Open City Council seat offers rare opportunity

If you're not happy with the direction of Coeur d'Alene, if you are happy with the direction of Coeur d'Alene, if you just want to bemore involved with the happenings at City Hall, now is your chance.

With City Councilman Dan Gookin moving into the mayor's office in January after winning the General Election, Council Seat 3 will be open. The city is requesting those interested apply by Dec. 15.

We encourage you to do so.

The City Council plays a key role in city operations. It offers input and makes decisions on property taxes, developments, budgets, zoning, annexations, ordinances and resolutions. The importance of who sits on the City Council cannot be overstated. 

Openings on the City Council don't come along often. Seats are held for four years. Current councilors Amy Evans, Kiki Miller, Dan English and Christie Wood have served multiple years and are firmly entrenched. 

Kenny Gabriel, retired Cd'A fire chief, was appointed last year to replace Woody McEvers when he was appointed mayor when Jim Hammond resigned to be near family in Colorado. Only a handful sought McEvers' council seat.

The city is fortunate to have a seasoned City Council. But it needs a new face. The person appointed will serve the remaining of the council term until Jan. 4, 2028, and can run again.

First, some basic qualifications: At least 18; a U.S. citizen; live in Coeur d'Alene; registered to vote. They also like it if you've served on commissions or committees and are active in the community.

Applications, available at City Hall, are due by Dec. 15.

Coeur d'Alene City Council members earn about $15,000, plus benefits.

But don't run for office based on economic reasons. You are most important to be the voice of the citizens, to represent the people. Your input could have a major influence on the city's present and future. You may be the deciding vote on whether a housing development is approved or denied. You may be the difference in whether property taxes increase. You could be the determining factor in whether the city spends hundreds of thousands of dollars on a capital project. Your voice will most definitely matter. This is not something to take lightly or pursue half-heartedly.

Coeur d’Alene continues to grow. It is facing challenges with housing, infrastructure and streets. It has budgetary issues and is currently offering retirement incentives for employees to try and reduce deficit spending. It is trying to keep parks green while controlling water use. It has an excellent police force but could use more officers.

If you're interested, this is your chance to stop talking about what the city should or shouldn't do, to stop complaining about what goes on with the city and instead become part of the process, and the solution, that makes things run well at City Hall.

Please apply for City Council seat. Let the city, and its residents, hear from you.