Kunka gives taxes, meth high priority

Joseph Kunka says he’s running for mayor because he wants to represent the average Coeur d’Alene resident.

Kunka, 45, officially announced his campaign Monday by turning in his declaration paperwork at City Hall. There were no supporters and no speeches. It was low-key, which is how Kunka plans to run his campaign against Mayor Sandi Bloem. The election is Nov. 8.

“I’ve been sitting on my couch complaining for 15 years,” said Kunka, the marketing representative for the local security company Watson Agency. “My wife told me, ‘Quit complaining and get out and do something.’ “

At the top of his to-do list is finding out how to stop tax increases and the methamphetamine problem in Coeur d’Alene.

He doesn’t have any specific answers for how to do either.

“I’ll entertain ideas and help find a solution,” Kunka said.

Another priority is encouraging people to get involved in government. He said that’s really why he is running for mayor, noting he was one of only four people who showed up for the public hearing on the city’s $66.6 million budget earlier this month.

Kunka, who has never run for office, is realistic about his well-known opponent and her ability to raise money.

“It will be very difficult to beat Sandi, because she’s been a part of a lot of exciting things that have happened in Coeur d’Alene,” he said. “I’m not running to beat Sandi. I’m running to offer a little different perspective and represent the working guys, the common people.”

Born in North Dakota, Kunka lived in Bonners Ferry for a couple of years before moving to Great Falls, Mont., in the third grade. He served eight years in the Marines and has lived in Coeur d’Alene for 15 years. Prior to working for Watson Agency, Kunka was a salesman for Specialty Sales and Service.

He is married and has two sons.

Candidates have until Sept. 30 to file.

Bloem was elected in 2001 and is the city’s first female mayor.

Three City Council seats are also on the ballot. So far, council members Deanna Goodlander and Woody McEvers are running unopposed.

Councilman Ben Wolfinger isn’t seeking re-election and three people are vying for his seat – local businessman Mike Kennedy, city planning commission member Mary Souza and former city employee Dan Yake.