EDITORIAL: Coeur d'Alene mayor race offers candidates with different strengths

Coeur d’Alene voters have tough, and important, calls to make on Election Day. We hope they are paying attention. 

The City Council race for Seat 2 between longtime incumbent Amy Evans and challenger Jeff “Doc” Larson features two bright people. The race for Seat 6 between longtime incumbent Kiki Miller facing challengers Bill Brooks, a former Kootenai County commissioner, and JD Claridge, who has run for council in previous years and, while unsuccessful, did well, also gives voters solid choices. Experience could make the difference here. 

The mayor is considered a neutral, guiding voice there to shepherd things along rather than point the way. It is the mayor’s race that perhaps holds the most intrigue because the two favorites, Mayor Woody McEvers and City Councilor Dan Gookin, offer a contrast in styles. 

McEvers has been around a long time and was first elected to the council in 2002. He was appointed mayor last year when Jim Hammond resigned. He has served on city commissions, been part of key projects, is knowledgeable and dedicated. He is someone who trusts city staff to do their job well, sees his role as mayor as an avenue to support them. The co-owner of Rustler’s Roost in Hayden generally asks for clarifications during City Council meetings to be sure he’s got things straight and is an attentive listener. If elected, City Hall would likely continue as it is, which is fine, as it is well-run. McEvers may come across as easygoing, but when push comes to shove, he’ll let you know where he stands.

Gookin, first elected to the council in 2011, is also knowledgeable and dedicated to the city, having been involved in arts and theater before turning his attention to politics. He comes to City Council meetings having reviewed material and generally probes city staff with good, pointed queries, while being respectful. He asks a lot of questions and isn’t afraid to keep asking if he’s not convinced of the answer or sees holes in it. The founder of the For Dummies book series is smart and direct and considers himself a man of the people. Gookin is not someone who goes with the flow. If elected, Gookin is not going to come in and break down walls at City Hall, but he would likely shake things up a bit.  

The other two mayoral candidates, John Pulsipher and Debbie Loffman, are newcomers to the political scene in Coeur d’Alene. That’s not necessarily negative. Some have said City Hall could use a new perspective, perhaps leadership from someone who sees things through a different lens, not accustomed to doing things as they have always been done. Both Pulsipher and Loffman are bright and as they are willing to step out and run as long-shots for mayor, worthy of your consideration. 

The Press, in case you were wondering, does not endorse candidates, but rather, we want to do our best to present information about the candidates. We believe there are a number of good ones in Coeur d’Alene and thank each of them for seeking office. It can only make for a better hometown.