Jonathan Brunt

Jonathan Brunt covers Spokane City Hall and local politics. He also contributes to the Spin Control Blog.

Contact Jonathan

Email: jonathanb@spokesman.com
Phone: 509-459-5442
Fax: 509-459-5482

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Recent stories by Jonathan

Tree inventory helps arborists plan for Spokane’s future

May 16, 2013 in City on Page A1 It’s almost like money growing on trees. A new city report has counted, measured and placed a monetary value on nearly every tree on city property. 4
Fire’s cause remains unknown

May 11, 2013 in City on Page B3 The cause of a fire that damaged a downtown parking garage and gutted a pickup owned by the Downtown Spokane Partnership remains unknown. Witnesses reported the pickup ablaze just after …
High Bridge remnant to be removed

May 9, 2013 in Washington Voices on Page S1 A large, graffiti-covered abutment that marked the northern edge of what was once Spokane’s tallest bridge will soon be torn down. Kendall Yards officials say the concrete structure on the … 4
Stephens settlement approved by Spokane City Council

May 7, 2013 in City on Page A5 Assistant police Chief Scott Stephens’ 27-year career with the city is over. The Spokane City Council agreed to pay its former interim police chief $190,000 to depart in exchange for … 21
Public service planned for Fairchild air crash victims

May 6, 2013 in City on Page A1 Fairchild Air Force Base officials said Sunday that they are planning a public memorial service for the first Fairchild crew killed in a tanker plane crash since the beginning of … 1
Tribal council could oust member

May 4, 2013 in City on Page B3 Spokane Tribe leaders are deciding whether to oust their vice chairman for lying to a game officer investigating bison poaching in Montana. Rodney W. Abrahamson was convicted of five misdemeanors … 3
‘Knights of Badassdom’ has big-picture problems

May 3, 2013 in City on Page A1 In July 2010, more than 100 warriors formed armies in the woods surrounding Spokane. They didn’t invade the city and likely couldn’t have gotten far with their foam swords. 3
Spokane police can cite smokers who violate law

April 30, 2013 in City on Page A1 Spokane police have a new responsibility: enforcement of smoking laws. The Spokane City Council on Monday unanimously gave its police officers the power to write $50 tickets for violating smoking … 56
City utility e-billing slow to gain favor

April 30, 2013 in City on Page A5 Nearly a decade after Spokane first offered residents the ability to pay their bills online, the vast majority of city water, sewage and trash customers continue to receive paper bills. … 26
City settles with Stephens

April 27, 2013 in City on Page A1 Spokane taxpayers would pay Assistant Police Chief Scott Stephens $190,000 under a settlement announced Friday in which he would leave the department after he was singled out for demotion and … 75
Former police chief will get $190,000 to resign

April 26, 2013 in City The city of Spokane will pay former interim Police Chief Scott Stephens $190,000 to leave the department under a deal reached this week. 87
Huntington Park redesign includes tie-in to Riverfront Park

April 26, 2013 in City on Page A1 The gate to Huntington Park is often closed, even when the park is open. It’s just one of the access problems to a park that’s mainly a series of steps … 17
Spokane police officer to admit lie in Zehm testimony

April 25, 2013 in City on Page A1 A Spokane police officer will resign and plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of lying during the investigation of the fatal 2006 police confrontation with Otto Zehm, authorities said Wednesday. … 48
Council OKs spending $1.1 million on police equipment, training

April 21, 2013 in City on Page B1 Spokane police patrol cars may soon be equipped with cameras to record encounters with the public. The Spokane City Council last week agreed to spend $1.1 million from reserves to … 84
Spokane Council candidate’s residency doubts resurface

April 20, 2013 in City on Page B1 More doubts are being raised about a Spokane City Council candidate’s eligibility to hold the seat he’s seeking even as he continues to run an active campaign and collect contributions, … 18
City says no to Olmsted park in Kendall Yards

April 17, 2013 in City on Page A5 The extension of the Centennial Trail through Kendall Yards matches the century-old goal of city leaders to showcase the Spokane River Gorge. But it also highlights the tight budget of … 36
Spokane Tribe leader fined for poaching bison in Montana

April 14, 2013 in City on Page B1 The vice chairman of the Spokane Tribe of Indians poached two bison north of Yellowstone National Park in February and lied about his identity to officers investigating the hunt, court … 216
Groups hope to place initiatives on city ballot

April 12, 2013 in City on Page A5 Envision Spokane hopes the third time is a charm. The group was one of two that filed signatures this week with Spokane City Clerk Teri Pfister to place initiatives on … 54
Police chief fills four of 13 exempt positions

April 11, 2013 in City on Page A1 Four of the 13 new public safety departments created by the Spokane City Council on Monday will soon have permanent leaders likely to keep the bigger paychecks most of them … 18
Mayor David Condon gets more control over Spokane police, fire hiring

April 9, 2013 in City on Page A5 Spokane Mayor David Condon has won vast new power to hire and remove top fire and police administrators. The Spokane City Council on Monday narrowly approved the creation of six … 86