I have listened to three presentations by Steven Ames and I have little disagreement with the end result of visioning that he is marketing. However, I am not clear what it was that he was really selling. It was a polished marketing presentation with Bend, Ore., seemingly the focus. He painted a picture of a community where mutual trust, respect and openness bring members to the same table to share their thoughts openly with an expectation of making a difference. Clearly, that does not describe where I live. I would love to live in such a place. In fact, I would enthusiastically support reasonable and responsible efforts to achieve it.

However, I have seen nothing in his presentation that would convince me to support proceeding at this time. The following are a summary of what I would need to support the effort:

a. What/who is the "community." Some boundaries are needed. Globalization may be the most powerful force facing all of mankind. Essentially, it refers to breaking through traditional boundaries, geographical, social and economic. Coeur d'Alene is truly a gem, endowed with many outstanding natural features, a remarkable past and a future that is only limited by our ability to think beyond our city limits. Sherman Avenue is only part of the picture. We must break through any sense of superiority and isolation. We need to think regionally and become inclusive rather than exclusive. We need to think regionally! In my opinion, anything short of that would be to risk falling far short of where we want to be, where we can be!

b. The timing is not right. This should have been done prior to embarking on McEuen; the Cd'A community is severely divided and lacks the mutual trust needed for meaningful participation/involvement. We are stuck. We need to restore a healthy level of trust and respect that will allow us to listen to each other and to move forward. Then, following the November election, the community should decide whether or not to proceed.

c. I have seen nothing of the process he would recommend to achieve the desired results. He is marketing an 'end-state' (a result) with no discussion of how we should proceed.

d. I support the intelligent use of outside consultants where with their experience and independence, they can help to produce significant value in the client environment. The commitment to proceed should not be made on the basis of a marketing presentation without discussion, understanding and agreement on participation, end product, process, time and cost.

e. How could we proceed (organize, manage, fund, etc.)?

Frank Orzell is a Coeur d'Alene resident.