Don’T Sack Wallace Without Valid Cause

Wed., March 1, 2000

By D.F. Oliveria daveo@spokesman.com (509) 319-0354

The recall effort announced this week against Coeur d’Alene City Council President Nancy Sue Wallace is based on false assumptions - and doesn’t deserve support.

False Assumption No. 1: Wallace is serving as a front for Duane Hagadone and other business owners who want Coeur d’Alene’s Third Street boat launch closed. Actually, Hagadone opposes key elements of the waterfront renewal plan crafted by a Portland consulting firm and approved by the Urban Renewal Agency. He doesn’t want parking next to The Coeur d’Alene Resort removed to make way for a plaza.

False Assumption No. 2: Wallace wants the boat launch shut immediately. Actually, the plan calls for finding a suitable replacement before the launch is shut.

False Assumption No. 3: Wallace wants to eliminate key McEuen Field play areas, including a children’s playground, and basketball and tennis courts. Actually, she has said repeatedly that she supports preserving McEuen Field for recreation use. And the plan proposes that. Besides, the City Council will have the final say on the matter.

Attorney Steve Bell’s recall effort is a case of jumping at shadows. Jumping at things that could occur under a worst-case scenario. He and other Coeur d’Alene residents should wait and see what the City Council does March 21 when it receives the revitalization plan.

Wallace, a member of the Urban Renewal Agency, deserves credit for having the guts to try to upgrade the public greenbelt along Lake Coeur d’Alene. She and the Urban Renewal Agency have steered a careful course between downtown interests that would erect buildings on McEuen Field if they could and preservationists who don’t want a single blade of grass touched. It’s a tough balancing act.

After a year of public comment, forums and open houses, the waterfront plan represents a good compromise. The Spokesman-Review endorsed the plan in concept, looking to the City Council to work out the details.

Frankly, this newspaper supports the idea of closing the Third Street boat launch - if an adequate replacement can be found and built elsewhere. In the summer, vehicles pulling trailers jam downtown Coeur d’Alene streets and tie up parking spaces. Boaters easily could launch their crafts at an alternative site.

Bell’s recall drive should remind everyone involved how sensitive Coeur d’Alene waterfront issues are. However, a public servant of Wallace’s stature shouldn’t be penalized for daring to dream big dreams.

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.