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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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Mayor Widmyer to seek re-election

Mayor Steve Widmyer announced late this afternoon that he will seek re-election:​

For the past 3 1/2 years its been my honor to serve as your Mayor. Four years ago I ran with the statement of " Bringing Coeur d Alene Together ".  I believe I have helped do that. The City has filled its #1 priority to our citizens by investing in public safety by adding a new fire station and adding to our police force. We have continued to invest in our streets and parks. We have provided the City services that our citizens need. We have done this while being fiscally conservative. We have reorganized City departments. I have served as a member of the Urban Renewal agency and spearheaded the effort to accomplish the first deannexation of an Urban Renewal Agency in the State of Idaho. Because of this we returned over $1.3 million dollars annually to the taxing agencies of the City, Kootenai County , North Idaho College and other taxing districts. Today our tax levy rate is lower than it was 4 years ago. We are working hard to keep the property tax burden low and to make growth pay for itself. I have returned hundreds of phone calls and emails from citizens who have reached out to me with questions or concerns. I have made myself available to listen to all of our citizens.

There is much work to be done. The City is working with our Urban Renewal Agency on many important projects for our City. Construction of the project  to revitalize Seltice Way is underway. We are planning to build a 370 space downtown parking garage. Both of these projects will help jumpstart economic activity and help spur job creation. We are beginning the 2nd Phase of the Memorial Field project to add more park amenities  to go along with the soon to be opened Carousel. The City has taken the lead on the potential redevelopment of the old Stimson mill site which will create more public access to the water and spur private development of an old blighted industrial site. We are working hard on all of these projects while always striving to improve our service to our citizens and being conservative in spending your property taxes.
 
The future of the community that I have called home for  54 years is very bright. I would like to continue to work to make our City a great place to live. Today I am announcing that I will be seeking a 2nd term to serve as your Mayor.

 

 



D.F. Oliveria
D.F. (Dave) Oliveria joined The Spokesman-Review in 1984. He currently is a columnist and compiles the Huckleberries Online blog and writes about North Idaho in his Huckleberries column.

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