to put their names on the petition.
The essential message is the same: The Recall signatures will put the Mayor+3 on the November ballot so everyone in CdA can have a VOTE.
Comment by mary — April 14, 2012 @ 7:15 pm
Good Lord, CDAshannigans can’t even count. LCDC was formed in 1997 not 1987, but then again facts aren’t important here. Plus add in the fact that I am mostly retired now and I have no dog in this fight, those comments hold no water.
Meanwhile I don’t think you all have one chance in hell of throwing out this mayor and council. Good luck anyway.
Comment by John Austin — April 14, 2012 @ 10:04 pm
……….and the liberal Manhattan media and the cool aide drinkers think OBAMA is going to be reelected too John.
Good luck anyway.
Comment by Ancientemplar — April 15, 2012 @ 7:47 am
Not trying to “throw out the mayor and 3 members of the council” per se John and you know it. More efforts at obfuscating the facts. As I stated above, it is about Bloem and Co. choosing to deny the democratic process. It is simply about voting. Should the recall petition be successful, it simply puts a recall on the ballot. Then (all) the people have the opportunity to decide what they wish to do. Either yay or nay. That simple! Democracy gives citizens the right to instigate a recall and it also gives us the right to vote. Nothing underhanded or evil…..just democracy at work. And the democratic process is what every citizen is guaranteed. Why are you so vehemently against democracy and fairness John?
This continued effort at muddying the water is rather telling. We are bombarded with the library and Kroc argument. Not relevant John. Re your post 10., you seem a tad grumpy. “Chance in Hell”…are we now resorting to guttersniping?
Comment by rochereau — April 15, 2012 @ 10:08 am
Thank you Roch, I couldn’t have said it better. I just reacted to the snarky comment. Some people live in a small closed reality.
Comment by Ancientemplar — April 15, 2012 @ 11:13 am
I regret the terminology, Roch, but I also regret the bending of facts at every turn of this thing. It is my opinion that when the true facts come out, which are: 1- the park is $14 million (not $39 mil) and 2- that less than 10% of city taxpayers are funding the bulk of the improvements, and 3- this mayor and council have achieved great things over the last ten years, and, finally, 4- that the construction of McEuen will happen with or without the removal of these elected officials, that the recall will be unsuccessful.
Further, I believe you will see an overwhelming turnout in support of these four leaders, without whom this city would be a much less desirable place to live.
Comment by John Austin — April 15, 2012 @ 11:21 am
FACT: The Mayor has a significant leadership role.
FACT: She has had every opportunity to try and resolve this.
FACT: She has chosen instead to be the tiebreaker in vote after vote defying the call for an advisory vote.
FACT: This recall could have been avoided by good and patient and honest leadership
CONCLUSION: The Mayor has failed to lead.
TIME FOR THE VOTE!
Comment by justinian — April 15, 2012 @ 11:48 am
John, if you are correct about an overwhelming turnout, then that will be reflective of the democratic process. That process is all that is being requested and what was refused by the Mayor. IMO, Bloem and Co. was fearful of an advisory vote because she knew the outcome of such a vote. As for the $39 vs. $14, that is what the anti forces are hanging their hats on. But the 39 figure was approved with a vote in favor of the conceptual plan. For now, that plan has been pared down…..but not discarded. The mayor has stated her “vision” for McEuen and you state that it will be built. My question is what exactly will be built? And at what cost. I don’t think any facts are being “bent”. This McEuen boondoggle is what it is and many have said enough.
Whatever the mayor and council have or have not achieved in the past is, for good or bad, past! What is in question now is the present.
Comment by rochereau — April 15, 2012 @ 1:17 pm
John at least you’re optimistic, but I feel have you have misguided trust in the rouge CDA four. Also while you post here that McRuin will continue with or without the rogue regime, on our local socialist think-tank HBO (Hell-Bent Oppression???) you act as if there is only a narrow window to strike, “So, I say get the bid docs out right away and get to upgrading the park now, while the opportunity is still here to do it.” Emphasis on the last clause.
Comment by dinosaurman — April 15, 2012 @ 2:11 pm
To make certain the facts remain available, all of the original information, from all three versions of mceuenpark.com, is back online. The individual pages of the city powerpoint presentations and budget figures may be downloaded. A link is available at http://mceuen.wordpress.com. This resource and the original video creations are my effort to help with the recall.
Comment by Granny — April 15, 2012 @ 2:57 pm
Granny, Thank you for the chuckle!
Comment by LTR — April 15, 2012 @ 4:04 pm
Those videos are very clever, Granny!
I’ve heard that someone is calculating the difference in hard scape (asphalt or concrete) between the current McEuen park and the proposed changes. The new plan does not seem to “take away 5 acres” of hard scape, it may actually add more than we have right now! Oops! Not confirmed yet, but we’ll see.
Comment by mary — April 15, 2012 @ 4:52 pm
I have often referred to the proposed parking garage on Front Avenue as “Son of River Park Square.” The players in Coeur d’Alene are different in name but not in motivation. Their motivation is nearly identical to the one Camas Magazine identified in Spokeane’s River Park Square fiasco years ago:
This Camas Magazine article published on 1/1/2007 was titled Epilogue: A Fight for the Light. It is a summary of a series of dozens of articles.
Comment by Bill — April 15, 2012 @ 5:22 pm
So the city is trying to push the agreement with ITD through as fast as they can. Word has it that they are trying to conclude as soon as they can, in hopes, that they will take away any chance of the Hydroplanes coming back to Coeur d’ Alene Lake. The other topper, is that none of the owners of property will pay taxes after they are included into the City! Sounds a little fishy to me………What’s the word Mr.Gookin?
Comment by lexacon — April 15, 2012 @ 7:41 pm
Mr.Gookin stated during Tuesday night’s council meeting that he had talked with Mr.Eastwood and Mr.Eastwood assured him that there are so many details still to be worked out that the acquisition of Lake Coeur d’ Alene drive will take a very long time. If this is true, why would the City Administrator send a letter to the Hydroplane committee stating something different?
Comment by lexacon — April 18, 2012 @ 7:22 pm
Lexicon – I am very interested in the hydroplane issue, although, I am hesitant to start this discussion under the header of a Recall stream. There are many interesting developments and linkages between the proposed hydroplane races to McKuen, but I think best if separated from recall topics at this time.
Two Tidbits. First – Hagadone needs the race to be held outside of CDA city limits – the race is not allowed within CDA—which extends ¼ mile into the lake from city limits. Therefore, the race falls under the regulation of Kootenai County ordinances, including, but not limited to zoning, parks and waterways, and County rules that require Sherriff’s Department approval. As far as I have found to date no permits have been applied for from the County. Odd, very odd.
Second – The City is currently working hard to install new sewer lines running along Lakeshore Drive to Hagadone’s new condos—and beyond. As most know, this is a relatively brand-new, very high-end condo complex, adjacent to a brand new high-end convention facility at an exclusive golf resort. So why is the City paying for new sewer pipes? In most cases, the developer is required to pay the bill for extension and/or expansion of services. Odd, very odd.
And I could go on-and-on but, I don’t want to distract from this recall thread so maybe Bill or Mary will post a header related to “what is that ditch going down Lakeshore Drive” so we can really open this can of worms.
Comment by old dog — April 19, 2012 @ 12:44 am