In brief: Edinger seeking another City Council term

Coeur d’Alene’s longest-serving city councilman, Ron Edinger, is seeking re-election, touting his experience, integrity and inability to be influenced by special interests.

Edinger, who served one term as mayor in the 1970s and has been a councilman for three decades, launched his campaign Wednesday in front of City Hall. Edinger has lived in the city 52 years. He’s married and has three daughters who are raising families here.

“Every decision I make as a councilman affects my family as well as yours,” Edinger said. “I have a vested interest.”

Dan Gookin, a community activist and former Libertarian candidate for the Idaho Senate, announced last week he will challenge Edinger in the November election.

Gookin has been a critic of Coeur d’Alene’s urban renewal agency, the Lake City Development Corp., and its role in funding private development. He has also questioned the city’s help in funding the Kroc Community Center.

Without naming anyone, Edinger said in his statement that condemning city government is an easy way to get recognition.

“It’s unfortunate that there are people out there criticizing just about everything good in Coeur d’Alene,” he said.

– Erica Curless

Hayden

Councilman resigning, moving out of area

Hayden City Councilman Chris Beck plans to resign from the council this month and won’t seek re-election in November because he’s moving outside city limits.

Beck said Wednesday he is unsure whether Mayor Ron McIntire will appoint someone to fill the vacancy until a new council member is elected in November and takes office in January. Beck said he doesn’t know of anyone interested in filing for his seat or seeking appointment.

Candidates have until 5 p.m. Friday to file for Beck’s seat at the Hayden City Hall.

McIntire wasn’t available for comment.

City Councilwoman Nancy Taylor has filed for re-election, as has McIntire.

Beck, a geotechnical engineer, was elected to the council in 1999.

“We’re moving to a house on a quieter street,” Beck said.

He predicts that annexations will become a hot topic for the council in the next year because there are about six proposals planned.

“It will define where Hayden (grows) in the next decade,” Beck said.

– Erica Curless

Kootenai County

Deer seized from home released into wild

Two rescued whitetail deer that spent years captive in a double-wide trailer were released into the wild by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department.

The deer and several other emaciated animals – a horse, dogs, cats and guinea pigs – were seized last week by sheriff’s deputies investigating a report of animal abuse.

The Department of Fish and Game “said that’s the best thing they could do” for the deer, sheriff’s Capt. Ben Wolfinger said.

Other animals seized from the property are receiving veterinary care, he said.

Wayne and Darlene Gardner face 21 counts of animal cruelty, including charges of holding wildlife captive.

The deer had been living in squalor in separate bedrooms in the home for up to four years, according to the sheriff’s report.

– Taryn Brodwater