IGNITE: Creating community value

In response to Dan Gookin’s recent My Turn column in The Press: like every community member, Mr. Gookin is entitled to his opinion regarding community issues. However, Mr. Gookin is not entitled to malign former and current ignite cda board members by accusing them of “back room deals, underhanded methods, and crony capitalism.” We should expect more from our elected officials.

Ignite cda has benefited from highly talented, caring, honest, community-member volunteers who have served, and are serving, as ignite cda board commissioners. Under their leadership, ignite cda has helped to create immense value in the Coeur d’Alene community across a wide spectrum, including high quality public space (McEuen Park, Johnson Mill River Park, Memorial Park), great community assets (Kroc Community Center, Coeur d’Alene Public Library, Downtown Parking Garage, Seltice Way, Higher Education Campus) and public/private partnership endeavors (Riverstone, Mill River, Parkside, US Bank Service Center).

The property parcel that Mr. Gookin referred to in his column was included in the Health Corridor study area Eligibility Report that was approved by the Coeur d’Alene City Council last December. Mr. Gookin had the opportunity to vote on such a decision and no “underhanded” or “back room deals” took place.

TONY BERNS

Executive Director

ignite cda