Month: November 2023

Proponents tout the plan as a way to preserve the open space on the prairie. However, we urge you to vote no on this seemingly good idea. Why? Here are several reasons to vote “No.”

• The county doesn’t have any contract for the purchase of land on the prairie.
• This is a tax increase and a government intrusion into the private sector: real estate development.
• Land costs a premium right now. 
• Water is limited and the open space would need water to benefit the public. 
• Cities and the county already control what type of developments can take place on lands under their jurisdiction. 
• Precluding large swaths of land from development will increase the value/cost of developable land and subsequently contributing to increasingly unaffordable homes for median income households.
• There is no plan! The verbiage calls for “scenic or recreational purposes,” but does not give any specifics.
• The county cannot afford current needs and obligations. Rather than trying to buy land, the county should look at ways to fund prosecutor’s office construction, jail needs, and other issues. 
• The bond rate of 3.7% is significantly lower than interest rates in a money market account and results in interest payments of nearly $22 million. 

Here is the text you will read on the ballot:

OPEN SPACE BOND ELECTION KOOTENAI COUNTY STATE OF IDAHO NOVEMBER 7, 2023

QUESTION: Shall Kootenai County, Idaho (the “County”), be authorized to issue and sell Open Space Bonds in the principal amount of up to $50,000,000 for the purpose of financing the purchasing and acquisition of public open-space land and/or easements for scenic and recreational purposes and development for public use (the “Project”), together with costs and expenses related thereto, the final installment of each bonds to fall due not later than twenty (20) years from the date of issuance thereof, all as provided in the Bond Election Ordinance No. 583 adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on July 18, 2023?

The interest rate anticipated on the proposed bond issue, based upon current market rates, is three and seventy hundredths percent (3.70%) per annum. The amount to be repaid over the life of the bonds, based on the anticipated interest rate, is $71,980,000, consisting of $50,000,000 in principal and $21,980,000 of interest. The term of the bonds will not exceed twenty (20) years from the date of issuance.

The estimated average annual cost to the taxpayer on the proposed bond is a tax of $8 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value based on current conditions.

As of November 7, 2023, the total existing indebtedness of the County, including interest accrued, is $0.00.

IN FAVOR OF ISSUING BONDS IN THE AMOUNT OF UP TO $50,000,000 FOR THE PURPOSE STATED IN BOND ELECTION ORDINANCE NO. 583

AGAINST ISSUING BONDS IN THE AMOUNT OF UP TO $50,000,000 FOR THE PURPOSE STATED IN BOND ELECTION ORDINANCE NO. 583

After looking closely at all candidates including interviewing, hosting meet and greets the CdA News proudly endorses the following candidates:

City Council: Dan Gookin, Christie Wood, Dan English

CDA School District 271: Heather Tenbrink, Jimmy McAndrew

This will be the closest election of them all. Dan English vs Roger Garlock. Roger Garlock could easily pass as Dan English from decades ago. We observed them in their candidate forums online and through in-person interactions. Both candidates worked for years with many non-profits, spoke softly, and seemed slow to anger. Both candidates are likable and approachable. Potential liabilities for each candidate are as follows: Dan English voted yes on Coeur Terre, which is upsetting to neighbors in Indian Meadows. He serves on ignitecda, the urban renewal district, which receives frequent fire from opponents and fellow council member Dan Gookin.

Roger Garlock accepted the endorsement from the KCRCC. This will prove to be his largest liability due to community backlash against the KCRCC for the turmoil they engineered at NIC and the Community Library Network. However, Roger paid attention to city issues over the last few years and has not voiced radical rhetoric espoused by his endorsers. However, he endorses the KCRCC candidate panel regardless of their diminished level of understanding.

Both candidates get the same grade: B. 

This one will be a toss up. It feels like Dan English is happy to be replaced by Roger Garlock. Neither will rock the boat too much.

Christie Wood served on the City Council for several years. She also volunteered as an elected NIC trustee for nearly 20 years. She entangled herself in North Idaho College’s turmoil. However, after she left the college, NIC challenges grew substantially. Clearly NIC problems stem from the current board majority rather than Christie Wood’s covert influence. We covered some of Christie’s blunders on council but in general she is nice and wants to do right by the city, it’s employees and citizens. CdA News grades Christie Wood: B

Brian Winkler moved to Coeur d’Alene two years ago and runs on a platform of fear and conspiracy. We reviewed his platform on his website, interview online, and performance at a debate. From those performances, it is doubtful that he understands what the city does, how it operates, and what it controls. In the interview it appears he doesn’t understand the definition of a PUD, nor the implications it has on the property he owns. His other performances left us wondering if he knows what the “Trades” are. Christie Wood’s warm and disarming performance at the Coeur Candidate Forum left great advice for Winkler. If he wants to get involved, he should volunteer in a city commission (parking, parks, planning, etc). He claims CdA 2030, now rebranded “Connect Kootenai” is in cahoots with the “[evil UN 2030 agenda]”. CdA News grades Brian Winkler the candidate: DNF (Did not Finish) 

With more attention he may be a good candidate for the future. We hope his interest in the city will continue.