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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Spin Control

Library campaign promises to fix reporting violations

Yes for Spokane Libraries has paid for these signs in support of Proposition 3, a library lid lift that would prevent branch closures and likely extend hours at three of the city's six branches. (Jonathan Brunt)
Yes for Spokane Libraries has paid for these signs in support of Proposition 3, a library lid lift that would prevent branch closures and likely extend hours at three of the city's six branches. (Jonathan Brunt)

Yes for Spokane Libraries, a group working on behalf of Proposition 3, a tax levy for the Spokane Public Library, has had signs supporting the tax displayed throughout the city for weeks, but hasn’t reported any contributions or expenses to the state Public Disclosure Commission. The group likely should have been filing reports weekly since the end of last month, according to state rules.

Nathan Smith, campaign manager of the group, said Wednesday that the group erred in interpreting the rules and would work quickly to file contribution and expenditure reports by the end of the week.

“It was our mistake,” Smith said. “We are diligently trying to get it done as soon as humanly possible.”

Smith and campaign treasurer Jack Fallis serve on the Spokane Public Library Board of Trustees.

Besides signs, the group has paid for a campaign phone back and a mailer that arrived in mailboxes about the same time as ballots. Smith said the group has raised about $20,000.



Jonathan Brunt
Jonathan Brunt joined The Spokesman-Review in 2004. He is the government editor. He previously was a reporter who covered Spokane City Hall, Spokane County government and public safety.

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