BIEBER: Familiar with the community

On primary election day May 17, the Republican Party was surprised when incumbent Coeur d’Alene Representative Paul Amador lost to Elaine Price by 220 votes. Ms. Price has no political experience.

Price commented, “I feel very thankful that the voters had the confidence in me to fill my bubble.” She doesn’t think of herself as a politician, “I consider myself a representative of the people in my community. That’s what I feel like has been missing in our government.”

Interesting. Her opponent in Legislative District No. 4, State Representative Position B is Democratic candidate Larry Bieber. He also has no experience in the political environment.

Mr. Bieber has been in Coeur d’Alene since 1977 as a teacher and coach in the Coeur d’Alene School District. His leadership at Coeur d’Alene High School has built long lasting personal relationships and led to many district championships in softball and basketball at the varsity level. In 1998, he coached the CHS men’s basketball and the CHS women’s softball teams to state titles.

His familiarity with the community is important. He has been involved in his community church, little league baseball, varsity athletics and, after retiring from CHS, he taught mathematics at North Idaho College.

He believes that education is a great indicator of progress and wants to restore excellence in education. He understands the wishes of the entire community and sees himself as “part of the solution.” With his experience, he plans to work collaboratively with North Idaho College, area school districts, the community and the legislature.

Two candidates. Two rookies. I applaud them both for “throwing their hats into the ring.” However, Larry Bieber will have my support. I have seen what he has done and what he is capable of doing.

STEVE CASEY

Hayden