Tensions at City Hall must be overcome

We believe Dan Gookin did a fine job as a City Councilor and will do a fine job as mayor of Coeur d’Alene. There is a reason he was elected and it's not because citizens prefer the status quo. Clearly, there are areas the voters want to see changed.

We also believe Randy Adams has done a fine job as the city attorney of Coeur d’Alene since taking on that role four years ago. He is an asset to the city and from our experience, has a sharp legal mind.

That’s why it was disappointing to see these two talented men clash at the City Council meeting Tuesday. Both are intelligent and dedicated to the city. Both hold key positions at City Hall. For this city to operate at its best, there needs to be trust between them.

Right now, that seems to be missing. 

We’re not saying they need to agree on everything. They won’t. We’re not saying they should be buddies. Sounds like they are not. But we are saying there needs to be clear communication and mutual respect. 

Sure, they can have heated discussions in the office, but a City Council meeting before a large crowd is not the place for angry words and accusations. The mayor, above all, needs to maintain a calm demeanor. He is held to a higher standard. The mayor sets the standard.

Dan Gookin only took office in January. Expectations are high. He is trying to make changes at City Hall. It would not be too surprising to learn that some of those changes are not being well received. Not everyone agrees with the new boss at work, at home or at City Hall. From what we know of Dan Gookin, he does not easily take no for an answer.

We believe, and have said, that Coeur d’Alene is a well-run city. It’s a beautiful place to live, with relatively low taxes, low crime, clean streets, lovely parks, a thriving downtown and a strong business sector. It has an experienced City Council and it has experienced people in key posts at City Hall.  

But this city also has financial challenges. To balance the numbers in the most recently approved budget, it had to use about $1.8 million from the general fund. It also raised property taxes and took some foregone taxes to the tune of about another $1.1 million. That needs to stop.

As part of a solution, it offered a buyout last year to longtime employees to try to trim personnel expenses. Whether that is successful remains to be seen. We do know that many familiar and popular faces at City Hall, like Troy Tymesen and Bill Greenwood, accepted the early retirement plan. Police Chief Lee White and Fire Chief Tom Greif also accepted it. When you lose such experience and knowledge, there is sure to be fallout, perhaps in ways that were not foreseen. Tuesday's outburst may not have happened with the calming presence of longtime leaders.

Currently, there is contention at City Hall, which should not be surprising. There shouldn't be 100% harmony between staff and council. But it's not often the mayor asks the city attorney to resign. We don't want to see that happen. 

This city needs Dan Gookin as its mayor. It also needs Randy Adams as its city attorney.

What we would like to see is our city leaders communicating clearly, working together and moving toward a shared goal of Coeur d'Alene continuing to be a great place to call home.