Huckleberries interviews Councilman Mike Kennedy re: his announcement today that he won't run for mayor or for re-election as a Coeur d'Alene council member this year:

• Huckleberries: How hard was the decision not to seek re-election?
• Mike Kennedy: Surprisingly hard. I had basically decided not to run a while back but when Sandi made her decision -- and my Mom passed away -- I stopped thinking about it for awhile. Sandi's decision wasn't entirely unexpected. But I had hoped that she would run again. I looked at it again afterward. Ultimately, the main reasons are what they are -- time, attention & focus.
• HBO: Is this the last we'll see of Mike Kennedy in local political circles?
• Kennedy: I suspect not. I'm 44 and I'm not going anywhere. But I am focusing on family and work to where I want them to be.
• HBO: Will you be active behind the scenes in this fall's municipal elections?
• Kennedy: If I can help, absolutely. But ultimately the candidates are the ones who decide what to do. They have hard campaigns facing them. The voters have to get out and do what they did in the School Board elections -- and turn back the forces of extremism and keep things moving.
• HBO: Without Sandi & you running for re-election, does that give those "forces of extremism" a clear shot to take over city government?
• Kennedy: It doesn't have to. The School Board election showed that sensible center wants people who can work together. They don't want ideologues like Brent Regan, Mary Souza and Jim Brannon.
• HBO: Will your decision not to run free you up to say what you think about some of the candidates?
• Kennedy: Sure, but I've never been accused of hiding my thoughts. I have often joked with friends: if I can help by supporting You publicly, I will; if I can help by not supporting you publicly, I will. It will be a lively campaign year. I don't know who is going to run. But I've heard rumors. The announced candidates (Mary Souza and Jim Brannon) right now are not fit to be mayor Coeur d'Alene.
• HBO: What would you like to accomplish in the last 6 months of your term?
• Kennedy: I'd like to ensure that we have things set up properly for a good transition. Building has picked back up, which is good. Staff transitions are coming. Several department heads are retiring and that gives us a chance to look at how departments function.

Question: Is Mike Kennedy being fair when he says that neither Mary Souza or Jim Brannon are qualified to be mayor of Coeur d'Alene?