|
By Mark Wright
LDS Boise Mayor Facing Election Threat After Puzzling Behavior
BOISE, IDAHO -- Prior to last week and by most accounts, Boise Mayor Brent
Coles appeared to be a shoo-in to win his third consecutive term in the
upcoming November municipal elections. Coles has been serving as Mayor of
Boise and the president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, a prestigious
position that has brought recognition to both Coles and Boise. In addition,
Coles has had a high approval from his constituents based on his ability to
set policy and win consensus for his programs.
So why is Coles suddenly looking over his shoulder? What potential opponent
could be closing in on Coles and threatening his re-election? The answer,
while obvious, is also somewhat surprising. As is sometimes the case with
successful politicians, Coles has turned out to be his own worst enemy. One
early morning last week, Coles was spotted in front of someone else's home
in a parked car at 4:30 in the morning. While this is certainly no crime,
Coles' response to the sheriff's sergeant who investigated the incident was
about as bad as they come.
At first, Coles claimed he was merely helping his son deliver newspapers but
quickly recanted this explanation and changed his story, saying he was an
insomniac and was driving around because he couldn't sleep. That's not the
worst part. Apparently, Coles car was parked in front of Suzanne Burton's
home. While that's not a crime either, apparently, Burton is Coles' official
spokeswoman and the coincidence is a little hard to ignore. So, Coles'
political opponents have started asking the obvious questions. Was Coles
lying about anything else? Why was Coles lying? Is he trying to cover
something up? While no one's answering but Coles, you can bet inquiring
minds want to know.
Now, with the election just a few months away, Coles has potential opponents
coming out of the proverbial woodwork. A local endocrinologist has declared
for the race and a half dozen other candidates are preparing the papers to
enter the fray. While the emergence of all of these opponents may be
problematic, retired Chief of Police and novice political analyst Vern
Bisterfeldt thinks the increase in the number of candidates actually helps
Coles. Bisterfeldt maintains that if the field is crowded with choices,
Coles will win. "A one-on-one race with a credible candidate could really
damage him, but if you get more than two people, he's got it because he's
got a base that's gonna stick with him."
As for Coles, his comments on the incident are less than forthcoming. "I
know where I'm at, of course I do, and the officer pulls up, and I make up
an excuse," he said. "I know immediately that some people are going to have
fun with where I am and what I'm doing. And they've had fun." Now matter how
this incident finally gets resolved, it's seems to be another indication
that some politicians still don't get the message.
While Coles is described in the source article as being a "Latter-day
Saint," most members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
would have more than a little trouble reconciling his reported behavior with
the teachings of the LDS Church.
Sources:
Mayor's nocturnal fib complicates re-election bid
Boise Idaho Statesman 12Aug01 T2
By Dan Popkey
Coles completes journey as head of national group
Boise ID Statesman 26Jun01 T2
By Wayne Hoffman: The Idaho Statesman
1-year term ends; Boise mayor says it was worthwhile
Coles admits lying to sheriff's deputy
Boise ID Statesman 20Jun01 T2
By Wayne Hoffman: The Idaho Statesman
Mayor found outside aide's home at 4:21 a.m.
|
