Hayden candidates talk growth

Growth took center stage in a digital forum with Hayden City Council candidates Wednesday night.

Participating candidates were:

Hayden Seat 2 — Ed DePriest and Richard "Dick" Panabaker

Hayden Seat 4 — Jeri DeLange and Sandy White

Contestants answered a series of reader-submitted questions during the forum, including their definition of "good growth."

In January, Seat 2 challenger Ed DePriest pioneered the Responsible North Idaho Facebook group, with nearly 3,200 members who are encouraged to participate in city government. DePriest said "responsible growth" is driven by looking at how each project will affect the city and its residents today.

"I don't believe that you can use a document like the Future Land Use Map that goes out 15 to 20 years and say, 'This project is compatible with what is planned for 15 years from now,'" DePriest said. "Because you don't know what's going to be happening in six months, let alone two, five, or 10 years."

Lifelong Kootenai County resident, former Hayden Mayor and Seat 2 incumbent Dick Panabaker said he doesn't like to see growth impact the community. However, the councilman explained that elected officials are limited by state law.

The 80-year-old official said he chose to run for re-election to provide citizens with a seasoned leader.

"We want the best for the city of Hayden and the best for the citizens. We always have," Panabaker said. "I see a need for somebody that has a little experience and been around a while to defend employees and the people that have worked hard to do the right thing for the people."

Hayden has one of the state's lowest property tax levy rates — at about $1 per $1,000. Due to the low rate, city revenue has been restricted over time. Seat 4 incumbent Jeri DeLange said the levy rate has "been a struggle" since she was elected in 2002. To combat this, she said the council has made fiscally responsible decisions.

"If re-elected, I will keep ensuring that our money is managed wisely," DeLange said. "With what we have, we do a great job."

Seat 4 challenger Sandy White reminded forum viewers that their taxes stem from various sources other than Hayden, including fire, water, and sewer services. Still, White believes the council should re-address factors influencing resident taxes, notably the impact from growth and if it is "paying for itself."

"I think we need to take a new look at things we can trim or get some new bids on things, and I just think it needs a fresh look," White said.

If elected, DePriest said he would encourage public attendance at city meetings, use social media, and host town halls to be accessible to constituents and gain their input. DePriest said the council could have avoided recent citizen opposition to zoning amendments if residents were more involved in the process.

"I truly believe in listening to the public and taking input, not feedback," he said. "Don't give them choices and say 'Which one of these do you want,' ask them 'What would you like' or 'Do you have ideas that maybe we have not thought of or presented to you?"

The city routinely invites individuals to participate in meetings and public hearings, Panabaker said. He believes the problem occurs when people don't attend — leading to general confusion and possibly inhibiting council members from "getting the whole picture."

"We take the best information from the best people that we can, and we make a decision after we have our public hearings," he said. "When you get elected to be on the city council, you're on a team. You're not an individual player. You're not king or queen. You have to work with other people."

DeLange said her 20 years of city service provide her with "proved experience," "leadership," and "commitment" for Hayden residents.

"I have a passion for public service. I enjoy serving the city and the citizens. I love our quality of life," the councilwoman said. "I want to keep maintaining it for the future generations, and because of all my experience and listening, I know I can continue to do a great job for the citizens."

As an active resident in city matters, White believes she can deeply relate to citizen concerns. If elected, she wants to bring "a fresh perspective to the table" in solving issues in the community.

"I love Hayden," she said. "I would like to be able to do my part in helping the people of Hayden to be able to enjoy living here and not to fear the future."

Individuals can find a recording of this week's forums and supplemental candidate information on The Press website under the "Meet the Candidates" tab located at https://cda-meet-the-candidates-2021.webflow.io/.

Next up are the Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls mayoral candidates on Monday, Oct. 4, at 6:30 p.m. It will be livestreamed on The Press Facebook page.

The 2021 Election Town Hall Forums are produced in partnership with The Press and The Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber.