Miranda seeks county commissioner seat

Ruben Miranda, of Coeur d’Alene, announced he is seeking election to the District 3 seat on the Kootenai County Board of Commissioners.

Miranda is uncontested on the Democratic primary ballot in the May 15 election. He will run in November against the winner of a five-way Republican primary race between incumbent Bob Bingham, Leslie Duncan, Russell McLain, Luke Sommer and Bob Thornton.

Miranda and his wife, Mary, moved to Coeur d’Alene four years ago, although Mary, who was born and raised here, comes from a family with roots that go back to the area’s first settlers.

He said he believes in common sense, common decency and common courtesy, and that he has based his life on those ideals.

“If elected, I pledge to engage our county residents and businesses in open dialogue to reach common sense consensus on the best use of public funds and natural resources to meet the expanding needs of our communities, while protecting our home environment,” Miranda said in a letter to The Press.

“Local government affects the people directly and immediately. Common sense must be put ahead of partisan idealogy,” he wrote.

Miranda pointed to the recent decision by the county commissioners to allow property owners to opt out of building codes and the permitting process.

“Like a conspicuous home-applied tattoo, it can seem like a good idea at the time but may have serious consequences later. Opting out will require obtaining a certificate of completion from a private engineer to comply with lender and insurance requirements,” Miranda said. “In the event of future sales of the unpermitted properties, this added expense may result in a lower sale price. This will have the effect of lowering surrounding property values, as well. It has been said ‘good fences make good neighbors,’ but it can also be said ‘sensible codes make good communities.’”

Miranda said that as commissioner, he will support reversing the ordinance allowing building code opt-outs.

He said he values responsible economic development that is sustainable, building codes and standards that put safety first, environmental codes and management practices that preserve natural resources and open dialogue among all constituents to determine a common vision for the future.

He encourages citizens to remember their Miranda rights: “You have the right to not be silent, but to speak out and to vote.”