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The results of the November election were on display for the first time Monday in the Spokane City Council chambers.
The three council members who won seats in November, Nancy McLaughlin, Jon Snyder and Amber Waldref, were sworn in by City Clerk Terri Pfister. The brief ceremony was mostly for show because each had already been sworn in for their new terms.
Waldref said while the council members may disagree on certain topics, there’s full agreement on the top issue for 2010: preparing for the city’s forecasted $10 million deficit in 2011.
Although McLaughlin won her seat in a landslide, she’s the only member left who is affiliated with the Republican Party.
“I absolutely know I’m in the minority now,” McLaughlin said. “To be effective, it’s all about building relationships.”
Snyder was seated in November because he defeated Mike Allen, who had been appointed to his seat.
Waldref replaced term-limited Councilman Al French, who is running for county commissioner seat as a Republican.
McLaughlin said she’s happy to be joined by a second woman on the dais. She’s been the only woman on the seven-member body since Mary Verner left the council to become mayor in November 2007.
“Women bring a perspective that’s needed,” McLaughlin said.
Jim Camden is a veteran political reporter for The Spokesman-Review.
Jonathan Brunt covers Spokane City Hall for The Spokesman-Review.
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ChefGus/ John Olsen on January 05 at 9:41 a.m.
Women that bring the “right wing christian” perspective do indeed offer a voice for those in our city that are proponents of those old testament belief’s… in that vein I am happy that her constituents, who elected her by a large landslide have her minority voice on the dais…. that is democracy/representative government at it’s best…. So i am for one glad that she brings hers and her constituent’s views to the discussion..
It is clear though that the city is moving toward more progressive and enlightened positions with regards the environmental concerns and the greening of our city… we are moving toward a more sustainable and environmentally and socially friendly council… those are the things I find in my walk as a follower of Christ, and read the New Testament/Gospel for my spiritual reference make sense and connect with who I am…. Big Business interests do NOT = New Testament gospel teachings…. Love and caring for fellow humans and care for the environment is a calling for many of us, Christians and Non Christians and Humanists and Muslims… john
Verbal on January 07 at 1:21 a.m.
A little bitter towards Ms. McLaughlin, John?
You forgot to add the part about our city heading towards fiscal hari kari unless those “enlightened” and “socially friendly” councilpeople and the mayor start making some politically tough decisions (you know, that whole ‘leadership’ thing) - preferrably before next December.
If they don’t, you may find yourself on the other end of that “minority voice” comment sooner than you’d like.
Axe on January 07 at 4:09 p.m.
Remember McGlaughlin believes the earth is flat and Global Warming is a fairy tale.
“Bubbly” has come out against the high paid union wage increases which is remarkable that any City Councilperson is watching that “budget: that Verbal has pointed out.
After watching the $450,000 of giveaways from Mondays Council meeting, I think its time we put all the Council people on the Jenny Craig diet of responsible fiscal spending. One could just see the drooling of the Council when the Red Light Camera income was mentioned. Looked like a lineup from the house of Charity at the Wolf Steak House.
Well then again its not their money and there is no way to hold them nor any city employee responsible for bankrupting Spokane. It was humorous to watch the bait n switch game when it came to annexing the airport. The County is now just waking up to the fact they are going to lose nearly $2 Mill in revenue. Who said Shogan was mediocre? Got race track?
Verbal on January 07 at 9:10 p.m.
Axe - just to clarify, I don’t believe I agree with any of Ms. McGlaughlin’s politics regarding global warming, the shape of the Earth, or her probable Ptolemaic view of the universe. I do respect her views on fiscal conservancy; however I probably wouldn’t agree with her at all on which programs should stay or go.
I’m one of those folks who would gladly pay higher taxes if it means that we can use common sense and get rid of Photo Red, or that the schools don’t have to use my kids to pimp candy bars.
I was just responding to ChefGus’ kumbaya-through-gnashed-teeth post and remind him that permanent revolution hasn’t been achieved, and will be fleeting unless the new guard steps up and leads - but not lead us to insolvency.