LOFFMAN: Newcomer has traditional values

The office of mayor is an executive and visionary position. He or she presents the “persona“ of the city in terms of its rooted values. These are invisible matters of spirit and heart and not a function of geography. A mayor with these qualities of mind could be either a “newcomer“ or an “old comer.“

This election for Coeur d’Alene mayor highlights the importance of Coeur d’Alene’s traditional values. These include support for local business, local control, low taxes, family-friendly neighborhoods, a responsive, fair and open city government, a welcoming, respectful attitude toward newcomers and a helping hand for neighbors in need.

For many voters, these long-held ideals have been gradually eroding. So this writer supports the newcomer, Debbie Loffman, for Coeur d’Alene mayor.

Here are some facts that recommend a vote for Debbie: 1) Long successful business experience; 2) voted best property management company 12 years in a row; 3) voted best woman run property management agency; 4) loved by her employees as “the best boss ever;” 5) adept budgeting skills; 6) brings compassion and precision to wage negotiations; 7) aligns divergent viewpoints towards a common purpose; 8) has a spiritual grounding which recognizes the importance of humble listening for fresh ideas; 9) will foster positive relationships between elected officials and staff; 10) a strong alignment in mind and heart with Coeur d’Alene traditional values.

Debbie’s calm and caring approach will bring a widening openness to creative new solutions. In this sense, curiously, she, as a “newcomer,” may bring stronger connections to authentic Coeur d’Alene tradition than some “old comers” more steeped in the status quo.

WILLIAM GREEN

Coeur d’Alene