MAYOR: How about a constitutional conservative?

Government overreach is a problem in Coeur d’Alene. Property rights are under attack for short-term rental owners. The state Legislature has worked on legislation to prevent municipalities from enforcing unfair, heavy-handed regulation of STR owners, but have not yet perfected it. A noise ordinance still allows fireworks displays all year long, but no big motorcycles or muscle cars with loud mufflers. Day care centers were being regulated out of business, creating a crisis in the state. Luckily, Idaho passed House Bill 243 eliminating city-level licensing imposed on top of state licensing requirements. This saved a local day care that has operated for over 40 years in Coeur d'Alene.

A common complaint is that the “small-town feel” is being lost. Fact: When your city council consists of aging surfer dudes from L.A., authors who write books for "Dummies," community activists, human rights activists and proud Democrats, don’t be surprised if acres of triple-story apartment buildings, high-rise condominium towers and parking garages start blocking the views of lake and forest. You may also have to get used to looking for the river in between pieces of Soviet-style industrial art.

There is an opportunity for change in November, and it is definitely time for a change. My wife and I will be voting for Debbie Loffman for mayor. She is a constitutional conservative and successful businesswoman recommended by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee. She is running to “... represent a large segment of people in Coeur d’Alene who do not (feel they) have a voice with the Coeur d’Alene city mayor.”  

JIM PATTERSON

Coeur d’Alene