One Week!

One week from today voters will go to the polls, at least those who've not already cast an absentee ballot. If you're checking in here you're one of the people who know there's an election and no doubt realize what an important election it is for Post Falls. With two new seats and a vacant seat to be filled you'll be electing 1/2 of the council in one election. I'm asking you to vote on November 6 but also to spread the word with your friends and neighbors. An enthusiastic turnout on election day will be all the reward candidates hope for our efforts.

Out in the neighborhoods

The past three weekends I've had the pleasure of not only fabulous weather but of meeting a large number of people in a large number of neighborhoods throughout Post Falls. It's been good to get out and walk in the sunshine and hear from you what your concerns and visions are for this community. I'm reminded again of what a great town we live in and will do what needs to be done on the city council to see that the next generation has cause to feel the same way. If I don't come knocking on your door, give me a call or send an email with any questions or comments!

Meet & Greet

John and Angela Cross are hosting an informal get-together Wed., Oct. 24 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Highlands Day Spa (lower level) that's open to the public. I look forward to hearing your views and sharing mine. Join us!

Polling Places

If you live west of Idaho Street in the Post Falls city limits, your polling place is the public library. East of Idaho Street, residents will vote at the National Guard Armory on Seltice Way. Local elections provide the opportunity for your vote to make a very real difference in the decision-making process close to home.

Endorsement

In the Wednesday, Oct. 17 Spokesman Review, their editorial board provided an endorsement of my candidacy for election to Seat 1 of the Post Falls City Council.

"...Thoreson shows the kind of decisiveness that would serve her on the council."

I'm appreciative of the efforts and support of so many of you to work on this campaign. It's humbling to have that level of support from people whose own contributions to our community I hold in such high regard. The journey to City Hall will not be decided until the last vote is counted on Tuesday, Nov. 6. I encourage you to get the word out so our neighbors will know how much their vote will count in this election.

Candidate Forum

The candidate forum held this evening at Post Falls City Hall will be rebroadcast daily on Channel 13 at 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. I gave the following remarks in my closing statement:
Quality of Life will be defined differently by whomever you ask to describe it. But it boils down to feeling safe in our homes and on our streets, having clean, drinkable water come from our kitchen taps and an overall community we can collectively be proud of. Having a few dollars left in our pockets at the end of the month is good, too.

I love where I live and for over two decades demonstrated that with involvment and volunteerism. Serving you on the city council is a natural progression of that committment to our community.

My home phone number is listed, my email address appears in my weekly newspaper column and I’m out in the community on a daily basis. I will welcome your input and consider the opinions of all stakeholders when making decisions.

The best decisions are made when local government includes the opinions and views of the broadest cross section of citizens as possible. Government of the people, for the people and by the people is more than just a patriotic quote, it’s the cornerstone of every American small town, including Post Falls.
Your vote for me will bring you a true advocate of the people in all matters of city government.

Family Ties

Today marks three years since my father passed away. I was blessed to be the daughter of a patriot and public servant who led by example in all things. We shared a love of parades and politics. He taught me that giving back was a responsibility we as Americans should accept gladly.

I'm sorry he's not here to offer advice and support for my quest to serve my community as a city council member but not a day goes by that I don't feel his love.I'm honored now to serve as curator for the Ronald D. Rankin Veterans Memorial Plaza at the Kootenai County Administration building. It was a passion of Dad's and a place meant to remind us all of those who've paid the price for our freedoms. Semper Fi.

My View

A reader posted a question asking my views on the ballot issue brought forth by Bob Templin to save the current city hall building and the subsequent funding of the building maintenance and upkeep if the voters decide in favor of keeping it. While some of my earlier posts address that issue I'll provide the Reader's Digest condensed version here:

A City Center Master Plan Steering Committee comprised of over two dozen citizens and city officials met for a year between July 2005 and July 2006 to consider the best alternatives and vision of the city hall campus that is now in progress. Their recommendation one year and two months ago was to demolish the "old city hall" as soon as the new building was completed. Bob Templin served on that committee.

Our elected city council members, after intensive study of options provided by administrative professionals and contracted experts, determined the demolition of the current city hall building to be the optimum direction.

I agree with and respect the decision that was made by the council in April 2007. I will vote on November 6 to remove the current city hall building to facilitate planned use of the entire under-construction campus.

Countdown

To officially start the campaign, Bert and I put up about three dozen signs today ... exactly one month before the election. Thanks to those of you who provided the sign locations! If anyone would like to have a yard sign, give me a call or send an email.

Meet the Candidates

Two candidate forums have been scheduled for the Post Falls City Council races. It's an opportunity to meet those of us who seek to be your representative voices on the council. I hope you'll come out to the forums and let me know what issues are important to you.
Monday, Oct. 15- 6 p.m. @ Post Falls City Hall
Open to the public and will also be broadcast on Channel 13
Wednesday, Oct. 17- 6 p.m. @ American Legion Post 143, Poleline and Syringa
Sponsored by Post Falls Chamber of Commerce & Concerned Businesses of North Idaho