Logan looks back on council, mayoral service

SANDPOINT — The year is quickly coming to an end, and for the residents of Sandpoint, it brings in a new mayor to take the reins of the city.

For Mayor Carrie Logan, her last meeting is Wednesday, Jan. 6. Mayor-elect Shelby Rognstad will be sworn in and become the new mayor in Sandpoint. Logan did not run for reelection.

Logan recently reflected on her time as mayor and her work in public office.

Q. Time as mayor?

A. I served six years as an elected council member. Additionally at the council’s direction, I fulfilled two years of Marsha Ogilvie’s term upon her death. Prior to being mayor, I was a Sandpoint Planning and Zoning commissioner for five years.

Q. What is your best accomplishment while in office?

A. There are many accomplishments over my eight years of council and mayor service. What stands out to me are the completion of the depot rehabilitation, installation of fiber backbone, revision of the discrimination ordinance to include housing, public assembly and work protection for transgender and LGBT citizens, return of all downtown streets to two-way traffic this coming summer, and success of Memorial Field vote.

None of these things would have occurred without the very skilled work of staff and the support of council and the two mayors I served with – Gretchen Hellar and Marsha Ogilvie.

Q. Is there anything you would do differently now that you know the outcome?

A. Not that I can think of.

Q. What is the best part of the job?

A. Particularly enjoyable is talking with citizens to understand their challenges and how the city can help. I also tremendously enjoy working with the talented and hardworking city staff.

Q. What is the hardest part of the job?

The most difficult part of this job is listening to lies and distortions about what the city and staff do and what their intentions are. Those working for the city from elected officials to staff are doing so out of a sincere desire to do their jobs well and serve the public well.

Q. Are there any regrets for you while in office?

A. I wish I had started serving in an elected capacity earlier in my life so I could have extended my public service career. I also wish the council had not removed fluoride from the city water supply.

Q. What do you see for the future of the city?

A. Sandpoint is on the cusp of really big things. With the installation of the fiber backbone, I see new and existing providers using this to extend services to businesses and residences. That is huge for the city in terms of good jobs and expansion of our economic base. Our commitment to water quality continues to utilize new approaches and technology and those are good things. We continue to expand our positive working relationships with other local and state agencies; this is critical to move our projects forward.

Q. What has this job taught you?

A. Patience is paramount! Movement is sometimes slow and one must be deliberate and thoughtful.

Q. Any advice for the new mayor?

A. I have learned you can’t make everyone happy. The guide for doing a good job as mayor must be the best interest of the city, its citizens, and always honoring the fiduciary responsibilities of the office.

Q. What are your plans now?

My future plans are a work in progress