We have lived in Coeur d’Alene for almost 12 years after relocating from the Seattle/Puget Sound area. I brag to everyone I know about how friendly the people are here, how the agencies (government, law enforcement, etc.) work together for good, and how many amazing non-profits there are that support so many important causes. This whole McEuen/Recall thing really makes my stomach hurt.

Maybe I’m just that really odd person who thinks that BOTH sides of this issue have merit. And BIG CAVEAT, I have not attended meetings, researched city salary histories, etc. My “knowledge” on the subject is very cursory, formed mostly by local media, letters to the editor, and talking to people. Based on this superficial understanding, I opposed the initial mega-buck park plan with the fancy fountain, but I think that the current park is vastly under-utilized. It makes me nervous that Phase I has a $14 million price tag, not so much because of the $14 million, but because it is referred to as “Phase I.” That means that there will be more Phases that will cost more money, right? Seems like THAT part should be addressed instead of focusing on the “Well, it’s not $40 million” part.

An “equal or better” boat launch was PROMISED, so it’s self-evident that reducing boat launch traffic to one lane and relocating the boat launch parking over by city hall is NOT “equal or better.” But is the middle of a busy downtown really the best place for a boat launch? Just because “equal or better” boat launch was promised, should we choose THAT hill to die on when it might not make sense to even have a boat launch in that location? Based on license plates, it sure seems like a lot of NON-local traffic uses that launch. Don’t a lot of locals use other, less congested boat launches? I still think we deserve an “equal or better” boat launch because that is what we were promised, but this might be an area of compromise to consider.

I also think a lot of the initial discussion and arrogant attitudes about the project rubbed people the wrong way. I’m not sure a public vote would have been the answer, but when a small group of people acts like “they know better” than a large group of people, it can ruffle some features. I’m not referring to the council members and mayor, because they are ELECTED to make decisions on our behalf, but it seems like “Team McEuen” had a “if you don’t agree you don’t understand” attitude. A little respect and consideration can sure diffuse contentious situations. Most of the pro-recall people I’ve talked to have felt a lack of respect and consideration during the process.

The libertarian/smaller government part of me thinks our city salaries are pretty dang high, especially compared to similar positions in Boise, but was there a big increase in the past few years that was a primary issue in prompting the recall? Or is it just something else to make the recall effort more palatable? And the postcards sent to downtown businesses opposing the recall? What was the point? Scare tactics? I tend towards the whole capitalism and free market concept that allows me to choose where I want to do business. If a business has a “Decline to Sign” or “Recall CDA” poster in their window, I can choose to shop there or not. Personally, I will continue to patronize businesses displaying either poster. I might tell the pro-recall businesses that the postcards were pretty snarky though.

I learned that Idaho has some of the more lenient rules for what can trigger a recall. But, as Justin Ruen, policy analyst for the Association of Idaho Cities, said in a May 8, 2012 Cd’A Press article, the fact that a recall in Idaho is allowed to be initiated without malfeasance or illegal activities is a “double-edged sword.” Sure it means there are checks and balances, but it makes me really nervous to consider running for elected office in Coeur d’Alene. I have known Deanna Goodlander for a long time through our community involvement, and have interacted with Mike Kennedy on a professional basis for many years. I don’t know how either Deanna or Mike and I line up politically, but they are quality people with integrity and character. They have probably both made decisions that I don’t agree with, but making decisions that don’t make everybody happy is part of being an elected official. What worries me FOR THE FUTURE is that quality people will be reluctant to run for our city and county positions because they are afraid of the backlash against their personal reputations and businesses should they make an unpopular decision.

As I read yet another recall letter a few days ago in the Cd’A Press, I noticed a blurb on the opposite page about a little boy who was hit by a car and killed near Burley. A few pages later Kerri Thoreson reminded us that just seven years ago our community was devastated by the Groene murders, and was worried for months about Dylan and Shasta. And what about the outpouring of support for local Ironman Derek Garcia as he battles cancer? And Eric Soles’ Facebook posts asking for support for the 4th Annual Vernon Baker Memorial Day Free Lunch for Veterans.

Aren’t THESE kinds of topics more worthy of our intense emotional investment as opposed to raking each other over the coals about the park, city employee salaries and who is shopping where? I know and respect people on both sides of this debate. I want to be thankful that my community is so passionate and willing to fight for what they believe in, but all I see is YOU and ME and not enough WE. And maybe that’s it… I want to talk about what WE can do to move forward. I would just ask everyone to focus on the destination instead of getting stuck in the traffic jam we are in right now. Doesn’t everyone want a vibrant downtown park to take their kids to and enjoy throughout the year? Aspire to LIGHT instead of HEAT and the journey will be much more pleasant.

Shelly Zollman is a Coeur d’Alene resident.