I read with interest Mary Souza's My Turn comment on the McEuen Field project that a public vote is 'not too complicated.' I would like to add that a public vote is not too necessary, either.Mayor Sandi Bloem and the City Council are already subject to a public vote, every four years on the positions they hold. They have each been elected, and often re-elected, to make decisions on behalf of their constituents.

In fact, the Council has made decisions of far greater financial impact than McEuen, and no one stepped forward to demand a vote. These include the fire station on 15th Street and the new police station near Kathleen Avenue, two facilities which cost taxpayers over $4.5 million. The Council has approved even larger expenditures to their water and wastewater facilities. They readily knew each decision they made would impact their constituents financially, but they did so because it was their responsibility as elected officials to provide for the basic services their residents require.They also understand that some services should be put to a vote, IF the city must raise taxes or fees to pay for them. As was the case in 1994 when street bonds were proposed, voters in recent years approved a bond for the new library. That's where the difference lies. The city has stated the McEuen Field proposal will NOT raise taxes. Instead, funding is from existing sources including parking reserves, impact fees for city parks and streets, and via its urban renewal agency. Concerning the last, many people don't realize that the agency only receives taxes on properties within the urban renewal district, which is less than 10 percent of all city properties. And taxes won't increase on those properties, either, because of the proposed changes to McEuen Field.

If this project involved bonded indebtedness to the city, and a tax increase for residents, the law would require a public vote. But since the proposal won't impact taxes it is clearly within the purview of the Council to make the decisions for which they have been duly elected.As we have seen, they will make those decisions only after soliciting the public's opinion. They are not only asking their electorate but also anyone else who wishes to be heard. They know McEuen Field is utilized by people from both inside and outside the city. Indeed, visitors from all over the country come to McEuen, drawn by its incomparable vistas and location at the entrance to Tubbs Hill. The city knows that making changes to these treasures will enhance the visit for many people, while opening up the experience for many more.

I applaud Mayor Bloem and the City Council for embarking on this project, particularly in a year in which three of their positions are up for a public vote. By moving ahead now they will ensure for generations to come the magnificence that is their city's waterfront jewel, McEuen Field.

John Austin is a former finance director for Coeur d'Alene who now lives near Harrison.