Gookin says he 'botched' re-election message

By KEITH ERICKSON

Press Correspondent

Despite a previous pledge to limit himself to two terms, Coeur d’Alene City Councilman Dan Gookin this week reversed course when he announced he would seek another four years on the council.

“I was surprised by the overwhelming support from people, even those I don’t consider to be strong supporters, who asked me to run again,” Gookin said Friday.

During a televised candidate forum in 2018 during which he was seeking a second term, Gookin said he would not seek a third term if elected.

“I’m done. I’m going to limit myself to two,” he said at the time. “We don’t need professional politicians.”

In retrospect, Gookin said he spoke too soon. “I botched that announcement,” he said. “The timing was terrible.”

Critical of his colleagues on the council, Gookin said he needs four more years because he offers the lone voice of reason to control rampant growth and make sure Coeur d’Alene residents have a strong voice in development.

“The council tends to hand out rezones for higher density like they’re candy,” he said. “I think people who live in our neighborhoods should have a voice before those who consider themselves stakeholders but are really outside influencers.”

Mayor Steve Widmyer took exception to Gookin’s criticism of the council and its willingness to listen to all parties.

“We have a good council that has worked hard for the city,” Widmyer said.

In governing the city, the mayor said, it’s important to listen to all parties involved even if they are not technically city residents.

“There are a lot of people that aren’t Coeur d’Alene residents who can offer valuable input,” he said. “We’re open to all ideas pertaining to the city.”

Widmyer cited examples such as Coeur d’Alene Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Steve Wilson and North Idaho College president Richard MacLennan, two community leaders with important insight to offer but who live outside the city limits.

In other issues, Gookin said that while he’s pleased with successful projects supported financially by the city’s urban renewal agency — ignite cda — he opposed the funding mechanism.

Those projects include the new skate park, Memorial Field restoration and Atlas Mill waterfront redevelopment.

Gookin voted against funding the projects with ignite cda money.

“I objected to the funding, not the project,” he said. “These were not blighted urban areas designated for urban renewal funding. I wanted a bond so the public could vote on the projects.”