Gookin, Westlund wins a sign voters want change

Coeur d'Alene City Councilman Dan Gookin on Tuesday was elected the city's next mayor. 

Post Falls City Councilman Randy Westlund on Tuesday was elected the city's next mayor.

There are similarities to note of the men voted to lead North Idaho's two largest cities.

Both posted solid wins. These were not squeakers, flukes or surprises. Both defeated longtime figures at City Hall. Both ran good campaigns. Both are known for asking tough questions. Both talk about accountability.

Kootenai County voters on Tuesday would seem to be sending a message they are not satisfied with the status quo. They aren't wild about how things are. They don't like the direction their cities are headed. They wanted a change in leadership and come Jan. 1, will have it.

Not that there were glaring problems. Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene are great places to live. The cities, by almost anyone's standards, are well run with low taxes and crime. But voters looked at rising housing prices, increased traffic, property tax hikes and political divide and thought perhaps things are on the wrong track, that there must be a better way. Their vote indicates they believe Gookin and Westlund are the men to put those things back on the right course.

We agree.

But let's temper our expectations.

It's not like mayors have authority to do whatever they like. On the majority of issues that come to the city council, the mayor won't even vote. Neither Gookin nor Westlund promised big changes if elected. Nothing dramatic will happen on day one when they take their new posts.

But gradually, over time, expect change. The tone at city hall starts with the mayor. The mayor sets the pace. The mayor influences daily operations. The mayor may be the most important man in public office in cities the size of Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene. The mayor can't shy away from tough decisions, and Gookin and Westlund will face those with confidence thanks to the support of the people who put them in office.

Voters have high expectations for Gookin and Westlund. They have high hopes for them. So do we. We think their support is well-founded. Both men are sharp, decisive and unafraid of going against the grain. We think Gookin and Westlund have the skills, drive and smarts to lead their respective cities well into the future.

Give them a little time, and we believe Gookin and Westlund will deliver for their communities.