Independence from McEuen

Supporters of the idea of transforming the Independence Point parking lot on Lake Coeur d'Alene into a handicap-accessible entry to beach and water have a handful of challenges ahead.

Not the least of them: Ensure that whatever changes are made truly do benefit the handicapped.

This segment of our population continues to battle for basic accommodations that the rest of us tend to take for granted. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 changed our nation for the better, yet a quarter of a century after George H.W. Bush signed it into law, the act in theory and practical application are not always the same.

ADA.gov addresses the many aspects of this broad civil rights legislation, but in essence, the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodation, communications, and governmental activities.

Mayor Steve Widmyer has forwarded a general concept of converting Independence Point asphalt to something more aesthetically pleasing and, if his vision comes to fruition, it will become a place that offers people with disabilities greater public access and accommodation than anywhere else on our beloved lake. Connecting the dots between that vision and what might transpire is key.

In between is a powerful need for civil discourse, the free and open exchange of ideas and suggestions among citizens. Greater attention should be paid to Coeur d'Alene citizens; they pay the direct tax bills and elect the city's leaders.

Any proposed, significant change is likely to be met with calls for public advisory votes, which was at the heart of much anxiety over McEuen Park. Coeur d'Alene's elected officials will have to determine if that option, public hearings or both will best assess the will of Coeur d'Alene residents and, to a lesser degree, those who don't live or own property in the city.

We should all learn from McEuen's lessons without letting the long shadow of that multi-year controversy distort new proposals. Independence Point is not McEuen, and it must be recognized as its own entity.

This is a new city council and mayor, with several significant changes among key administrative employees, including parks director. Their challenge is to improve upon prior processes whenever possible, and it is then up to citizens to examine new proposals in their own light, with their unique pros and cons.

Let's get the discussion going.