It's Going to be a Bumpy Ride!

Let's talk about politics. The city council elections are coming up this November and one can already hear the insults rising like the summer heat. There's a lot of money on the line, and the power brokers in town want to protect their turf. They don't want change. They don't want speed bumps. They've got things just the way they like them and they'll do anything to keep it that way. So get ready for a nasty local campaign, complete with lies, mud slinging and a whole lot of money. The only way for new candidates to win (and let me remind you that this is an opinion column) is to take the high road, keep the focus on issues of importance and connect with the people of our community. New candidates will not be able to raise enough money to compete in advertising or public relations. There's just no way. The deep pockets will be shelling out big dollars for all kinds of help to keep things smooth and unchanged. So it's up to the citizens to pay close attention, look beyond the vicious attacks and fancy brochures and, most of all, get everyone out to vote!

These elections will be of critical importance for the future of Coeur d'Alene and our surrounding communities because of all the rapid growth we are experiencing. As voters and taxpayers, we will have a clear choice: If you like the way growth is being handled, the way infrastructure such as roads and traffic circulation are being planned, the way your tax dollars are being spent, then vote for the incumbents. If you are displeased with these decisions by our city councils, then you may vote for new, independent thinkers—people with a backbone that will stand up for what you want. Now, I realize you know all of that, but here's the kicker: In this election, more than any other, you will not only have to consider the individual candidates, you should vote for the total balance of power.

This year there are three city council positions up for re-election in Coeur d'Alene: Dixie Reid, Al Hassel and Ron Edinger. The other three council seats and the mayor will be considered in 2009. If you vote for one or even two new candidates, the balance of power will stay the same, and therefore the policies and methods of the city council will stay the same. If you are unhappy with the current situation in Coeur d'Alene, you must vote in three new people to tip the scale back to neutral: three new thinkers, three predicable incumbents who are not up for re-election this time. A tip of the balance will force the Mayor to break more ties and go on record with her vote. It will decrease the probability that all the council members will vote together as a block. It will give hope that some changes can be made to the way this city is run.

Is this column of mine just a thinly veiled advertisement for my own city council campaign? No. I am not planning to run for city council. My plan is to keep writing this column and asking the questions the people of our community want to bring forward. I will, however, try to help and encourage good candidates. And I will try to help you see around the twists and turns as we go down the rugged campaign road. So, as Bette Davis said in one of her films, "Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy ride."