Souza seeks open council seat

Planning Commission member Mary Souza is running for the Coeur d’Alene City Council because she believes it is possible to manage growth to keep the city’s views and quality of life.

“We don’t want to be a generic strip mall of a city,” Souza told about 25 people gathered at Ramsey Park to launch her campaign. “That’s the thing that everyone is worried about.”

Souza, 52, is vying for Councilman Ben Wolfinger’s open seat. Wolfinger is not seeking re-election. So far, two other candidates also are in the race—local businessman Mike Kennedy and former city employee Dan Yake. Candidates have until Sept. 30 to file for the November election.

A recent compromise over the development of Canfield Mountain is a prime example of how to manage growth and preserve open space, said Souza who has been on the Planning Commission for four years and is chairwoman of the city’s open space committee.

What began as the classic private property rights versus neighborhood rights clash evolved into a highly praised compromise, which city officials hope will show neighborhoods and developers that they can work together to create better projects.

The result was a deal that allowed the developer to build 40 homes and gave locals a 70-acre chunk of open space for trails.

Souza said the park will be like a Tubbs Hill north and the land won’t cost the taxpayers any money because the developer is donating the property to the city.

The educational corridor along the Spokane River is another example of the public and private business working together, she said. The educational corridor project will allow University of Idaho, Lewis-Clark State College, Idaho State University and North Idaho College to all offer classes in one location.

Souza’s other priorities include pushing for city laws to create a buffer zone so sex offenders can’t live near schools, parks and day cares. Even though the city has no control over property taxes, Souza said the city needs to lobby to ensure the elderly on fixed incomes don’t lose their homes because they can’t pay their taxes.

Souza, a Spokane native, owns Design Events with her husband, Rick, and has four children. Before starting the family business, Souza worked as a critical care nurse. She has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Pacific Lutheran University and a master’s degree from Whitworth College.

Mayor Sandi Bloem is also up for re-election as are council members Deanna Goodlander and Woody McEvers.