Get more involved in government
The editorial in Sunday's Cd'A Press (June 2, 2013) presents an excellent summary of what the community needs in our next mayor. This will be a key election and a significant event in the history of our wonderful city. There is so much on the table, so much that needs to be done to ensure the well-being of our community in the coming years. We need to spend the five months leading to the November election getting informed about the issues and the candidates.
We, as a community, need to be more involved in the activities of our government - to be informed, to be active and to make intelligent choices. It does make a difference. Low voter turnout is not acceptable. We are smart enough to play an active role in the choices facing our community. It is incumbent upon us to show that we care enough to make the effort. Remember, we have a choice; we get what we deserve. If we come out of the November election without a city government we can all be proud of, we can only blame ourselves.
One thing is absolutely clear: the salary and benefits of the office are not enough to attract the right candidates. It is not about the money. We do not want any candidate to buy his/her way into office; not with local money, much less with out-of-state money seeking future payback from the favoritism that many believe is so much a part of the local scene.
The characteristics enumerated in the editorial - namely breadth and depth of understanding of the issues with positive and effective solutions, a track record of community service and deep roots into Coeur d'Alene, and a dedication to fairness for all citizens now and into the future - clearly form the baseline against which we should evaluate all candidates for our votes in November.
Add to that list: respect to listen and heed the voice of the community, and supporting a public vote on issues with major financial, historical or future impact.
City staff is critical to making Coeur d'Alene all it can be. The best candidate will bring effective leadership based on solid business experience to our staff, resulting in performance levels that meet the expectations of our community at appropriate levels of compensation and benefits.
Perhaps anticipating the call of the editorial for qualified individuals to step up to the challenge of governing our city, one candidate was announced on May 31. All qualified individuals wishing to run for mayor or the council should similarly come forward and make themselves known to the voters.
Frank Orzell is a Coeur d'Alene resident.