Norm Gissel (pictured), the local human-rights activist who helped bring down the Aryan Nations, is circulating a mailer on behalf of Councilwoman Deanna Goodlander today, decrying challenger Dan Gookin's statements about Coeur d'Alene police Sgt. Christie Wood. He writes in part:

Councilman Goodlander's opponent, Mr. Dan Gookin, is another matter. One example of his activities is to refer to Sgt. Christie Wood of the Coeur d'Alene Police Department as a "snake" and as "Sergeant Cupcake." Yes, this actually happened in writing publicly. Viewed in the worst possible light these statements were written by Mr. Gookin in an effort to harm Sgt. Wood professionally or embarrass her publicly. More likely and viewed in the most positive light these statements were written to demonstrate what Mr. Gookin believes to be the humorous and carefree side to his personality. One can only imagine Mr. Gookin as a newly elected councilman sitting next to our mayor, spotting Sgt. Wood in the audience and merrily shouting out, "Hi, Sargeant Cupcake" or "Hi, Snake"!

• You can read the full letter here

Question: Do the "Sargeant Cupcake" and "Snake" references that Gookin made about Sgt. Christie Wood bother you? Or much ado about nothing?

---

---