English seeking another round on city council

COEUR d'ALENE — Dan English, Kootenai County's former elected clerk, said he offers more than 20 years of experience as a local elected official, including prior service on the Coeur d'Alene City Council.

English, 64, who is the executive director of North Idaho Habitat for Humanity organization, also has more than 15 years of experience leading local community nonprofit organizations. English has a master's degree from Gonzaga University.

"My strengths include my people skills, my open and balanced approach to decision making, and my communication skills," English said.

English said he is running for Coeur d'Alene City Council because he wants to help make decisions that he believes are in the best interest of the community where he lives. He is challenging incumbent Steve Adams.

"I have the experience and time to contribute," English said.

He helped create two nonprofits in the community: North Idaho Youth for Christ and Anchor House/Idaho Youth Ranch.

"While working full time in these organizations, I also completed my master's (degree) from Gonzaga and was a licensed professional counselor for over 20 years," he said. "I’m a former sworn officer with the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and a Coeur d’Alene paid-call volunteer fireman. I’m the former chair of the 110-member National Standards Board of the U.S. Elections Assistance Commission, which included 50 states and five territories."

Along with being a former county clerk and city councilman, English has been a school board trustee in Coeur d'Alene.

"I’ve been active in other groups that contribute to the community, including the faith community," he said. "I have strong skills in conflict resolution, both with my employees and with members of the community."

English said the city must undertake an in-depth review of the role of urban renewal in the community. The city's urban renewal agency, ignite cda, has been under the public microscope in recent months and become a top election issue.

The city must, he said, "quell the strife" without sacrificing ignite cda's ability to bring growth and excellence to the community.

"I look forward to the review of state statutes concerning urban renewal by our Legislature and am hopeful it will better define the various elements of urban renewal," he added.

If elected, he promised to support public safety departments. Police and firefighter employee organizations were major donors to his campaign.

"I will strongly support current public safety efforts and remain open to other improvements for the training and equipping of public safety officers," English said. "I look forward to the completion of the next fire station."

English promised positive leadership, too.

"I am a problem-solver whose default position is positive, and will commit to hearing out all voices in our community," he said.