Gookin announces mayoral run

Coeur d’Alene City Councilor Dan Gookin on Wednesday announced he is running for mayor. 

The 64-year-old has served on the council since he was first elected in 2011. In 2023, he was reelected by a wide margin to another four-year term.

“Over the years, many people have asked me to run for mayor,” Gookin said in a press release. “Now is the time.” 

Gookin, who doesn't hesitate to ask pointed questions of city staff, said too many decisions regarding city operations are being made without council input, and too many plans are being presented to the council too late. 

“That needs to change,” he said. 

He believes stronger leadership is needed at City Hall, and the City Council needs to be more involved.  

“Right now, it’s not happening,” Gookin said. “We had that under (Sandi) Bloem and (Steve) Widmyer,” he said. "Over time, that stopped."

In outlining his priorities. Gookin said he wants to preserve the character of established neighborhoods, support small businesses and keep the budget under control. He emphasizes respect for the public, steady leadership and stability in these times of chaos. 

“Defending established neighborhoods is a campaign promise I’ve made and kept my entire time in office,” Gookin said in the release. “We must defend the look and historic feel of our downtown core, not only to restrict the towers but also to ensure that city requires adequate parking.” 

Regarding small businesses Gookin said, “The city thrives when business thrives. We can do a lot to reduce red tape and streamline cumbersome processes. The best thing government can do to help business is to get out of the way.” 

Gookin considers himself a fiscal hawk. He pointed out he has never voted for a property tax increase and looks for ways to reduce spending.  

“The city can be more prudent in its spending, as well as find ways to support city employees who work to help keep costs low,” Gookin says. 

During his time on the council, Gookin believes he has become known as the voice of reason. 

“I’ve often been called the one with common sense. I’d like to think that I stand up for the people. That’s how I view my role in government, and how I will act as your next mayor,” he said. 

If elected mayor, Gookin said he could be a stronger influence at City Hall and work with staff to follow the direction of the City Council, which sets city policy. 

“That's the part that's missing, that's what I really want to fix,” he said. 

He said as mayor, he will continue to offer fiscal conservatism, respect for transparency and uphold individual rights.  

“We need leadership that listens to all voices, not just the loudest or most extreme,” he said. 

Gookin would keep his council seat if he does not win his mayoral bid. 

Mayor Woody McEvers, a longtime councilor who was appointed to the post last year when then mayor Jim Hammond resigned, told The Press in January he plans to campaign to keep the seat. 

Gookin moved to Idaho from Washington in 1993 and has called Coeur d’Alene home since 2002. He is a self-employed author and online trainer. In 1991, he wrote the bestseller "DOS For Dummies." He is married and has four adult children, one stepson and one grandchild.

Info: dangookin.com