Wanted: Coeur d'Alene City Council member

The search is underway to find a new member for the Coeur d’Alene City Council.  

And yes, you have time to apply. 

“It's sort of a process that has a beginning and an end,” said Mayor Woody McEvers on Friday. “In the old days I just called them and talked to them.” 

He tried that a few weeks ago. 

McEvers spoke with six people interested in the post that became open Sept. 1. Retired Coeur d’Alene fire chief Kenny Gabriel was nominated for the seat, but when the council deadlocked in a 3-3 vote, and then Mayor Jim Hammond declined to settle it, it left the council at five members in need of a sixth. 

It hopes to find one soon. 

The process calls for applications by Sept. 27, to be followed by interviews with councilors Oct. 7, and a nomination and perhaps a council vote at the Oct. 15 meeting. 

McEvers outlined the process in a letter this week to councilmembers. 

“After considering the input I received from all Councilmembers, I believe the following is a fair compromise proposal to fill Council Seat #4. I have taken into consideration the different opinions of Councilmembers and the need for a reasonable timetable to fill this vacant seat,” he wrote. 

Councilors Dan Gookin, Christie Wood and Dan English opposed the nomination of Gabriel because they said they wanted a more transparent process that involved the public. They said they respected Gabriel and believed he would do well on the council but wanted to give all citizens a chance to toss their hats in the ring. 

The situation arose when Hammond issued his resignation, effective Aug. 31, and said he and his wife were moving to Colorado to be near family.  

McEvers was appointed by the City Council to the mayor post effective Sept. 1, leaving his seat open.

Traditionally, the mayor nominates a candidate for an open council seat, which is what McEvers wanted to do. At the behest of McEvers, Hammond nominated Gabriel, but it fell short of approval. 

Wood said his latest proposal was well received. 

“The council wants to be involved, and that’s fine. I put it out there to them, all seemed to feel it was fair,” McEvers said. "We did some negotiating. We’ll see what happens.” 

“I’m up for compromise,” he added. “Let’s get it done.” 

Gookin said he would have preferred a televised meeting for the interviews, but understood the TV crew and the library community room aren't always available.  

“Still, advertising for the position and holding interviews are two of the things I asked for. I'm pleased that this process is moving forward in a more transparent manner,” he said. 

English, too, liked it. 

“I think the final process is fair and comprehensive,” he said. “I appreciate it has taken more time and resources than some would choose, but when all is said and done, I think it best serves the citizens of Coeur d'Alene and all prospective candidates.” 

Here are a few details about the process:

The person appointed will serve until the Nov. 4, 2025, election is complete with the newly elected councilmember sworn in Jan. 6, 2026. The person appointed may run to retain their seat. 

Candidates must meet basic qualifications, like being at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, be registered to vote and live in Coeur d’Alene. 

Additional “desired qualifications” include experience on commissions and being involved in the community.

Councilmembers earn $15,000 annually thanks to a raise that kicked in Jan. 1 and generally attend a lot of meetings. 

Applications, due by Sept. 27, are available at City Hall. A resume, cover letter and letters of reference from Coeur d’Alene citizens would be helpful. 

Info: 208-769-2231