VISION: 1 meeting, two perspectives

I am writing this letter in response to the criticism of the CDA 2030 workshops that was expressed by a rural property owner. I attended this same workshop and currently I have chosen to live in the city of Coeur d'Alene while my house is being built outside of the city in Kootenai County.

I disagree that the moderator at the workshop refused to define Greater Coeur d'Alene. Instead, Mr. Steven Ames asked the workshop participants to define it for themselves. For me personally that includes not only Coeur d'Alene, but Post Falls, Hayden, Rathdrum and other surrounding areas. For someone else that may include all of rural Kootenai county. I don't think you can create a vision for Coeur d'Alene that only involves the boundaries of the city as we are all connected by where we socialize, work and shop. That is, I may shop in Hayden, go to church in Coeur d'Alene and have really good friends who live in Post Falls; this is what defines my community. However, this is different for each individual and that was the point that was made at the workshop.

I think it is important to understand what was done at these workshops. We were asked to work together in small groups and individually to give our ideas on what we see as the future challenges for our area and what some of the solutions may be. It was a great community building process, as everyone had a voice in the mix. There were no right or wrong answers.

It is my opinion that the CDA 2030 project's purpose is not to create a plan like the recent ULUC, but instead to create a vision for what all the citizens of the area would like to see for the greater Coeur d'Alene region and then reference this vision to guide the plans, decisions and actions of community organizations. I take offense that some of these visions for greater Coeur d'Alene violated private property rights. People are entitled to their opinions. We weren't creating law, we were brainstorming. The workshops are the opinion of the citizens that participated which was open for ALL to attend.

If the writer of the letter is concerned about participation from other rural Kootenai County residents then she should have encouraged her fellow neighbors to attend the workshops. The one she attended was the first one. There were two more after that one. I believe the CDA 2030 visioning process is very important in preparing our region for the future. I encourage all citizens interested in being involved and having their voice heard to attend the CDA 2030 Visioning Summit on Nov. 16. More information can be found at cda2030.org.

ROBYN BRUNS

Coeur d'Alene

ROTARY: They

do so much good

I am sending verbal roses to our Rotary Clubs. They all do so many good things for our less fortunate citizens; the list is endless.

They are out and about bringing great smiles to those in less than good circumstances. The money they raise goes to those in need. My verbal roses along with the Coeur d'Alene Community Center board, those who work there and all of their many dedicated volunteers, a verbal rose bouquet for the monies they gave to, as one of their many causes, our Meals on Wheels program.

At a time the Congress of the United States chose to cut a good portion of these funds, our Coeur d'Alene Rotary members in great generosity remembered those who need us. I have emails, letters and telephone calls sent to Congress about matters of concern - the only thing I can do unless I have to go to a Senate hearing like "Sam the Fisherman" did. He set them all on their heels telling them in great detail of who all and what all they had affected. We all need to do this; we count.

For the two parties of our government to disagree and have different opinions is OK. To not go to the table and mediate for the "best of the country" should never be.

COLLEEN ALLISON

Board of Directors

for the Center

Coeur d'Alene

RIGHTS: Thanks

for standing up

Dear Straight Allies:

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for all the hard work, courage you have shown, and the help you give to the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered) community. Our straight allies are some of the most effective and powerful advocates for the LGBT movement.

We also thank you for your future support in the continued fight for LGBT equality. We could not stand strong and proud without you! Your voices have been heard while the voices of LGBT people have been ignored. When you speak up and dispel myths, speak out for the rights of the LGBT community, and discourage hate speech, you make us tremendously proud and appreciative to stand side by side with you.

No amount of thanks could repay you for the times when you stand up for equality, regardless of ones sexual orientation or gender expression. We look forward to continuing to work with you and stand with you in the future to ensure the safety and rights that all of us deserve. Until then let us continue to walk together and create a safe and welcoming place for all of us!

Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) at

North Idaho College

HIGHWAY: Work

created danger

Due to the poor decision by the Department of Transportation in Coeur d'Alene to repave only the slow (outside) lanes on Highway 95 south, they have created treacherous driving conditions. The repaving was not done very well and is much higher than the inside passing lanes, causing an imbalance and jerking when switching lanes.

I called the Transportation Department at the end of September when it was obvious the inside lanes were not going to be re-paved to match the slow (outside) lanes and was told that the paving window was closed. I explained that big puddles were created after a recent rainstorm and will turn to ice or slush this winter creating incredibly horrible road conditions. This particular area is already hazardous and has numerous crosses along the roadside to prove it. I was told that they could shave the edges but that hasn't been done yet and I bet it won't get done now.

If you know anyone, especially high school students and college students, going to or coming from Moscow, Plummer-Worley, or who live or work south of town, PLEASE warn them to be extra-super careful when switching lanes between Mica and Putnam Roads.

JULIE A. BROWN

Coeur d'Alene

MARCH: Word

choice important

Thank you for printing the two photographs of the Rosary March for World Peace that was organized by Immaculate Conception Church, Post Falls, on March 12. Your photographer, Gabe Green, did well in capturing the appearance and reason for the March.

A friend pointed out to me that using the word "idol" to describe the beautiful image of the Fatima statue misrepresents what the traditional Roman Catholic Church teaches regarding statues/paintings/holy cards/rosaries/medals, etc., representing the physical features of the Jesus Christ, His Blessed mother, St. Joseph, St. Francis of Assisi, all the other beatified saints and even the angels.

Speaking for myself, I attend Mass every day, and before it begins, I say the "Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus." Here is a small portion of that prayer: "...Be Thou King of all those who are still involved in the darkness of idolatry or separated by schism. Refuse not to draw them all into the light and kingdom of God. Turn Thy eyes of mercy toward the children of that race once the chosen people..."

As a member of the Third Order of St. Francis, I begin my day of prayer by reading all of "The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary." In Matins (for Wednesday and Saturday), I pray: "...Let them all be confounded that adore graven things; and that glory in their idols..."

If I say these prayers before a statue/painting, etc., am I praying to an "idol?" The obvious answer is "No," because I don't ask the statue or painting to answer my prayers. Only God, and His helpers in Heaven, can answer them, if I am worthy.

Simply put, "idols" are prayed to as actual gods, but not God our Father. Images of Jesus, Blessed Mother Mary, saints, etc. are images that help direct our thoughts, desires, needs and petitions to these holy persons in Heaven. A much more thorough explanation of this subject can be found in an answer written by Fr. Mario Romero. It can be found on the Internet at: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/youth/biblegeek/31.asp.

WILLIAM BOWMAN

Brother Francis Mary, Third Order of St. Francis

Post Falls

PRESS: Local is

always better

I am writing to you in reference to the Post Falls Press, Oct. 17 issue. Mainly the front page, and also front page of Sports, Section B.

The front page, although of news of elections that are upcoming ... then you print a picture of the Lake City High School girls advancing to state. This is a Post Falls Press, what happened to a picture of our Post Falls girls soccer team getting a nod of recognition?

Then there's the Sports page, a nice big picture of the Lake City girls on to state ... again what happened to the Post Falls High School girls getting a nod with a picture of them ... this again is supposedly the Post Falls Press.

If you were a team member, or a parent, or a grandparent, don't you think we would like to see a picture of our girls in the Post Falls Press winning and advancing to state?

Very, very poor coverage!

In closing, I would say to you, we do have choices in purchasing/subscribing to newspapers, and one person does make a difference and I will keep that in mind when selecting a newspaper to purchase/read.

JAN WALDRAM

Post Falls

see LETTERS, A5

LETTERS

from A4

ELECTION: Two

options for voters

If you want the same old "Slam It Down Your Throat Whether You Like It or Not" City Council, you will vote for Widmyer, Miller, Evans and McEvers.

If you want a City Council that will respect your voice and input in City Government, you will vote for Mary Souza, Chris Fillios, Noel Adam and Sharon Hebert.

JESSE ROBBINS

Coeur d'Alene

EVANS: Leads

a strong slate

City workers and the City Council should be on the same team with the same goals. As a firefighter, I like knowing that our City Council supports safe neighborhoods with local fire stations and a centralized police station. I want that support to continue and that's why I'm voting for Amy Evans.

Amy understands that we are safety professionals. She also knows how we can best meet Coeur d'Alene's fire safety needs while still maintaining fiscal responsibility. Good communication between the City Council and city workers is important for the health and safety of everyone. I was able to witness firsthand Amy's leadership abilities during the forming of the Coeur d'Alene Education Partnership. She truly has a passion and aptitude for improving our community in a positive manner. Her work on the city's planning commission to build the education corridor has helped make it easier for our city services to attract high quality job seekers to our area.

This experience will pay off as the city searches for a new police chief in the upcoming year. It's paying off already with opportunities for higher level training and education available without leaving the community. I want the continued support and growth that Amy will bring to the City Council. I'll vote for Amy, and also for Steve Widmyer for mayor and Kiki Miller and Woody McEvers for City Council because they represent a positive direction for Coeur d'Alene.

GREG ROD

Coeur d'Alene

WIDMYER: Right

choice for mayor

I am writing in support of Steve Widmyer to be the next mayor of Coeur d'Alene. Having known Mr. Widmyer and his family over a decade, I strongly feel he is the most qualified candidate to fulfill the numerous duties and responsibilities required by this position.

Steve's extensive background in business and in handling the finances of large companies makes him an asset to this city and the position. Steve is an extremely successful entrepreneur; combining his own small business accomplishments with his experience in corporate finance, he certainly possesses the necessary knowledge and skills to manage our city's budget in a fiscally responsible manner.

Mr. Widmyer is actively involved in numerous facets of our community and will promote a civically friendly environment in Coeur d'Alene. He is tremendously supportive of our local school system and has been an advocate for students and teachers alike.

Being a Coeur d'Alene native, Steve has a sense of what our city has been and what it may develop into with proper leadership, guidance and planning. Steve would be willing to collaborate with a variety of groups in Coeur d'Alene to achieve the best possible solutions to the problems that face our city. Please join me in supporting a truly qualified and outstanding candidate for mayor.

KELLY REED

Coeur d'Alene

ELECTION: Best

path to the future

To those about to vote to a successful future of Coeur d'Alene. I have voted absentee (a great service to those of us elders and others for convenience of getting the job done if they can't get to their poll that day). I don't mind telling you who I voted for, only because I have people asking me my opinion of "who" each day from some source, because they know I follow who our leaders are, what they think and what they do. I am what is called a "political junkie." I absolutely want to make the best decisions I can make with my one vote. It could be the winning vote ... so everyone should vote.

I support Steve Widmyer for mayor because of his background in business, understanding of BUDGETS and ability to work with others. Kiki Miller for council is my choice. Her dedication for many years of community involvement and work gives her my vote. Amy Evans will bring youth and abounding energy to the good of the city - she received my vote. I choose to keep "Woody" McEvers because I have watched him on channel 19 for a long time and he brings a quiet voice, calm to really bad situations in discussion, and quietly brings answers pro and con from which a decision is then made.

Now, obviously should you think differently - that is your right - vote your conscience. Above all, PLEASE keep this election non-partisan. The City Council of Coeur d'Alene is a non-partisan entity as are school boards and persons elected to the non-partisan board of KMC.

COLLEEN ALLISON

Coeur d'Alene

VOTE: Quality

of life is critical

Our hometown of the past was also a scenic, laid back town with friendly relaxed people, until greed poisoned the quality of life for the residents. Cities have "city plans" directing city politicians, just as the United States has a Constitution containing principles to follow, with amendments as needed for the people - not to the people - or without the people.

We lived in a middle class neighborhood in the past but no one used the term. We enjoyed our homes and neighbors which included policemen, engineers, a judge, teachers as well as active retired folks who kept up with local and national news. In other words, Americans.

Beware any wolf in sheep's clothing who tells you they are smarter than the people. We don't need another dictator in this United States of America.

When the toxin "greed" arrived in our town of the past, we witnessed zoning changes, variances, bulldozing, condos, parking lots, hotels replacing homes, zooming taxes. Affected neighborhoods turned into busy streets and crowded parking. Each condo with two or three cars (plus visitors cars) poured out onto the street, blocking entryways to other homes, noisy car alarms, exhaust, etc.

We like money. But greed is enriching oneself at the cost of others. Greedy politicians can run expensive, impressive campaigns. We learned to avoid voting for Realtors, local developers, predatory distant developers, investors, accountants, opportunists. These professionals should stay out of politics if they suffer that insatiable temptation for more and more at the cost of the quality of life for Coeur d'Alene residents. We will vote for Mary Souza, Chris Fillios, Sharon Hebert and Noel Adam.

BRIAN and TERRI O'ROURKE

Coeur d'Alene