McEUEN: Synergy plus compromise

The overwhelming message that was delivered from both those in support of and against a public advisory vote during the City Council meeting on Jan. 17 was that something should be done to McEuen Park, just not what is in the City Council approved conceptual plan nor anywhere near the cost of what has been proposed. As a start, since there is a well-founded fear that the City Council will continue to move ahead with the current plan and commit us to the point of "no return," is for the City Council to vote to RETRACT their prior approval of the conceptual plan so that a new plan must be presented in order to move forward.

Unless this suggested step is taken, I believe an immediate recall process should begin against the three council members and the mayor who voted against a public advisory vote. If you asked me if I trusted the majority of the City Council and felt comfortable that they would truly look for a significant compromise and change to the already completed conceptual plan, I would have to say "NO." I would feel that the City Council was looking for synergy and compromise by publicly retracting their previous vote in favor of the current conceptual plan in order to come up with a plan that was more reasonable and within our legitimate budget.

JAMES E. DOTY

Coeur d'Alene