Hydro Opponents Short Of Signatures

Hydroplane racing opponents have gathered about half the signatures they need to put a ban on the races on the May 28 ballot.

Protect Our Lakes Association has gathered signatures from about 1,500 Coeur d’Alene voters, said Kathy Canfield-Davis, who is organizing the effort. The group needs 3,200 signatures by April 12 to put the issue on the primary election ballot.

Protect Our Lakes is planning a major push during the next two weeks to reach its goal. Petitions will be available at the Silver Lake Mall between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Hydroplane opponents decided to propose a citywide referendum on banning the races after promoters tried to revive the races for this Labor Day on Lake Coeur d’Alene. That proposal was withdrawn after tremendous opposition, but racing foes fear it will resurface.

Hydroplanes were raced on Lake Coeur d’Alene from 1958 to 1968, but the races were discontinued after spectators became too rowdy.

People willing to gather signatures are asked to contact Canfield-Davis at 667-1763 or Kathy Beechler at 664-2161.

, DataTimes