EDITORIAL: Simply grand: Call her Marshal Marlo

Marlo Faulkner represents what this community used to be, and what it can become again.

This amazing lady with big glasses and an even bigger smile will be leading the way as the Fourth of July Parade’s grand marshal on Tuesday.

Kerri Thoreson has penned an outstanding piece on Marlo, which The Press plans to publish soon. Kerri’s story will explore Marlo’s famous Cd'A roots and share enough anecdotes to make many readers sigh and say, “Wish I’d been here then.”

Those who have been around a while know that many nonprofits have Marlo’s fingerprints all over them. She could always do darn near anything — except say “no.” She never aspired to make headlines; her goal was consistently, year after year and decade after decade, to make her community a little bit better.

To the unfortunates who don’t know Marlo, here’s a tip: Never underestimate her intellect. Marlo’s insights pierce the superficial layers of important issues, local and otherwise, that stop most of us in our tracks. When she does speak up, the wise shut up and listen.

Her place at the head of a parade that celebrates freedom couldn’t be more fitting. Just as you’d best not try to match wits with Marlo, you’d also better not demonstrate an inclination to curb the freedoms of other law-abiding citizens.

The one area where Marlo might be accurately accused of lacking tolerance is with those who are intolerant of people who differ from them. Marlo exemplifies the live and let live philosophy that once was an Idaho hallmark but now is threatened by extremists.

Every year, the Coeur d’Alene Area Chamber of Commerce requests nominations from the community for the July 4 grand marshal. This year, according to Chamber President and CEO Linda Coppess, 11 nominations were considered by the chamber’s parade planning team. Based on the following criteria, Marlo was selected:

• Exceptional individual who has demonstrated a deep involvement within the community and enriched the lives of those who live here

• Has a track record of participating in community initiatives, working toward its betterment and inspiring others to do the same

• This person’s dedication and selflessness should serve as a shining example, illuminating the values that make our community great

You don’t need big glasses to see that Marlo Faulkner fits that description perfectly.