Three Compete To Lead Tiny Town Of Harrison

With Harrison’s population of only 226, Dave LePard figures, “Everyone that wants a turn at directing the city is probably going to get one.”

LePard, a 44-year-old state dam inspector, is one of three candidates for mayor in the lakeside town south of Coeur d’Alene.

“I figured it was my turn to give it a shot,” he said.

LePard wants to pave more streets, lay more water lines and expand the sewer system.

“Those are things that need to be done,” he said. “It’s inevitable that we’re going to grow.”

He said he decided to run because he figured two-term Mayor Dean Christensen wasn’t going to run again.

LePard was wrong.

“I wish he’d have come and talked to me,” chuckled Christensen, a 62-year-old retired farmer and lifelong Harrison resident.

Christensen said he’s got more time than his challengers to donate to the city.

Plus, he said, he has a record of getting things done. In the past six years, the city’s built a popular campground, added docks and repaired the water tank. Zoning ordinances - the city’s first - should be in place by February.

The third challenger is Jerry Kirkpatrick, who moved to Harrison 18 months ago, from Michigan, after 26 years as a General Electric sales manager. At 52, he’s owner of Harrison’s Rose Cafe.

Kirkpatrick said he can help improve cooperation among the townspeople, helping them talk out old feuds and the ongoing debate over growth.

“I live and work in Harrison,” Kirkpatrick said. “I’m here for the long haul.”

, DataTimes