S-R endorses Widmyer

While The Press is not endorsing any candidates in the Nov. 5 election, the Spokesman-Review today announced its endorsement of Steve Widmyer for Coeur d'Alene mayor.

"Coeur d’Alene has made enviable progress in recent years, adding a promising higher education corridor, gorgeous library, mixed-use Riverstone development, Ray and Joan Kroc Community Center and, coming soon, the expanded McEuen Park. The state-of-the-art wastewater plant is a vital project for the city and downriver communities.

All that took vision, the quality residents should focus on as they ponder their mayoral vote.

Why? Because progress has overcome virulent objections couched in the name of process. The McEuen Park project sparked a failed recall attempt, with the mayor and half the City Council placed in the crosshairs. But criticism isn’t a platform. Candidates must say where they would take the city.

Steve Widmyer wasn’t part of those battles, but when he saw that naysayers were running for mayor, decided that was unacceptable. He wasn’t alone; he’s pulled in impressive endorsements from civic, business and labor groups. Widmyer and his wife own two clothing stores and Fort Ground Grill, and he is a former controller at the Coeur d’Alene Resort. He has the business sense to appreciate the damage caused by embarrassing political battles, and the temperament to assuage critics while taking on upcoming challenges."

Read the entire editorial on the S-R website: Steve Widmyer has what it takes during divisive time