I’ve never been a politically active person, but the more I see greed taking control of our country, with communities following suit, the more I’m compelled to share why I back Joe Kunka for mayor. Joe’s my neighbor, and over time I’ve come to realize Joe has a heart for residents of Coeur d’Alene. He’s admired the job Sandi Bloem has done creating Coeur d’Alene as a destination place to vacation, providing needed income for local businesses, but tourism only lasts a few months. Joe’s passionate about enticing employers to our area who offer higher paying jobs enabling our own residents to boost our economy year-round. He was appalled when our city spent $20 million to build a park which was in total contrast to the voice of our residents, because he believes it’s the job of elected officials to uphold the wishes of the community who voted them into office in the first place.

Joe may be considered the “underdog” in this race because his campaign funds have not allowed for media saturation, however he is a candidate who can take office free of owing favors to special interest groups who’ve contributed campaign funds. The mayor’s annual salary of just over $30,000 is not the fat salary that creates a frenzy of applicants. In fact, it’s only created three applicants. Joe is not a wealthy man. He’s thankful for the blessings gained from family and friends. His desire to be mayor comes from a pure heart, not a desire for political gain or wealth. He’s the only candidate who doesn’t own local businesses, the only candidate who’s not “cozy” with a political party, and the only candidate with enough sense to realize the job of mayor is to represent the people.

JILL COLE

Coeur d’Alene