Elected leaders express gratitude
As Thanksgiving approaches, many elected officials are reflecting on what they're thankful for this year. A few of them shared their thoughts with The Press.
Kootenai County
Kootenai County Commissioner Bill Brooks has even more to be grateful for than usual. He’s reflecting on his six-year tenure on the county board, which comes to an end in January.
“I can’t believe it,” he said. “Time does fly.”
After having his entire left leg amputated in the spring, Brooks said he’s appreciated how accommodating the community has been of his health challenges. He also expressed gratitude for the care and support of his family.
“I’m grateful for the community we live in and specifically, in my case, the great health care we have here,” he said. “Without it, I’d be in pretty poor shape.”
Commissioner Bruce Mattare said he’s thankful to be in a position where he can use his voice to inform the community and initiate discussions on tough topics, such as growth.
“I’m grateful that I can make a difference,” he said.
Mattare said he’s thankful the county has made headway this year on issues like impact fees to support the jail and a possible comprehensive plan linked to cities throughout Kootenai County.
This Thanksgiving, Commissioner Leslie Duncan said she’s grateful for the opportunity to serve the community in Kootenai County.
“Serving is a gift to the servant as well as the beneficiary,” she said. “Of course, friends and family are tremendous things to be thankful for.”
When it comes to county business, Duncan said there’s a lot to be grateful for. She pointed to the critical materials ordinance adopted by commissioners, which helps protect the aquifer, and the ongoing Justice Building expansion, which remains on budget and on schedule.
“Family division of land exemption was also passed this year, which will help families remain in Kootenai County,” Duncan said.
All told, Mattare said he hopes community members keep one thing in mind this Thanksgiving.
“We should always be thankful for what we have and not troubled by what we don’t,” he said.
Post Falls
Mayor Ron Jacobson said he was happy that Post Falls received a grant to improve Earl Warren Park. The park was originally spearheaded by the late Bob Templin and holds a lot of meaning for his family, so the efforts to revitalize it have sentimental value.
“Many years ago, Susan and I, along with our kids, helped pick rocks out of the field to convert it from a vacant lot to a ball field,” Jacobson said.
Jacobson noted a shared focus for city officials to adapt to a changing population size.
“I am fortunate to work with an excellent staff and a city council that, for the most part, works well together,” Jacobson said.
Having Spokane Street improvements completed has been a relief for Jacobson. He stated that although the roadwork was hard on local businesses, “it had to be done” to repair the street.
Jacobson has been enjoying the progress being made and is looking forward to the completion of the Interstate 90/State Highway 41 interchange.
Brooks
Mattare
Duncan
Jacobson