Councilman Dan Gookin, who with Councilman Steve Adams and Ron Edinger fought the makeover of McEuen Field at every phase, was on hand for the dedication ceremonies Saturday morning. In this Duane Rasmussen photo, Gookin is being interviewed by a Spokane television crew. In a letter to the Coeur d'Alene Press editor Sunday, Gookin took issue with a recent Press editorial that used the phrase anti-McEuenites. Seems his new spin -- and one that apparently will carry him into a possible run for a new term next year -- is that he didn't oppose the reconstruction, he simply wanted a public vote. See his letter below.

In your May 23 editorial, you wrote, “Wonder what the anti-McEuenites think now?” This is a cheap shot, unworthy of your publication. It’s my understanding that the people who voted Mr. Edinger, Mr. Adams, and me into office in 2011 — and by great margins — were not “anti-McEuenites.” While a handful of people did express a desire for nothing to happen at McEuen, we represented a majority who simply wanted a public advisory vote. We represented people who would have preferred a more open, honest process to redevelopment of McEuen Field. We represented people who felt that the total cost — a number that constantly fluctuated — should be more reasonable. The new park will be enjoyed by everyone. Although it didn’t happen the way I would have preferred, I welcome its success/Councilman Dan Gookin, Coeur d'Alene, letter to the editor, Coeur d'Alene Press. More here.

Question: Would we have a destination park on the waterfront today if the Gookin faction of the City Council had one more vote -- say, Jim Brannon had beaten Mike Kennedy in the 2009 City Council election?