Huckleberries: Mayor shares her thoughts over coffee

This is the first in a new weekly series in which D.F. Oliveria interviews regional newsmakers live online at businesses with wireless Internet. Readers of his blog can ask questions, too. He interviewed Coeur d’Alene Mayor Sandi Bloem on Thursday at Coffeeville in Midtown. Here are excerpts:

DFO: Mayor, what are you drinking this morning?

Mayor Sandi Bloem (wearing a denim jacket trimmed with plenty of “bling-bling” and a necklace with a large diamond): Short, nonfat latte.

DFO: You’re one of only two mayors in history to be elected to two consecutive, four-year terms. Will you seek a third term?

SB: I have 2 1/2 years to decide that. But I enjoy what I’m doing enough (to say) that … I would.

DFO: Does the city still have specific plans for Sanders Beach? And does ill will remain between the city and East Lakeshore Drive owners?

SB: We continue to look at all options for Sanders Beach. … There is no ill will on the part of the council toward anyone. Only the other party can answer their part.

DFO: What is your relationship with Duane Hagadone now?

SB: We meet occasionally as I do with many others to discuss issues, common challenges.

DFO: Did things get tense after the garden decision?

SB: As he stated himself, he took that decision personally and that personal feeling probably affected relationships.

DFO: Are you concerned that opponents of the Lake City Development Corporation (the city’s urban renewal agency) can stop important projects like the Kroc Center and the education corridor?

SB: No, the majority of the community realizes the benefit of a community center and higher education. Staff has done a great job of making sure the process has been legal and responsive to community needs.

DFO: Have you considered removing Mary Souza from the city Planning and Zoning Commission as a result of her outspoken criticism of the urban renewal agency?

SB: I am not going to comment on anyone – staff person, committee person or commission person. However, I can say that all of the above fall under our personnel rules, which expect professionalism, honesty and ethical behavior. If any of those are not followed, there is a process in place to deal with the problem.

DFO: How do you handle criticism?

SB: I look at what has been said. I own it, if I should, and disown it when I don’t think it belongs to me. I don’t lose sleep over criticism. I’m usually so busy that it’s easy for me to sleep.

DFO: How can Coeur d’Alene become more canine friendly?

SB: I agree with the findings of the community during the parks research that dog parks are necessary. I think there are places where dogs, even on a leash, are problematic, such as downtown during major events. (By the way, Mayor Bloem is fond of dogs but doesn’t have one of her own because she doesn’t have time to take care of it.)

DFO: Do you have aspirations for higher office?

SB: No, I like working in my own community and being home where my family is.

DFO: Can you name your favorite local mayor of all time?

SB: (with a smile): With two former mayors sitting on the City Council (Al Hassell and Ron Edinger), do you really think I’d answer that?