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‘Sanctuary city’ opponents in Spokane receiving legal, financial support from national anti-immigration groups
The political advocacy group Respect Washington has received thousands of dollars and legal advice from organizations tied to John Tanton, a Michigan-based activist who has been criticized for holding staunchly anti-immigrant views some have said rise to the level of white nationalism. The group will make the argument Spokane voters should have a say in whether the city’s nonbiased policing policy, which they say makes the city a sanctuary for illegal immigrants, should remain in place.
Battle lines drawn in political fight over coal, oil train fines in downtown Spokane
Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich repeated his promise Thursday to seek a legal injunction if the measure on the November ballot passes, and said he’s in talks with railroads about joining him. Supporters are preparing for a vigorous campaign that has drawn interest beyond Spokane’s borders.
Spin control: First woman mayor in Seattle in 91 years? Ho hum.
Good for Seattle, which soon will have its second woman mayor, and the first in 91 years. Spokane had three in its last 32.
Durkan takes lead in race for new Seattle mayor
Seattle voters took the first step in choosing a new mayor with early returns in Tuesday’s primary showing former U.S. Attorney Jenny Durkan clearly in first in the race to replace current Mayor Ed Murray
Democrat Dhingra leads Republican Englund in race that likely will decide if GOP keeps control of state Senate
With control of the state Senate at stake, Democrat Manka Dhingra is ahead of Republican Jinyoung Lee Englund in the race for an expensive legislative race.
Rod Higgins, Pamela Haley top challengers in Spokane Valley City Council races
Chris Jackson and Angie Beem move on to the general election in Spokane Valley
Liberty Lake turns down community center
Liberty Lake residents not getting a community center.
Tony Hazel finishes first in primary for Spokane County Superior Court judge
Tony Hazel finished first in the primary to hold his Spokane County Superior Court seat, but he’ll likely have to face Jocelyn Cook to keep it.
Beggs and Mumm post strong showings in Spokane City Council primaries, Burke and Benn face off in northeast
The two incumbents on the primary ballots for Spokane City Council earned the majority of votes counted Tuesday in their districts. Kate Burke will square off against Tim Benn in northeast Spokane.
Spin Control: Washington group checks candidate backgrounds for voters
Want to check on a primary candidate’s background? There may be a website that can help.
Liberty Lake residents voting on tax to build $9 million Town Square community center
Voters in Liberty Lake are being asked to weigh in on a
Fines for downtown Spokane coal, oil train traffic head to voters with promise of political fight
Spokane voters can expect a passionate political fight over a proposal to fine coal and oil trains passing through downtown after the City Council sent the question to the November ballot Monday night.
Campaign signs in Spokane Valley vandalized with obscene graffiti
Some of Spokane Valley City Councilman Caleb Collier’s election signs were painted with obscene graffiti Monday. His challenger, Brandi Peetz, had signs stolen.
Initiative calling for public vote on covering Spokane park Pavilion facing likely City Council opposition
It’s a tight window, but the current Spokane City Council could put to voters the question of whether the U.S. Pavilion in Riverfront Park should be covered. Council members need to act by next week.
Two of four Spokane Valley candidates have spent time in jail
Two of three candidates challenging incumbent Spokane Valley City Councilwoman Pamela Haley have spent time in jail. One man, Ingemar Lloyd Woods, has been open about his 1993 arrest in which was accused of shooting at police. The other, Robert “Rocky” J. Samson, remains under court supervision for alleged financial crimes in Kentucky.
Mumm faces two challengers, criticism of City Hall’s business acumen in race for northwest Spokane seat
Brian Burrow, a project manager, and Matthew Howes, owner of a north side restaurant and pub, said they’ll do more to promote and assist businesses in town than the current City Council and incumbent Candace Mumm.
Open City Council seat in northeast Spokane draws 3 challengers advocating change at City Hall
With the departure of City Councilwoman Amber Waldref due to term limits, three candidates seeking their first election to political office want to change the way the city engages with neighborhoods in the northeast part of town. Kate Burke, Tim Benn and Kathryn Alexander bring different ideologies and political experiences to the race, but all agree the focus needs to shift back to neighborhoods in that area of the city.
Spokane Valley Mayor Rod Higgins faces two challengers in re-election bid
The 2017 City Council election in Spokane Valley has turned into a barnstorm of new faces challenging incumbents. The five open seats have attracted 13 candidates resulting in two contested primary races, one of which is the race for Position 1, held by Mayor Rod Higgins.
Three challenge Breean Beggs for Spokane City Council seat representing South Hill
Challengers seeking Breean Beggs’ appointed seat on the Spokane City Council criticize policies he’s floated on oil and coal trains and ways to pay for more police, but the 44-year-old attorney says that’s just part of the work he’s doing for the city and dismisses labels.
Initiative targeting marijuana businesses near Spokane churches fails to receive enough signatures
Petition-gatherers came up 528 signatures short for the measure to automatically appear on the November ballot, but the group says it will seek intervention from U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions.