COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — In North Idaho, Coeur d'Alene City Council will have a new mayor a month from now.
Wednesday night, City Council unanimously appointed long-time city councilman Woody McEvers to take over the remainder of Mayor Jim Hammond's term.
A self-described "old-hippie kid," McEvers said he's not a political guy. Instead, he wants to make local government more accessible for the people of Coeur d'Alene.
Having served inside City Hall since 2002, McEvers knows a thing or two.
"I know," McEvers said. "That's why this happened to me, probably. You get to work 22 years with three mayors."
McEvers may not have aspired to this role. His passion for public service is rivaled only by his love for serving up all-day breakfast.
"I'm a restaurant guy," McEvers said. "I work with the public every day. Make sure your eggs are cooked right [and] wash your dishes."
Owning Rustler's Roost for 41 years, McEvers is a back-of-house guy. When he takes the City's top seat next month, he'll bring some of his customer service with him.
"Getting to know people and their concerns and try and fix things," McEvers said.
McEvers has championed government transparency, helping create the local government cable channel. He also pushed for upgrades to McEuen Park despite the threat of being recalled.
What does he plan to do with his time as mayor?
"I don't have the long-term vision," McEvers said. "I like to find out what everybody else thinks, I'm not the boss. Totally, yeah. I'm not the king of the forest. One of the gang."
McEvers said he wants better communication, telling stories of government so taxpayers understand what, why and how their city runs.
Speaking of running the city, will he run for the job long-term?
"[I'm] just not good at that politics stuff, and I don't plan on getting good at it," McEvers said. "That's why a year-and-a-half is good if I survive it."
McEvers will officially take over Hammond's term September 1 and will be in the mayor's seat until January 2026.