Proposed Paving Project Causes Tempers To Flare

Sat., May 6, 2000

Keely Clary Special To Handle Extra

I moved to Spirit Lake 17 years ago. What I loved most about the small town was its simplicity. I didn’t move to Spirit Lake with the idea that I would try to change the things that make the town what it is.

That’s why it bothered me so much when I saw that Mayor Bill Moe was proposing a $2.2 million road paving project. The city would like each property owner to pay a minimum of $15 per parcel for 25 years.

The plan has ignited a flame under a lot of the residents. In the past two town meetings, tempers have been high and with good reason. Three years ago there was a $500,000 chip seal put on a portion of our 15 miles of city roads that was neither completed nor maintained.

They also are telling us we would have to sell city bonds. If the plan goes through with 60 percent approval of property owners, and you are unable to pay the fee, there will be a lien attached to the property. The townspeople were surprised to hear the paving project would be guaranteed for only one year.

I’m not saying we shouldn’t fix our damaged roads down Maine Street and around our post office - I think we should. But if we approve this proposal, our town could be in debt with a similar paving project like some of our local towns including Priest River, Newport and Sandpoint.

Instead, I propose we clean up our public access area so our children have a clean place to swim, and we can have picnics with our families.

Fix the things that need the most attention. Since Mayor Moe has been in office, our police force has doubled. It seems like every time we get a new mayor, the city wants us to dig in our pockets a little deeper.

There are a lot of people on fixed incomes who can’t afford one penny more, never mind another $15 a month. What I’m trying to say is, I love small town Spirit Lake - with an emphasis on the words “small town.”

Spirit Lake is not a big city like Coeur d’Alene, Hayden or even Rathdrum. We are small-town, and we like it that way. For those who came from the big cities, who think we need all these changes, maybe they should return to that big-city-life they enjoyed so much.

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.