English announces re-election bid for Cd'A City Council

COEUR d'ALENE — Coeur d'Alene City Councilman Dan English announced Thursday he will seek re-election.

"I am running because I still very much enjoy it, I feel I make worthwhile contributions to my hometown in this way, and many people say I do a good job and they are happy to hear I’m running again," he said, in a press release.

English, 71, was first elected to the City Council in 1992 and served two years before he was appointed county clerk. He also served as a trustee with the Coeur d'Alene School District for five years.

He was elected to a four-year term on the City Council in 2015 and re-elected in 2019.

His announcement said he believes the council is a balanced council with a healthy mix of ages, backgrounds and gender.

"One sign I watch for in a board is how the votes break down over time, especially on tough subjects," English said, in the release. "We have a mix of votes, and those voting yea or nay changes from vote to vote. I admit that at times I have come into a meeting thinking I would vote one way on something, but either the public comments or input from the other counsel members will cause me to change my mind. I think that is healthy and in the best interest of our voters and taxpayers."

English said the city's growth, traffic issues and housing needs are significant challenges.

"I think it is possible to improve in all those areas if we put our collective minds and have the will to do something about them," he said, in the release.

English said in his announcement that public safety is always a high priority for all council members and he has voted to support fire and police.

"Our staff are the city’s most valuable asset and we need to treat them all with respect and thoughtfulness," he said.

English has been a licensed professional counselor for more than 30 years. He said he has never seen the amount of stress and anxiety that people are experiencing like they are today.

"If I can help with my people skills and knowledge and experience as a third generation native of Coeur d’Alene, then that is what I hope to do," he said.

The general election will be Nov. 7.