Resolve Issues, Look To Future

Sat., June 17, 2000

William Moe Special To Handle Extra

Recent publicity concerning the city of Spirit Lake compels me to write this open letter to its residents. I believe it is time to get over our differences and focus on the city’s propserous future.

In the seven months since my election as mayor, my administration has been the subject of much discussion, including public comments both positive and negative. I am not overly sensitive to negative comments, because I think public feedback of any nature is very important if we are to gain a better understanding of the problems facing our city. Although I don’t admit to having all of the answers, I believe a sharing of the facts can only strengthen future discussions.

One criticism of my administration focuses on the expansion of the Police Department. It is true that we have added personnel in an effort to crack down on the drug problem in Spirit Lake. The results of the additional personnel can best be measured by the 31 drug-related arrests in just seven months. Thirteen of those arrests were felonies, including two meth labs that were busted. This clearly illustrates the seriousness of drugs in our community.

Our three town hall meetings to discuss street improvements were very worthwhile. The general consensus was that the plan was good, but that the $15 a month per resident to fund it was prohibitive. So, we will now focus on a lower-cost approach to fixing our streets. I am still committed to repaving Maine Street and upgrading other streets in the city. The need for better streets has not gone away and neither has my resolve to do something about it.

We also are actively looking at ways to improve city facilities, such as our public works shop and wastewater plant. City crews are installing more than 150 water meters around town so we can better measure flow to and from our residences. This will help us plan for the wastewater facility expansion scheduled for next year.

Finally, volunteers have come forward to offer time to paint our old water tower. This exciting community event should tie in nicely with our plans to refurbish the tower with money from the Idaho Rural Water Association. Bringing the water tower back on line will help improve water pressure and give us better fire protection. And it will look better, too!

I encourage any citizen with comments to call me at City Hall. I am there every day during working hours and can be reached at 623-2131.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.