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

How Much Civility Do We Want From Elected Leaders?

The $7,000 Spokane taxpayers spent to find out their City Council is dysfunctional is gone; the dysfunction remains.

But, honestly, is that so bad? Do we want civility at the cost of keeping serious policy disagreements quiet? Is loud, angry and even rude discourse necessary in the democratic process? Or is it just a showboating technique that polarizes and paralyzes government?

Let’s hear from “Bagpipes” readers. How much candor do you want from elected leaders?

Does the public gain or lose when public officials start uncorking rhetorical left hooks?

To share your opinions, follow the directions at the bottom of this column.

Showtime off for bad behavior

To hear some critics tell it, today’s prisons are more like Palm Springs than Alcatraz. Inmates have it soft, they say.

Washington isn’t about to bring back chain gangs, as Alabama is doing, but one piece of legislation introduced this year in Olympia would require inmates to work full time in a prison industry or go to school.

Only those who did so would have access to television, recreation and family visitation.

State prison officials balk at the idea, in part because they contend the necessary work and educational resources are too expensive.

Public attitudes tend to favor a more punitive approach with crooks. But at what cost? You tell me.

The mobile home dilemma

They’re not “trailer houses” anymore. Mobile homes? Manufactured homes?

Those terms have their separate meanings, but for planning and zoning purposes, just call them a dilemma.

Where mobile homes may be placed is an issue in Spokane County.

Those who want them say mobile homes make decent housing affordable - no small item considering the severe shortage of same.

Not in my neighborhood, cry opponents. A lot of folks would like their property taxes to decline - but not their property values. And that, they predict, is what mobile homes will cause.

Let me hear from you on the pros and cons of mobile homes in residential neighborhoods.

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