All we're asking for is a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T

When did it become "open season" to attack citizens questioning their government? Have some of our elected officials taken leave of basic, polite, professional behavior? These issues came to mind as I sat at home last Tuesday, July 3rd, watching our Coeur d'Alene City Council meeting on Channel 19. (Watch the reruns to form your own opinion.)

I watched in utter amazement during the Public Comments portion of the meeting. This is when members of the public are allowed to speak to the council on any subject they wish. First up was a woman who spoke to the council about a problem with the 4th of July parade plans for the following day. She was well mannered and articulate, reading a prepared letter that clearly expressed her concerns. When she was done, Councilwoman Dixie Reed launched into what I can only describe as a "scolding", the likes of which I have never seen in a professional setting of any kind.

The second citizen to speak presented a question about the Kroc Center pit remediation. He spoke of his dismay about the council's expenditure of $3 million dollars in taxpayer money to fill the hole. His concern was that the site went from a very deep pit on one portion of the land to the now finished site that he said is still a hole, of sorts, because it is eight feet below the surrounding land. He was very polite, well prepared and showed no signs of anger or aggression. He was nicely dressed and spoke clearly. He displayed photos of the site and used quotes from Major Chamness of the Salvation Army as evidence for his point of view. He ended his presentation by simply asking the city council to look into this subject for the taxpayers.

At the end of this citizen's statement, Councilman Mike Kennedy quickly spoke up with bullet-like questions, shooting one right after the other: "Do you have a degree in Engineering?", the councilman asked. "No", the citizen answered. "Do you have a degree in Construction Management?", Mike Kennedy asked. "No", the citizen answered, "though I do have a lot of experience with calculating and moving dirt." "Do you have a degree in Municipal Finance?", Councilman Kennedy asked. "No", the citizen answered.

Gee, Mr. Kennedy, are expert credentials required at the door before a citizen can address the city council? If so, I would hazard to guess that you, and the rest of the city council, might not be allowed in the room either.

But that's not why you were elected to the city council, Mr. Kennedy and Ms. Reed. You were elected to serve the public. Your job is to listen to the citizens of this community and work with us to keep Coeur d'Alene an excellent place to live.

These are complicated times in our town. Growth is unprecedented and the money is huge. And with that comes the danger of corruption. If we, as citizens, don't continue to be watchful, willing to speak up with our questions and concerns, we might end up with a Coeur d'Alene we don't recognize or don't even want to know.

So, elected officials of our city council, we request your help. Let's set aside the need for being sent to bed without supper, bulletproof vests or expert credentials. We want you to work with us, not against us. We will come forward politely with serious concerns, and in return we expect to be treated in a respectful manner. Let's focus on the important challenges facing Coeur d'Alene and check all "guns" and egos at the door.

Mary Souza is a concerned citizen of Coeur d'Alene and a local business owner. She has been a volunteer on the city's Planning and Zoning Commission for the past five years. Her opinions are her own. Any questions, comments or info can be sent to her confidential email address: thecityspulse@gmail.com.