Anderson Seeks Full-Time County Job

(From For the Record, Thursday, June 22, 1995:) Chris Anderson worked as a financial systems manager for Spokane County. His title was wrong in a story on Page B4 Wednesday about his plans to run for the county commission.

Chris Anderson is looking at a new line of work.

The controversial Spokane city councilman announced Tuesday he plans to run this fall for county commissioner.

“What I want to be able to do is continue to serve the people on a full-time basis,” Anderson said.

Attorney George Marlton was chosen by commissioners earlier this month to fill Skip Chilberg’s seat for the rest of 1995, but the post will be on the ballot this fall.

Anderson plans to run as an independent - something that has proved to be unsuccessful for past commissioner candidates.

“My intention is to become the first independent county commissioner in Spokane,” he said, adding that people want someone in office who can look at issues in an “entirely objective way.”

Anderson said he realizes he may be criticized by those who say he’s running for the $55,746-a-year commissioner spot because he’s had trouble keeping an outside job.

He was laid off as a computer programmer by the county in 1993. A few months later, he took a job with Phoenix Mortgage and Investments but was let go after six weeks.

He describes both dismissals as “politically motivated.”

“When you ask tough questions, and are unafraid to do so, you pay a tough price,” Anderson said.

Anderson’s last job was a sixthmonth contract position with Idaho Woodworks in Sandpoint. That work ended about four months ago.

Win or lose in ‘95, Anderson intends to run again when Chilberg’s term expires in ‘97.

“My plan would certainly be to run in 1997, but that’s up to the will of the people,” Anderson said.

, DataTimes