RECALL: An important step
To sign the recall petition, or not to sign the recall petition, that is the question!
Back in the ’80s, Duane Hagadone began experiencing significant success in the development of The Coeur d’Alene Resort. His success got the attention of many entrepreneurs in the western U.S.: “Let’s take a close look at this little town in the north of Idaho. There may be some low hanging fruit to pick.”
Developers in particular started creating a strategy to get in on the action. One of their first steps was to look closely at the background of those on the City Council. Were these good, conscientious citizens really capable of creating a level playing field to deal with the outsiders coming in to “help?”
I think not. In my opinion, the Coeur d’Alene City Councilmen have been in over their heads for 15 to 20 years. They facilitated the creation of the Lake City Development Corporation, and have provided minimum oversight continually, to the present. The council has allowed property taxes to soar for over a decade. Many good Idahoans have been forced out of the City by the Lake, for lack of employment and affordable housing. To old time Coeur d’Alene residents, it is not a pretty picture.
The last election provided some new blood, new ideas and the possibility of new direction. But now, the council is split. The councilmen must share a common vision and think outside the box. Does this mean recalling two councilmen and the mayor? That is a decision for the voters of Coeur d’Alene.
The first step is for registered voters residing in Coeur d’Alene to sign the petition. In itself, this will not recall anyone. What it will accomplish is to force a Yes/No vote at the November election, for or against a recall. If you vote in Coeur d’Alene the decision will be yours.
I reside outside Coeur d’Alene. So what business is this of mine? The real estate taxes of every homeowner in Kootenai County are increased every time the Coeur d’Alene City Council votes more money for the Lake City Development Corporation. But what is far more important is that as goes Coeur d’Alene, so goes Kootenai County. We are all in this together.
For the benefit of all of us, please sign the recall petition.
JIM CONNELL
Hayden