Dan Gookin was sworn in as Coeur d'Alene's new mayor at Tuesday's City Council meeting. 

"This is great — good city stuff as opposed to some of the stuff we have to deal with that's not so pleasant," Gookin said. "This was pleasant." 

The mayor outlined his priorities. 

"I'm going to build bridges between us and the other organizations around NIC — the county — and the school district," Gookin said. "I'd like to see us complete some projects that we've kind of left on the shelf gathering dust — tackle the budget issue — and make sure council is more actively involved with the process." 

Gookin said he has a great group of council members and is looking forward to adding one more, referring to filling the No. 3 seat he held for the past 14 years. 

Gookin will sit in on the interviews of three finalists Thursday morning. 

"I get to pick the person to fill the vacant seat," he said. "We'll make the announcement the following week and want to have the person onboard for the next council meeting." 

Gookin wasn't the only person sworn. Councilors Kiki Miller, Amy Evans and Kenny Gabriel also took the oath of office in the Coeur d'Alene Public Library Community Room.

In his first official act as mayor, Gookin presented retiring Police Chief Lee White with the Key to the City. 

Council members elected Evans as council president, who will preside over the body in the mayor's absence. Councilor Dan English presented outgoing mayor Woody McEvers with a plaque and gavel as a memento for his term of service. 

"I appreciate everyone I've worked with and all the accomplishments we've achieved," McEvers said. "It's been quite an experience. I'm not sure what I'll do now." 

    Municipal Services Director/City Clerk Renata McLeod administers the Oath of Office to council members Kiki Miller, Amy Evans and Kenny Gabriel.
  

    Gookin is in his new seat on the City Council.
  

    Mayor Gookin presents Police Chief Lee White with the Key to the City.