MAYOR: Watch for conflicts

We have conflict of interest law, and as it pertains to the office of local officials in public service, the central concept of this law is to restore and preserve the public trust in local government, and very much on the mind of countless people. This link is pressing in our present election knavery.

Conflict of interest is a term used to describe "the situation in which a public official or fiduciary who, contrary to the obligation and absolute duty to act for the benefit of the public or a designated individual, exploits the relationship for personal benefit, typically pecuniary." law.justanswer.com

This concept is expanded in the next paragraph. "In certain relationships, individuals or the general public place their trust and confidence in someone to act in their best interests. When an individual has the responsibility to represent another person - whether as administrator ... executor, government official, or trustee -- a clash between professional obligations and personal interests arises if the individual tries to perform that duty while at the same time trying to achieve personal gain."

"About Steve Widmyer, Candidate for Coeur d'Alene Mayor," raises the obvious conflict of interest issue - has already assumed way too much as a viable contender. You'd think that Mr. Widmyer, with all his business acclaim, knowing of character befitting the mayor's office (if perceived), would not even touch this proposition unless he were stringently scrupulous or progressively arrogant and blatantly pushing a line of discernible, objective integrity and legality.

BARBARA HEDDEN

Coeur d'Alene

EVANS: Has tact and tenacity

I had the privilege of sharing a professional office space with Amy Evans for almost two years. During that time, not only did Amy become my friend, but I grew to appreciate and respect her tenacity and tact in handling challenging customer relationships.

Many of the things that I consider important in a public servant are the same things that apply to managing professional expectations in a customer relations setting.

Just like every city council meeting is not always "fun," not every customer relations interaction is "easy." And yet, I can imagine Amy in council chambers, applying many of the same strengths and fundamental beliefs she holds in regard to challenging and meaningful community discussion. She will hear the message; validate an individual's ideas or concerns and work openly to offer solutions and not consequences.

Amy has the special ability to stand firm when necessary, be accommodating when a situation warrants it, and maintain people's dignity in the most challenging of situations. I witnessed firsthand her ability to cut through distractions and concentrate on an honest exchange and constructive outcome to a problem.

Her intellect, mental toughness, and commitment to the community will be valuable assets to the Coeur d'Alene City Council.

STACY BARNEY

Hayden

WOODY: Practical and progressive

I am writing to endorse Woody McEvers for Coeur d'Alene Council Seat 4. The current council, which includes Woody, and city administration have frequently been criticized for catering to a "downtown elite" while ignoring the city "north of Lakeside." That allegation just doesn't bear up under examination.

High profile visionary projects like the rebuild of McEuen Park (20 acres) and Front Street (four blocks) grab headlines. But year after patient year, less spectacular projects have cumulatively enhanced the entire city.

For example, Coeur d'Alene has acquired and/or developed more than 166 acres of parkland in neighborhoods throughout the city since 2002 when Woody took office. Since 2002, more than 10 miles of our streets have been resurfaced or rebuilt. Government Way from I-90 to Hanley; Best Avenue from Fourth to 15th; Ramsey Road from Appleway to Prairie; 15th Street from Mullan to Harrison, and 15th from Best to Dalton - to name just a few of the many projects benefiting areas outside of the downtown core.

I hope you will join me in voting for Woody and like-minded candidates who will continue to provide practical, progressive, and yes, visionary leadership for all of Coeur d'Alene.

SHEILA BRUNING

Coeur d'Alene

MAYOR: Watch for transparency

Who is the real Mary Souza?

She talks about bringing openness, transparency and integrity to the Mayor's office. Then she's quoted in the Coeur d'Alene Press as saying, "I am going to have a truth page on my website." Why does she hide behind a website?

Why can't Souza discuss her removal from the Planning Commission in the open with the public? Is it because she doesn't want to be held accountable for her answers? This issue points out how important it is to know exactly which Souza is running for mayor. Is it the unprofessional, rude, and argumentative Souza that her fellow Commissioners report her behavior revealed? Or is it the one who claims to want to restore truth and transparency on her website? Is anyone buying Souza's contradictions?

This election is too important to our community's future to be debated on the Internet, in blogs, or other social media. It needs transparency. It needs public dialogue so we know just who we are voting for as our next Mayor.

Steve Widmyer is not afraid to answer the hard questions or debate the issues in an open forum. He doesn't have an ax to grind with city staff or vendettas to be settled with appointed and elected officials.

This race is too important to figure out which Souza is running for mayor. My support will go to Steve Widmyer.

BILL REAGAN

Coeur d'Alene

MAYOR: Souza makes most sense

I wrote a My Turn column for the Cd'A Press last week in which I responded to LCDC's Tony Berns' claim that they are job creators. In my column I explained the good, bad and the ugly about how LCDC is misusing urban renewal dollars here in Cd'A. I have received hundreds of comments in support that show that I'm not the only one that feels this way. The one thing that was accompanied with these comments was, "Who do you support for Mayor?" My response is Mary Souza.

Why Mary? She does support URDs and she understands their purpose. She has been a longtime advocate to hold them to the intent of the law. She believes when we are considering spending millions of dollars on a questionable project, we get the community involved. I believe it is time for a change in CDA, and it starts from the top. I've known Mary Souza for the last (12) years. I've worked on many community projects with her and she is a smart person, with great character. She does support growth for CDA and also using URD's as they are designed. She doesn't own property in either of the URD districts, which would signal a conflict of interest in my book. When I look for a leader, their foundation should include: honesty; a great communicator; a courageous individual willing to do what is right every time; someone who actively serves their community; a hard worker; and one who is willing to take responsibility for the decisions of their subordinates. I just described Mary!

Mary has the character, integrity and intelligence to lead our community forward while advocating for the appropriate use of URD monies. I urge you to vote for Mary Souza on Nov. 5th.

RON NILSON

Coeur d'Alene

POLICE: Support these candidates

The Coeur d'Alene Police Officers Association is pleased to announce their endorsements for the upcoming Mayor and City Council election. Candidates were selected based upon their vision for the city, their support of public safety, and their efforts at moving forward in a positive direction.

The endorsements are as follows:

Mayor - Steve Widmyer

Council - Woody McEvers

Council - Amy Evans

Council - Kiki Miller

We are excited about Coeur d'Alene's future with these candidates in office.

COEUR d'ALENE POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

Executive Officers

President Brady Reed

Vice-President Nic Lowry

Secretary Greg Moore

Treasurer Andy Sterling