Gookin seeks third Cd'A Council term

Charging his fellow Coeur d’Alene City Councilmembers of bowing to developers and “outside influencers,” Councilman Dan Gookin has announced he will seek his third term.

In a re-election announcement released Thursday, Gookin said updating the city’s comprehensive planning map and terminating the city’s downtown urban renewal district are the top issues facing the community.

Gookin accused Mayor Steve Widmyer and the council of not having citizens’ best interests in mind as it relates to controlled growth.

“Unfortunately, the mayor and council approve having people other than Coeur d’Alene residents weigh in on our comp plan,” Gookin said in a statement. “I believe this move tilts the table in favor of developers and outside influencers who seek to maximize density.”

Gookin said he was the lone no vote on a proposed high-density apartment complex on Government Way, a project he said would destroy the neighborhood.

An outspoken critic of ignite.cda, the city’s urban-renewal agency, Gookin vowed to be a watchdog over how the ageny’s tax revenue is spent once its Lake District expires in 2021 and ignite tax revenues — reaching $3 million annually — are re-allocated to the city.

“I want to ensure that revenue goes back to the taxpayer, not pad employee salaries or have City Hall go on a spending spree,” he said.

A self-proclaimed fiscal hawk, Gookin said he has never voted for a tax increase and has routinely offered budget cuts.

Although he was an outspoken opponent to the redevelopment of McEuen Park in 2015, Gookin said he’s pleased to have supported projects like the skate park, Memorial Field restoration and Atlas Mill waterfront project.

“The city is in good shape,” Gookin said. “If re-elected, I will continue to represent people who feel ignored by the power players. I will continue to push for lower taxes and ask the tough questions and hold staff accountable.”

Gookin is seeking a four-year term.

Other council members up for election in November are Dan English and Ron Edinger.