DOTC: Of Gookin & Ron Rankin

Dan of the City (RE: Cuff: Gookin becoming next Ron Rankin ):

OK, here’s what I know. And as I think about it, I’m part of a probably small subset of folks who was a Cd’A School board member who had a recall petition filed against me by Ron Rankin, beat Ron in a couple of school board elections, but then went on to serve for several years with him as a fellow county elected official.

I don’t mind saying at all that over time I came to appreciate him, respect him, and miss him and his unique perspective on many things, especially on this day, Veteran’s Day.

I often tell folks that if I had to go into a political bar fight, I can’t think of anyone I would rather have my back than Ron Rankin. I mean that as a very high compliment.

Dan Gookin. I’m also one of the few people on this thread that had certain “issues” with both Dan Gookin and Ron Rankin and will end up “serving time” with both as fellow elected officials.

While I don’t see eye to eye on Dan on everything (and that’s a healthy thing), I have moved on from focusing on our past “issues” to looking forward to engaging with him on the various issues of mutual concern for the City of Coeur d’Alene. I will say on the record that Dan has both surprised me and impressed me with his stand on some issues that are important to many of us. I think he has grown with his experience and responsibilities and I hope to always do myself.

Thoughts?