THORESON: She will be on the job

Ron Jacobson says he's not interested in being a "rah rah guy" for Post Falls. He also says his bank VP job will be his priority and that city staff can get a hold of him if he's needed.

I think the citizens of Post Falls expect and deserve a mayor who will promote community pride and the benefits of investors locating their businesses and jobs here. One who will actually be present at City Hall for the day-to-day responsibilities of being the mayor.

I'm voting for Kerri Thoreson for Post Falls mayor. She's qualified and dedicated to serve the citizens she represents now on the city council.

MIKE JARRETT

Post Falls

JACOBSON: He's best qualified

A very special invitation to all Post Falls residents: You have the opportunity to be part of the election process for our new mayor.

For many years the City has been growing at a steady rate. The City is tasked to provide the best services utilizing your tax dollars in the wisest manner. The City has become successful, thanks to a dedicated professional staff and workforce. Post Falls is recognized as a leader in many service areas including public safety. We have grown to be Idaho's 10th largest city. Post Falls is recognized in the region as the city of the future.

One critical factor will be economic development/business recruiting/expansion and job creation. With job creation, unemployment will drop. The best qualified and most experienced person to be our new mayor is Ron Jacobson. I have had the privilege to know and work with him for 18 years. Ron is always professional in his thinking and decision making, and acts in the best interest of our citizens. He also has a very much appreciated sense of humor, and I have never seen him lose his composure. Ron has the vision, maturity, wisdom and courage to lead our great city far into the future. We have come a long way, recruiting several ICON businesses and industry. Ron will take the City to the next level and make us all proud of his leadership.

Please check out his web site (jacobsonformayor.com) for his qualifications. It's more than impressive! The City is on very solid footing. My wife and I ask you to join us and elect Ron Jacobson the next mayor of Post Falls on Nov. 5.

Thank you for all of your support for me in the past 18 years.

CLAY AND DEANNA LARKIN

Post Falls

HENDERSON: No tax-and-spender

The letter from David Shaw published last week needs to be corrected. It labeled Betty Ann Henderson as a "tax and spend" Post Falls council member. Nothing could be further from the truth. Her fiscal conservatism is revealed in her recorded actions.

A review of city documents show she consistently challenges actions that may impose new or hidden expense to the city. Debate on proposed annexations, for instance, reveals Betty Ann's conservative attitude and provides convincing evidence of her conservative actions. As an example, records show that on a large annexation request, she argued that the city already had over 3,000 vacant building lots where it provides basic services and should avoid building greater responsibility. This is just one of many examples in recorded actions of her caution when spending public money.

If David Shaw digs deep enough into her official record, he will find that Betty Ann Henderson refuses to let Post Falls pay for her lunches and dinners even when attending community events on city business. When asked, she said that taxpayers should not have to buy her meals. "Taxes are for public service. I pay my own way." Who else do you know, Mr. Shaw, that is so motivated?

Betty Ann did approve a 2 percent tax increase three years ago. The purpose was to raise salaries of city policemen to minimize the loss of officers in whom tens of thousands of dollars had been invested for training. The tax protected the investment taxpayers had already made. She knows that a wise investment is also an act of conservatism. We need that knowledge in local government.

Official records speak louder than political allegations. On this basis it is clear that Betty Ann is not a tax and spend member of the city council. I thank voters for considering my comments.

FRANK N. HENDERSON

Post Falls

FILLIOS: Seeks diverse viewpoints

In my capacity as the State Committeeman of the Kootenai County Republican Party, I have had the occasion to work alongside Chris Fillios a number of times.

I have found Mr. Fillios to be a true uniter. I am considered by many to be politically farther right than the average Republican, and Fillios and I have seen certain issues much differently.

Nevertheless, whenever Mr. Fillios and I have a political dispute, I can always count on getting a fair and proper discussion.

Chris Fillios strives to proactively seek out differing opinions. He is at all times an active and courteous listener. He has always demonstrated a willingness to build mutual trust and understanding, even toward those with whom he disagrees.

I am confident that with Chris Fillios on our City Council, no citizen will be ignored.

BJORN HANDEEN

Coeur d'Alene

WIDMYER: Track record exemplary

No matter who wins the upcoming City of Coeur d'Alene elections, big change is coming to city hall. For the first time in 12 years, we will have a new mayor, as well as at least two new city council members. For this reason, this could be the most important city election in decades since it will determine the city's direction, style of leadership and even the culture at city hall for years to come.

I am endorsing Steve Widmyer for mayor because I believe he has the education, leadership skills, experience, and temperament to lead the city through this period of change. He is a lifelong city resident, brings a fresh approach and has a conservative business background.

Having been the CEO of a large complex organization, I know the job of a leader is to create a vision of the future that engages and energizes everyone associated with the organization. A leader must also articulate values that will guide decisions. Steve Widmyer's strong vision includes a sense of community, an excellent quality of life, a vibrant economy, and a government that lives within its means. He values responsible city finances, a safe community, a strong business climate, quality educational partnerships, and the importance of respect and civility in city government.

If you want a positive, respectful leader of the City of Coeur d'Alene who will unite and represent the entire city, then you will vote to elect Steve Widmyer the next mayor.

JOE MORRIS

Coeur d'Alene

EVANS: Advocate for good causes

Amy Evans is not just a potential city council member, she is a lifelong Idahoan, an education and youth advocate, an extremely dedicated worker, and a common-sense problem solver.

I have known Amy for over ten year and have seen her commitment to children first-hand. She was a major leader in the "Save Sorensen" campaign to keep a neighborhood school alive, and was one of the most influential people in raising the first $100,000 in donations to fund the programs that the school would need to be successful. Amy serves as a volunteer for the city's Planning and Zoning Commission.

Now she is one of the founders of a bi-partisan educational support team. She is all about bringing people together and finding positive solutions to problems. She truly believes in good education and opportunities for all of our youth to succeed.

In serving with Amy on many committees and working on projects with her, I will say that I don't know anyone who works harder to reach a goal. Amy has an amazing ability to see a need, listen to people's viewpoints, formulate a plan using all input, and then work to meet the need. I hear people say that the council needs members who listen, have common sense, and can bring people together to solve problems. That is what you will get with Amy Evans.

MOIRA DUCOEUR

Coeur d'Alene

VOTE: These four will move forward

My wife and I have lived in Midtown Coeur d'Alene for 10 years. Before moving here I had the privilege of working for the University of Idaho in Moscow, for 35 years-initially as a professor, and then 13 years as Vice President of Student Affairs. Throughout my UI career I served on many planning committees for campus growth, and was involved with the planning, financing and construction phases for several major campus facilities.

On a recent walk through the new Education Corridor I thought how remarkable it was that community leaders had the foresight to create such a beautiful infrastructure for the future growth of higher education in CDA. I have no doubt that in future years we will see a variety of new educational opportunities arrive as a result of this forethought.

As a community we must remain open to, and embrace, future opportunities to plan and create a vibrant community for our children and grandchildren. We need leaders who are positive in nature and who will seek ways to move our community forward. With that in mind I urge voters to cast their ballot for Steve Widmyer, Kiki Miller, Amy Evans and Woody McEvers. These are individuals who can work together and who will be open to future opportunities to improve Coeur d'Alene.

W. HAL GODWIN, PhD

Coeur d'Alene