Cda Creates Rights Job Full-Time Post Designed To Counteract Message Of Hate Sent By Aryans

The city of Coeur d’Alene will hire a human rights coordinator in response to racist activities and their economic and social consequences, Mayor Steve Judy announced Wednesday.

The coordinator will work with the media, advertising agencies and civic and religious groups in North Idaho, and focus on the city’s “unique challenge” concerning the Aryans’ marches, Judy said.

The coordinator will develop programs to promote dignity and respect, said Ken Harward, executive director of the Association of Idaho Cities, which found money for the position.

“The establishment of this coordinator position will further this commitment and build on the work that has been done and continues to, by local and regional human rights groups,” Harward said.

AIC is a nonpartisan, nonprofit corporation owned by 201 city governments in Idaho.

Judy approached AIC members earlier this year and asked for money to create a human rights position in Coeur d’Alene.

Greg Carr, an Idaho native and creator of the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy at Harvard University, agreed to pay for the position. The salary will range between $35,000 and $45,000, and be administered through the AIC.

The new position is a positive step for the city, said Norm Gissel, a member on Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations.

“I’m pleased the mayor has thought enough about this.” Gissel said. “(Judy) should be congratulated.”

The position will create a coordinated relationship between the city and local human rights groups, said Doug Cresswell, president of the task force.

The new position will be “an answer to prayers” if the person deals with diversity issues and concentrates on making North Idaho a positive place to live, said Skip Kuck, vice president of the Northwest Coalition for Human Dignity.

“Recently there have been a lot of groups that have tried to deal with these nasty issues, and they were met with limited cooperation,” she said.

Kuck said she wishes city officials worked more with grass-roots organizations already in the community - where changes concerning human rights really are taking place.

“You can’t manipulate people,” Kuck said. “People have to decide this is something important in their lives.”

The coordinator will create a Web site. He or she also will coordinate community responses to hate group marches, as well as research the possibilities of a center or memorial - a symbol of the area’s commitment to diversity.

“It is intended that the coordinator will develop a program in Coeur d’Alene that will serve as the template for other such programs around the state so that all efforts are coordinated and consistent,” said Judy.

Gov. Dirk Kempthorne, like Carr, wants to change the perception that Idaho is a haven for hate groups. Kempthorne has proposed a new campaign that would dedicate up to $100,000 to change Idaho’s image.

“When people say `Idaho,’ they don’t know about Idaho except when a group up north decides to take out a parade permit,” said Mark Snider, Kempthorne’s press secretary. “It’s a plan to fill a void, because if we don’t do it somebody else will.”

Judy said he would like appoint the coordinator as soon as possible, and will work with local residents to make the choice.

This sidebar appeared with the story: TO BE INVOLVED Applications accepted

Mayor Steve Judy encourages anyone interested in applying for the job to call City Hall at 769-2204.