EDITORIAL: Mayoral race off to a strong start

And then, there were two. 

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

Mayor Woody McEvers, appointed to the post last year when Jim Hammond resigned, declared in January he would be campaigning to keep the job. 

Both have served on the City Council together for more than a decade. They have been on committees. They are experienced and smart. They are committed to doing what they see as best for Coeur d’Alene. They have their own strengths and styles that we believe would serve the city well.  

But remember, each has his own vision. They will not have the same approach to politics and leading the city. Voters should be aware of their differences.

To have two qualified candidates declare for the city’s highest elected office this early is a good thing. It should catch the attention of residents who will hopefully want to know more about the people who want to guide Coeur d’Alene in the present and into the future. 

We also think this may spark others considering a mayoral run to toss their hats into the ring, which again, is a good thing. Competition, including for political office, makes us better. Sharper. It removes any sense of complacency.  

This city has been blessed with strong mayors. We believe there are more people who want to be mayor and will declare their intentions soon. The more who want to be the mayor of this town, the more citizens will want to learn who they are and what they stand for. In other words, more members of the public will get involved in the political process, which is what we want. An often-heard criticism is that too few people are deciding who holds public office because too many don’t bother to vote. 

That is about to change.  

The mayor is a key post at City Hall. Whoever holds it greatly influences what happens regarding city operations and what decisions are made by the City Council. Whether that is held by McEvers, Gookin, or another candidate will be determined in November’s general election. 

But we know this today: We applaud McEvers and Gookin for wanting to sit in the hot seat at City Hall, and hope others join them.