COEUR d'ALENE — Ron Edinger has served on the Coeur d'Alene City Council for more than four decades. Throw in a term as mayor, too.

"I know both the successes and challenges of city government and its citizens," Edinger said. "I have no need for on-the-job training to become a city councilman."

Edinger, a 79-year-old retiree, said the city's greatest asset is its people. He is seeking re-election and has drawn a challenger in local businessman Toby Schindelbeck.

"Our citizens are friendly, honest, hard-working, generous in giving to worthy causes, patriotic Americans, and family oriented," Edinger said.

He said his greatest strength is that he listens to all views of citizens and has no hidden agendas.

"I'm open to new ideas for change," he said.

During his four years as mayor, Edinger and the city council, with assistance from the late attorney Scott Reed, purchased Tubbs Hill and the Idaho Water Co., and developed Independence Point.

"While serving with several mayors and councilmen, we have worked with the citizens to build a city that embraces economic prosperity, developed open spaces featuring parks, trails, recreational and sports opportunities for our youth," he said.

He and the city's elected officials also worked together for educational opportunities such as the arts, humanities and cultural events in collaboration with colleges.

"I believe our mayors and we on the council have built an outstanding infrastructure with a first-class water and waste-treatment plant, improved streets — Fourth Street, for example — (and) economic expansion in the northern part of the city and great police and fire departments," he said.

The city's elected officials also played a major role in such projects as the Coeur d'Alene Public Library, the Kroc Center, and the Riverstone project with more than 1,500 employed once all the building construction is completed.

"As a resident of Coeur d'Alene for 60 years, I love the people and this place," he said. "My wife, Nancy, and I have raised three daughters here and they in turn, along with their children and grandchildren, continue to make this their home."

If elected again, Edinger pledged to advocate and promote public safety by supporting the city's police and fire departments, and promote economic growth and the creation of good-paying jobs. He also promised to maintain communication and positive relations between the city council and city employees.

"I have over four decades of experience and knowledge as to the workings of our city and the issues — contrasted with no such experience by my opponent," Edinger said. "After decades of living in Coeur d'Alene, I understand and appreciate the views, concerns, traditions and fundamental values of we Idahoans."