Bodman is best for Post Falls council

In a municipal election, voters rarely have the chance to choose among three individuals who have served on the City Council.

Yet, Post Falls residents are faced with that very prospect in a race for the only contested council seat Nov. 8.

Incumbent Joe Bodman has served two terms after being the leading vote-getter and replacing Joe Doellefeld in a five-way race for two council seats under the city’s old “horse race” system. Doellefeld, who served one term before finishing fourth in the 1997 race, and Jackie McAvoy, who was appointed to the council and then won a two-year term before losing a re-election bid, are now vying with Bodman to win back a council spot.

All have strengths that would serve a progressive council well. After two terms, Bodman is aware of the issues affecting Post Falls, including the need to replace the softball diamonds at the defunct Quad Park and keep expanding the park system. McAvoy has connections throughout the community and Idaho through her involvement with myriad volunteer boards and committees. Doellefeld is not afraid to ask questions of council members whom he believes “hide from the public” and walk too much in lock step. The choice is difficult. But the council has served well together and doesn’t need to be shaken up.

Voters should re-elect Joe Bodman.

With three children 17 and younger, Bodman has a fundamental tie to the changing community through school activities and youth sports, enabling him to see the importance of quality parks and recreation. Although he understands that growth should be controlled somewhat, he also knows that the increasing population has attracted businesses and industry. He said he has kept his two promises from the time he was first elected – to vote the way his constituents tell him and to keep them informed. Also, he defended himself from criticism leveled by both opponents that he does little more for the community than show up at council meetings, stating he reads and understands the council agenda and generally is prepared to vote when he arrives at the meetings.

Doellefeld, owner of Stateline Speedway and past president of the Chamber of Commerce, is a bottom-line candidate who believes the council has gotten too cozy and that it passes too many motions unanimously and without debate. Also, he said, the city should watch the urban renewal agency closer and tighten the budget. Doellefeld was known for asking tough questions about city spending during his first term of office and should stay true to that form if elected again.

McAvoy, a retired Louisiana-Pacific employee and past president of the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce, is well-connected with her membership in a laundry list of boards and organizations. She’s proud that she’s on a first-name basis with the Idaho congressional delegation, Gov. Dirk Kempthorne and various legislators. That’s important for Post Falls. But she may be too committed elsewhere to serve effectively on the City Council.

None of these candidates is an overwhelming preference. But Bodman is the best pick to keep a status quo that’s working in Post Falls.