Smith keeps focus on Dalton's rural lifestyle

DALTON GARDENS — Jamie Smith said she is running for a seat on the Dalton Gardens City Council to help maintain the semi-rural lifestyle she and her family have enjoyed for years.

Smith, who has lived in the area for more than 40 years, said she moved to Dalton Gardens after she and her husband began looking for an ideal community to raise a family. She's a graduate of Coeur d'Alene High School and Kinman Business University, and served on the Kootenai County Humane Society's board of directors for 12 years.

"I am running for Dalton Gardens City Council because I want to maintain this lifestyle that we all enjoy so much," Smith said. "I have the time to seek input, listen to people's concerns and focus on and research solutions."

Smith added she has attended city council meetings since the fall of 2011, and also served on the ad-hoc deer committee. Working in the service industry for eight years, Smith said, taught her the importance of good customer service.

"I am committed to applying that same sense of service and skills to the residents of Dalton Gardens," Smith said.

On of the top issues in Dalton Gardens, Smith said, is the speed of traffic in the town and the safety issues created by speeding. She said as Coeur d'Alene and Hayden continue to grow, Dalton Gardens will see an increase in high-speed traffic.

"If Wilbur Avenue is extended to U.S. 95, it presents serious safety concerns — particularly for our children walking to and from school and all who stroll and bike through our neighborhood," Smith said. "It is important to establish which traffic calming techniques are right for our community."

The second top issue for Smith is maintaining the lifestyle she said draws so many to Dalton Gardens. Part of that, Smith said, is managing progress in the city while maintaining its heart.

"I will carefully consider and strive to make decisions that reflect the values of our community," Smith added.

If she's elected, Smith said, her intention is to improve communication between city government and the residents of Dalton Gardens through a stronger online presence and increased transparency.

"I will work with residents to ensure that zoning regulations and city ordinance are better defined to maintain a vibrant commercial district while protecting our residents' semi-rural lifestyle," Smith said.