Three candidates for an opening on the Coeur d’Alene City Council were peppered with questions Thursday by the people they hope to join.

They were asked about government experience, community involvement, knowledge of the City Council’s role and what they see as the top issues facing the city. 

For most of the nearly two-hour meeting, it was a serious affair, but Councilor Dan English lightened the mood toward the end when he joked about what they were really looking for in the next person to serve on the City Council.

“We get along well and want to keep it that way,” he said, smiling. “So don’t make trouble.” 

The city received 23 applications for the vacancy on Council Seat 3, left open when Dan Gookin officially stepped in as mayor Tuesday after winning November’s election. 

Three applicants, Tonya Coppedge, Dan Sheckler and Todd Tondee, were interviewed at City Hall as about 10 members of the public looked on. 

Coppedge has worked in healthcare for more than 20 years. She has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western Governors University in healthcare management and administration. She was an AmeriCorps volunteer in 2001 and supported community and environmental initiatives in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. 

In her application she wrote, “Our community deserves leadership that listens, considers all perspectives, and works to keep Coeur d’Alene safe, welcoming and grounded.” 

She described herself as “committed to fact-based decision-making, transparent governance, and protecting the long-term well-being of the city where I was raised and where I am now raising my daughter.” 

She cited housing, transportation and growth among the top concerns for Coeur d’Alene.  

Asked about how she would address the city’s budget issues, Coppedge said, “We have to balance revenues and expenditures,” but said she didn’t have a specific idea. 

“I’d love to dig into the budget,” she said. 

Sheckler, an attorney, wrote he wanted to serve on the City Council “out of a sense of service to the broader community, where I have grown up.” 

“I value listening carefully, apply sound judgment, and serving neighbors with fairness, respect, and an eye toward the long-term stewardship of Coeur d’Alene’s future,” he wrote in his application.

Sheckler served on the Bonner County Planning and Zoning Commission, volunteers with Coeur d’Alene Youth Sailing and is a precinct committeeman for the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee. 

He said he would have no problem sharing his opinion, even if he was in the minority. 

“I will stand up for what I believe in,” he said. “I will do that on any issue.” 

Asked about ideas for dealing with traffic, Sheckler said he lives downtown, rides his bike often and would encourage alternative forms of transportation. 

He said there is no clear answer to easing traffic in Coeur d’Alene and said it was an inevitable part of growth. 

Asked if he had any questions for the council, Sheckler displayed a sense of humor: “Do you think the council could accommodate a third Dan?” 

Todd Tondee cited his government experience. He served on the Post Falls City Council from 2003 to 2007; was a Kootenai County commissioner from 2007 to 2015; served on the Post Falls Highway District from 2016 to 2021; and is a KCRCC precinct committeeman. 

“I will be able to hit the ground running and be an asset,” Tondee said. 

He has been involved with food banks, chambers, Kiwanis and served on the Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization. 

“My comprehensive understanding of regional governance, combined with over a decade of firsthand experience in the real estate market, provides a pragmatic perspective on managing growth and addressing housing affordability,” he wrote. 

Asked about addressing the city’s budget, Tondee said he would “need to dive in,” evaluate each department and seek if there were opportunities for savings. 

He said developments like Coeur Terre, traffic and pending retirements of key personnel at City Hall were among top issues facing the city. 

Tondee said urban renewal is a “fantastic tool” but added it must have "clear and measurable returns" for taxpayers. 

“I personally like urban renewal for creating jobs,” he said. “I don’t like it for housing.” 

Gookin said he hopes to appoint someone for the seat next week, who would then need to be approved by the City Council. 

The individual appointed will serve the remainder of the Council Seat 3 term, which is through Jan. 4, 2028.

Councilors were pleased with the process that saw so many applicants for Seat 3. 

“We want the public to be involved,” Christie Wood said. 

    Sheckler
  

    Tondee