IRONY, noun: “the incongruity between the actual result of a sequence of events and the normal or expected result.” Sounds heady but indulge me here while I explain the irony of RECALL CdA’s effort to give the boot to the mayor and three council persons.

Frank Orzell and his RECALL CdA posse of ballplayers, boaters and bluehairs who are looking to bring back those thrilling days of dirt streets are upset, in large part, by City Council blocking their public advisory vote on the McEuen Park renovations. For RECALL CdA the “expected result” of their efforts is a louder voice for the average Joe in the conduct of city affairs. Now let’s compare RECALL CdA’s “expected result” versus the likely “actual result” of their efforts.

Let’s assume that RECALL CdA prevails… they get the required signatures, the city and county clerks certify and the recall vote ousts Mayor Bloem, and council members Kennedy, Goodlander and McEvers… Then what?

Well, here’s where RECALL CdA’s Holy Grail quest to restore power to the people through the public vote runs amok and is dishonest, at best. If the recall succeeds, YOU WILL HAVE NO VOTE in who fills the City Council’s four empty seats. Governor Otter will appoint the first council member and then, along with council members Gookin, Adams and Edinger the “group of four” gets to pick the other three council members. Sorry, YOU DON’T GET TO VOTE — for anybody.

That’s the IRONY. RECALL CdA purports to stand for public advocacy but, if successful, will deny every citizen in Coeur d’Alene their right to vote for city leadership.

DECLINE TO SIGN THE RECALL, but come the November 2013 City Council elections, give every candidate a good hard look — and make your vote and voice heard. That’s what elections and democracy, are about.

ROBERT B. CLIFF

Coeur d’Alene