COEUR d'ALENE - Coeur d'Alene City Councilman John Bruning is seeking re-election.

It's his first attempt to retain the seat he won four years ago, and the 66-year-old retired U.S. Forest Service contract administrator said it's important the city maintain its progressive vision as it builds toward the future.

"The attitude of the council is one that's progressive and always looking forward," Bruning said. "We've got to do whatever we can to attract jobs and businesses here."

He said it is imperative the city continue developing two of its larger projects, McEuen Field and the education corridor.

"I'm very much in favor of those two projects," he said, adding that educational opportunities are key to a city's growth. "There's just a tremendous need (for educational and training opportunities). What better industry could you attract here?"

Bruning sat on the McEuen Field steering committee, the group that helped plan the downtown park's redevelopment design. He said the process to craft the conceptual plan incorporated input from the entire community, and he does not favor a public advisory vote on the plan.

"I stated several times I'm not in favor of public vote," he said. "I just think that's our job. And how would you write that ballot if you were to do it?"

Bruning served on the city's planning commission for 25 years, 20 as chairman, before running for council. He is president of the St. Vincent de Paul board of directors. His press release stated that he wants Coeur d'Alene to keep its City of Excellence status, and points to projects like the Centennial Trail, new pubic library, Kroc Community Center and the city's recent adoption of single stream recycling, one of the first in the state, as examples of what earned the city that title.

"We cannot sit back and relax with what we have done in the past," the release states. "We have to keep moving ahead."

Bruning, a lifelong North Idaho resident, is married with four children and five grandchildren.

He is the incumbent of Seat 5, which is being sought by Steve Adams and Amber Copeland.

Bruning said he does not support ending collective bargaining for the city's public employees, and said the city holds a tight fiscal line in its budget while upholding the contractually agreed upon raises city employees receive.

"Coeur d'Alene has outstanding public employees," the press release states. "Several of whom are recognized as leaders in their fields both state wide and nationally."

He is being appointed to head an ad hoc committee to fight the U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers order to remove trees along Rosenberry Drive, calling the area "a jewel" of the city.

He believes the current commission is serving the city the best it can.

"I like to think we're doing everything well," Bruning said. "There's always room to improve, but as far as services, we do a pretty good job there."