MAYOR: How about an informed voter?

Jim Patterson’s endorsement of Debbie Loffman reads less like a case for leadership and more like a chain email sent without fact checking. Mayor Woody McEvers has done an outstanding job for the city of Cd’A.

Mr. Patterson never explains why Loffman should lead Cd’A  – only that she is a “constitutional conservative” endorsed by KCRCC. That’s not a qualification; it’s a slogan. It’s like claiming someone’s ready to run a hospital because they’ve read WebMD.

Patterson digs at “aging surfer dudes,” “authors” and “human rights activists” on the council say more about his insecurities than the city’s direction. Heaven forbid leaders have experience, education, or empathy. Complaints about “industrial art” and apartments aren’t policies – they’re noise disguised as thought.

Let’s be clear: civic irritation doesn’t equal qualification. Nostalgia isn’t a platform, and “government overreach” isn’t a plan. Governing requires integrity, competence, and an understanding of how communities actually work.

Suggestions on how to choose a candidate:

• Look at qualifications, ethics, and record.

• Ask if they have managed an organization.

• Demand solutions, not scapegoats.

Most of all, don’t outsource your vote. Taking cues from KCRCC isn’t participation – it’s submission. Democracy depends on informed citizens, not obedient robots. Do research!

DAMON DARAKJY

Coeur d’Alene