Gookin up to the task of being CDA's mayor

On Tuesday, Coeur d’Alene will see the beginning of a new era at City Hall when Dan Gookin is sworn in as mayor. Hopes and expectations are high for Gookin, who displayed an ability to analyze and ask hard questions of staff during his time on the City Council. 

He presented himself as a man of the people, and it resonated with residents, as Gookin won in November with nearly 35% of the vote. While he will likely shake things up at City Hall, which seems to be what residents want, Gookin will face challenges. 

Let’s start with the announced retirements of City Administrator Troy Tymesen, Parks Director Bill Greenwood, Fire Chief Tom Greif, Police Chief Lee White and several longtime employees in the fire and police departments and others who accepted the city’s buyout plan to reduce personnel costs. While we like the city’s efforts to save money, we hope losing so many capable people with experience and institutional knowledge doesn’t come back to haunt it. 

A quick look at a handful of situations that need the mayor’s attention: 

• Figure out ways for the city to develop a budget that doesn’t rely on raising property taxes and using the general fund. The city’s compensation package for employees is generally pretty generous. Wages and benefits average more than $100,000 per employee.

• Resolve the fears of Indian Meadows residents from the traffic of the next-door Coeur Terre development.  

• Look at water use. It is not an infinite resource. Come summer, the city can pump in the range of 40 million gallons a day. While the city loves its parks, they demand a lot of water to keep them green. Water is relatively cheap in Coeur d’Alene. Maybe too cheap. 

• Deal with the growth of short-term rentals. For a time, the city considered limiting STRs. At one point, it was estimated there were between 840 and 1,200 vacation rentals in the city, with about 450 legally permitted. Some blocks have numerous STRs. Those operating illegally should be shut down and fined. Neighborhoods are losing their sense of character that attracts people. 

• Affordability and cost of living. Coeur d’Alene’s housing is high, which isn’t surprising, as it is a place people want to live. But it’s gotten so high that those who grew up here have had to leave to find affordable housing elsewhere. Some on a fixed income say they can’t stay any longer. It's not an issue the mayor can solve, but it is one he can influence and lead the way to more affordable housing. 

• If red tape can be cut to help businesses thrive, let’s take a look at it. 

Gookin won’t go it alone. He has an experienced and bright City Council in Kiki Miller, Amy Evans, Dan English, Christie Wood, and Kenny Gabriel, plus an open seat soon to be filled. He also has a sharp team at City Hall. These are dedicated people who are committed to making and keeping Coeur d’Alene great. 

But as he demonstrated as a City Councilor, Gookin is not afraid to stand alone.

Gookin has the drive, dedication and determination to deliver on the campaign that earned him the support of voters and his seat in the mayor’s office. He plans to provide the leadership he believes has been missing at City Hall, and we think he is the right person for the job.