Get off the sidelines

The post-election dust hasn't completely settled, but there's still so much to be done.

Volunteers, that's your cue to warm up your engines.

Don't be scared off by the somewhat overwhelming moniker "CDA Vision 2030." That panoramic vista is going to be painted by people like you, and the roadmap to it is going to be developed by people like you. Heck, not people like you: maybe you yourself, Mr. and Ms. Volunteer.

This Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at North Idaho College's Student Union Building, you are being asked to receive the information gathered from more than 1,000 citizens in the ways they would like to see our community evolve. And before we go any further, let's define "community."

The visioning process is for the greater Coeur d'Alene community, meaning virtually anyone in the city or surrounding areas who lives in Coeur d'Alene, works in Coeur d'Alene or even plays in Coeur d'Alene.

Yes, that means you.

After hearing the synthesis of all this information, citizens gathering Saturday will engage in energetic discussions about a number of important topics, including:

* The economy and job creation

* Health and safety

* Arts and culture

* Educational opportunities

Do those sound familiar? They should. They were all hot topics during the local election, which leads us to the next recommendation.

We strongly encourage people who supported candidates who did not win their races to get engaged, to ensure that all ideas and opinions receive the consideration they deserve during this visioning process. The candidates themselves would be warmly welcomed, and their perspectives appreciated. As we recently editorialized, being heard is half the battle. Well, this is a prime opportunity to be heard as the greater Coeur d'Alene community's course is considered.

To save your seat and some free lunch - compliments of forward-thinking good guy Doug Parker - make your reservation now: nicole@CDA2030.org, or call 415-0112.