The recessionary drought has not bypassed Coeur d’Alene, but nor has it prevented the scenic North Idaho city from reaping a crop of civic enhancements. And as the higher education corridor project advances along the Spokane River, the future holds promise.

Such success in the face of daunting economic challenges took forward-looking leadership from a blend of public and private partners, including City Hall. That progress should be on Coeur d’Alene voters’ minds as they contemplate their ballots in the Nov. 3 general election. Mayor Sandi Bloem and three City Council members, all of whom have had a hand in the community’s advances, face challenges from rivals who would have guided the city along a more timid path, missing the opportunities that now stand as shining community assets.

Perhaps the most glittering example is the Salvation Army Kroc Community Center, built and operated thanks to a competitive $70 million grant from Joan Kroc, the widow of McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc.

It took diligent problem-solving skills by the mayor and council to skirt a battery of complications that would have scared off less-determined leaders.

Coeur d’Alene also boasts a popular new city library and a number of recreational attractions because of existing city leadership.

Conspicuously interwoven into current political debate is the Lake City Development Corp. The urban renewal agency, which commands a portion of the city’s tax base, has been an instrumental partner in most of these ventures.

But while the agency has earned the appreciation and cooperation of the incumbent candidates (whose business backgrounds help them appreciate the agency’s contribution to economic development), their foes would constrain or even eliminate it. Based on the record of accomplishment to date, our recommendations in the Nov. 3 election:

Mayor, Bloem vs. Joseph Kunka: Bloem is an easy call. A selfless community builder from before she entered politics, she has been a respected and effective mayor. Kunka, who has run unsuccessfully before for both mayor and a council spot, is not her match.

Council Position 2, Councilman Mike Kennedy vs. Jim Brannon: Kennedy, with one term behind him, is known as a demanding questioner who digs for facts and makes informed decisions. Challenger Brannon not only would curtail LCDC, he’d also trim funding for the higher education corridor. Those would be steps backward.

Council Position 4, Councilman Woody McEvers vs. Steve Adams: McEvers, a one-time Plan Commission member, seeks his third term on the council. Among other contributions, he’s been a champion of using local cable television to transmit more of the public’s business into the public’s living rooms.

Challenger Steve Adams has the harshest attitude of all toward LCDC. He’d eliminate it, and that’s short-sighted.

Council Position 6, Councilwoman Deanna Goodlander vs. Dan Gookin: Goodlander is a three-term council member with a record of dedication to community betterment. Challenger Gookin, a consistent critic of LCDC, has run before without success. Goodlander, meanwhile, has won voters’ approval three times so far and has earned a fourth term.