Dear Coeur d’Alene Resident:

As you are probably aware, there is currently a small group of citizens attempting to recall Mayor Bloem and Council Members Deanna Goodlander, Mike Kennedy, and Woody McEvers. A lot of false information is being disseminated and we feel it is important for every Coeur d’Alene resident to understand the facts of the situation.

Our Mayor and Council Members being targeted for recall have done nothing wrong. They have done nothing illegal or immoral. A recall is an important part of our system of government, but it is a tool to be used in extreme circumstances, warranted by things such as criminal malfeasance or illegal activities. To attempt to recall four outstanding leaders because of an ideological disagreement is a misuse of the system.

Here is the TRUTH about our Mayor and City Council:

FICTION: They refused a public advisory vote and approved a $40 million plan for McEuen Park.

FACT: The cost of the accepted upgrades to McEuen Park has been approved at $14.2 million – NOT $40 million.

The money to pay for the park has already been secured, and no taxes have been raised. Taxpayers are not being asked to pay for the McEuen upgrades, but you will be paying for the recall petition verification and the special recall election. That means that the financial burden of a recall is falling to every Coeur d’Alene resident.

FICTION: They promised open meetings and compromise but pursued their own agendas behind closed doors.

FACT: There were 38 presentations to the public about McEuen, two surveys circulated, and nearly 50 City Council meetings over the last 2 years.

Every single one of these presentations and meetings was an opportunity for the public to be heard. In consideration of all the input received, many compromises were made since the original design was presented, including removing Tubbs Hill from the redesign and leaving the boat launch in place.

FICTION: They continue to approve high and excessive city salaries.

FACT: Staff salaries for city employees are comparable to other similarly sized cities.

The City retained a Third Party Consultant to conduct a compensation study in 2001. The study included recommendations for a salary structure based on external competitiveness, sound compensation principles, and industry standards which was implemented in 2003. Wages are reviewed annually based on Consumer Price Index and by comparing other comparable Idaho cities for continued competitiveness.

FICTION: They support questionable projects that have increased property taxes.

FACT: Last year the City Council did not exercise its option to take any of the 3 percent increase that it was eligible to acquire from property tax payers.

The City of Coeur d’Alene has the taxing authority of $2,002,089 in foregone taxes. This is the 2nd largest amount in Idaho. Simply put, property taxes HAVE NOT increased because of the City Council, but in fact more services have been provided with less tax money.

Our Mayor and Council have done many great things for our community. They were instrumental in the building of the Kroc Center, the Coeur d’Alene Public Library, the Education Corridor, Landings Park, the Prairie Trail, a bus system that is free to people who need it, and the revitalization of our downtown. They have done an excellent job on your behalf, and they deserve the chance to continue doing it. Please join many civic groups and local organizations, including the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce, Police Association, City of Fernan, Firefighters Association, North Idaho Building Contractors Association, Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Association of Realtors, and Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association, in opposing the recall.

If you would like more information regarding any of the facts presented, please contact:

Troy Tymesen, Finance Director finance@cdaid.org (208) 769-2284

Tony Berns, Executive Director - LCDC www.lcdc.org (208) 292-1630

Doug Eastwood, Cd’A Parks Department parks.cdaid.org/index.php/mceuen-currents (208) 769-2252

If you have already signed the petition and would like to remove your signature after reviewing the facts, contact the City Clerk’s office for instructions. cityclerk@cdaid.org (208) 769-2231

Thank you for considering these facts. To join the Stop the Recall effort, email savecda2012@gmail.com or visit www.stoptherecallcda.com. Please just DECLINE TO SIGN!

Sincerely,

Jennifer Drake and Sara Meyer, Co-Chairs, Stop the Recall