There is no question that small town politics can be a blood sport. That sport, as presently practiced here in Coeur d’Alene, is unprecedented in its level of distrust, paranoia, and conspiracy theories. I have disagreed with some decisions that our elected officials have made and the political ideologies that appeared to be behind them. However, I simply do not believe that as a group, our city council members and the mayor have actively conspired to deprive us of our rights while simultaneously lining their own pockets. Just saying it out loud demonstrates how ridiculous that proposition sounds.

There is no question that city council and the mayor’s office has become a battleground for vastly different political and cultural beliefs. With all due respect to the combatants, that is not what city government is for. City government’s role is to be a good steward of the city’s resources and a protector of its citizens’ personal and property rights, without all the shouting and high drama.

This lovely city needs a break from divisive, partisan politics. It needs, and deserves, a steady hand, a respectful attitude, a willingness to work with others, and a recognition that simply because we may disagree, that does not make either of us evil. We need a peace-maker, not a bomb-thrower. We need a listener, not a shouter.

That is why I am voting for Steve Widmyer for mayor. Steve brings to the mayor’s office all of the characteristics necessary to be our mayor. Steve is fair, honest, compassionate, temperate, and intelligent. He will bring order to the tempest that Coeur d’Alene politics has recently become. He will bring Coeur d’Alene together again. Join me; vote for Steve Widmyer for mayor.

KEVIN BRECK

Coeur d’Alene