Anti-Bias Law Splits Mayor Hopefuls

At the Coeur Group candidates’ forum, mayoral candidates, from left, Mary Souza, Joe Kunka and Steve Widmyer listen as panelists ask questions at the Coeur d’Alene Library Community Room. (Photo: Duane Rasmussen)

Candidates Mary Souza and Joe Kunka have taken some heat from the community on their opposition to the city’s anti-discrimination ordinance that passed earlier this year. Steve Widmyer has taken a stand in support of the ordinance. The Coeur Group took it one step further asking if the candidates would support a public vote on the issue. “I think there is a way that could have happened,” Souza said, but she would have preferred the council step back and hold workshops to try and pull the public together before deciding the issue. “If not, and if the council is agreeable, then a public advisory vote on that ordinance would have been very appropriate.” Kunka said any issue that is going to affect a community with that kind of an impact should “absolutely” be put to a vote. Widmyer said sometimes leaders have to step up and do the right thing, and he felt the council did the right thing by adopting the ordinance. “I would disagree with a public vote because sometimes, like in this instance, you just have to do the right thing,” he said/ Jeff Selle , Coeur d’Alene Press. More here.

Question: Who benefits most, in terms of votes, with their stand on the anti-discrimination ordinance?