Cd'A: No more of the same

Please DO NOT elect George Sayler to the Coeur d'Alene City Council. I personally have nothing against Mr. Sayler. What I am against is that "his platform supports many of the major decisions the current council has made" (Coeur d'Alene Press Sept. 2, 2011). Continuing the same platform is NOT in line with the desires of the majority of city residents.

The current City Council and mayor have continually ignored the voices of the people on the McEuen project. The sensible fact-based arguments against spending large amounts of money (no matter where it comes from) to remove and replace ball fields, boat launches, etc., fell on deaf ears (except for Councilman Edinger).

Also, Mr. Sayler strongly agrees with the recent pay increases. Do we want more of that?! He is a retired educator - not that I have anything against educators - but why wasn't that mentioned in the article? Many individuals that strongly believe in and participate in "public service" are (or were) on the public payroll in one way or another and many are also union. The problem is the "establishment" attitude that goes with that. This man is the perfect "establishment" choice to replace Al Hassel to keep the status quo.

Every budget cut or public employee benefit change will be viewed as unacceptable and catastrophic. Current council decisions will stand. This is NOT the representation that will benefit Coeur d'Alene during these times that call for fiscal restraint. We cannot support the status quo any longer... it is financially and socially irresponsible.

Mr. Gookin is a businessman who can be seen at many important city meetings to listen, educate himself and stay on top of the issues. I have been an acquaintance of his for some time now, and have watched him grow in his statesman-like approach to politics. Coeur d'Alene needs Dan Gookin.

BABETTE BANDUCCI

Coeur d'Alene