Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Spin Control

The first meme of the election year

Spokane City Council President Ben Stuckart, who is up for re-election this year, has become a meme.

But will he go viral?!

The gaveling and walking out is real. The words, alas, are not. It happened at last week's city council meeting, after Stuckart tried, and failed, to quiet the packed Spokane City Council chambers. Stuckart gaveled the meeting to an early close and stormed from the chambers. Most in the crowd of more than 100 people were there to speak in favor of repealing a city law that says police will not ask people about their immigration status. After Stuckart left, the crowd grew rowdier, booing Stuckart and attempting to outshout each other. Councilman Jon Snyder quickly gained control of the meeting and calmed the crowd.

Stuckart, of course, is the star of this GIF, but I have to give honorable mentions to Councilwoman Candace Mumm, who appears to be stifling a grin, and the council's attorney, Mike Piccolo, who is unruffled as always.



Nicholas Deshais
Joined The Spokesman-Review in 2013. He is the urban issues reporter, covering transportation, housing, development and other issues affecting the city. He also writes the Getting There transportation column and The Dirt, a roundup of construction projects, new businesses and expansions. He previously covered Spokane City Hall.

Follow Nicholas online: