Businesswoman Runs For City Council

A Spokane businesswoman is planning to run for Joel Crosby’s City Council seat.

Roberta J. Greene, 51, who coowns Empire Ford with her husband, said she chose to run because she’s concerned about the “level of distrust people have in terms of city government.

“As the neophyte coming in, I want to be part of turning that around.”

Greene said she’s troubled by the popular opinion that government doesn’t listen to its citizens.

“I don’t believe in making decisions until I’ve heard all sides of an issue,” she said.

Crosby announced last month he doesn’t intend to run for reelection. Jim Kolva, president of the city’s Plan Commission, recently announced his candidacy for Crosby’s seat.

Greene has been active in Spokane affairs since moving here in 1986 from Charleston, S.C. She serves on several boards, including Community Colleges of Spokane, Momentum, Joint Center for Higher Education and Empire Health Centers.

Before coming to Spokane, she taught at a community college in Charlotte, N.C.

“I think city government should be run like a business,” Greene said. “I’m hoping to bring a fresh eye to the council.”

, DataTimes