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.
With the possible exception of the free-thinking Woodman, I think the comments should be: If he/she runs again and loses, there will finally be some sunlight beamed into city hall! Transparency and accountability to the citizens of Coeur d’Alene! What a concept! (Just for the record, I was not necessarily calling anyone a “he/she”!) ;^)
Comment by Damn Yankee — February 26, 2008 @ 7:52 am
DY–I’ve noticed Woody asking more questions lately. He actually asked Tony Berns why McEuen Terrace shouldn’t be taken out of the LCDC district, now that it’s paid off. That was at last month’s city council meeting. Tony, of course, rattled on and on about how the “product” needs to stay in the district so that the increment ($$$$) can be used for more wonderful things. But Woody needs to remember this important fact: The City Council rules the LCDC, not the other way around! Woody shouldn’t be asking, he should be leading the charge to do it.
Comment by mary — February 26, 2008 @ 10:30 am
Thank you Dan for the information. Already we’re well into 2008 so 2009 is not that far ahead (gulp). The watchdogs are on duty and their scribes now have this and other public forums. The evidence is being constructed in plain sight and impossible to refute. Boise does not like the LCDC. Post Falls does not like the LCDC. It seems that only the Mayor and Council members like the LCDC. Soon enough daddy’s going to take the T-Bird away.
Comment by Wallypog — February 26, 2008 @ 2:38 pm
It’s funny. The LCDC frames its critics as being “anti-Urban Renewal.” Hardly. Urban Renewal is a great tool, and even the LCDC’s supporters say that. But what the City chooses to do with that tool is what’s being questioned.
There is a choice: bring in jobs, clean up blight, or you can fork over hundreds of thousands of dollars to developers who would have done their projects anyway. Seed money is one thing, but sheesh. Couple that with a weak and fuzzy plan and there is cause for concern. Of course, their spending $35,000 to promote the weak and fuzzy plan isn’t going to make anyone feel better about the millions they will collect and spend over the next 14 years. Well, except for those who get to decide how to spend those millions of dollars — without our approval. That is the crux of the problem for me. T-Bird, indeed.
Comment by Dan — February 26, 2008 @ 3:10 pm
>>>The LCDC frames its critics as being “anti-Urban Renewal.” Hardly. Urban Renewal is a great tool, and even the LCDC’s supporters say that. But what the City chooses to do with that tool is what’s being questioned.
Exactly, Dan. I could bring myself to accept some form of truly needed urban renewal program. But… what your mayor and your council have done with your LCDC 😉 goes so far beyond reasonable; I can not support it in any way. Ever. They have completely lost my trust and respect in an irreparable way. Now we get to pay $35 large for their arrogance. Pass the lube, please.
Comment by Damn Yankee — February 26, 2008 @ 5:29 pm