Cri de Coeur

Cry from the Heart

State of the City, 2024

In front of a packed house, Mayor Jim Hammond delivered the 2024 State of the City Address.  Citing national awards and accolades including “2nd Best Performing Small City,” “Best Places to Live.” and “Safest Cities in Idaho,” Hammond stressed that things are good. Specific examples include a decrease in crime in spite of population growth

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Vote “No” on County Debt and Prairie “Plan”

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.” Here is the text you will read on the ballot: OPEN SPACE BOND ELECTION KOOTENAI COUNTY STATE OF IDAHO NOVEMBER

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Who Should You Vote into Office?

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

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Dan English vs Roger Garlock

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

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Wood vs Winkler

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.

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Who is Clark Albritton, the Candidate?

Pros/Cons Mr. Albritton has a long tenure as a resident of CdA. He is running on a platform of limiting population growth and its impacts. However, after our review of his public comments here, here, and at a local campaign event, he ultimately fails to make a case against his opponent.   When asked to give

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Who is Dan Gookin, the Candidate?

The Good, the Bad, the Ugly Has a record on which to run. While he has regularly, but infrequently (and not disruptively), opined and pushed for different outcomes, he has been ineffective in convincing his fellow council members to change their opinion on substantive matters.  Approved council’s action regarding invocations to be open to all.*

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Informed Voters or Obedient Voters

We at the CdA News team closely watched and scrutinized city actions directed by council members and mayors for nearly a decade. Our goal of kindness and positivity for this medium  frequently overruled by our mission to inform voters and hold elected officials accountable. Many articles explained in our view mis-steps of the public servants.

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Prayers for All Becomes No Prayers at All

In the thick of election season with deepening divisions in northern Idaho, CdA city staff and council members ignored the plea of volunteers to offer invocations for the past several months. Invocations occur at the discretion of the council who control the agenda. “Invocation,” listed on each agenda accompanied by a blank space to its

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Trader Joe’s Making Big Announcement

Tomorrow, Thursday 26 October 2023, Trader Joe’s will hold a company wide meeting with a big announcement. Sources say announcement of a Coeur d’Alene store has a high probability. Previous rumors floated midtown Coeur d’Alene as the future location. Watch for it, here.

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Lose, Lose, Lose

City council members failed to follow the lead of fellow council-member Kiki Miller last Tuesday resulting in a lose-lose-lose situation for Coeur d’Alene. Relevant issues include the comprehensive plan, the housing shortage and affordability crisis, and the definition of the term “adjacent.” Background Kaufman and his team appealed the two decisions from the planning commission,

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CdA: NIMBY, BANANAS, or Just Right?

Correction: The article has been updated to reflect that the appeal is in October. The city council voted to hear the appeal as part of the consent calendar. Kaufman Estates development team will appeal last month’s denial from the planning commission. We reported on the original request in 2022. Many neighbors attended the August planning

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