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Today: County commissioners take their traveling road show north. Even though they can’t hold an official meeting, they can discuss county issues and answer questions. 6 p.m., Riverside High School.
Update on our man in D.C.
Rep. George Nethercutt survived and thrived during the first 100 days of Congress in all aspects save one. He still doesn’t have a house to move his family into…Just before coming home for spring break, Nethercutt toured a nice suburban house that rents for $2,800 a month - that’s a bargain in D.C., folks - and was close to signing the papers when a problem arose. No dogs allowed…The Nethercutt clan is loathe to leave behind their dog Chestnut, who starred in several campaign commercials. Especially since Nethercutt has had several constituents tell him they didn’t know much about his policies, but voted for him because they loved the dog…Expect him to devote almost as much time to house hunting as to appropriations in the coming weeks.
Is that a demotion or a promotion?
Visiting officials from Limerick, Ireland, took a tour of the new Veteran’s Arena late last month then planned to hop a new trolley to City Hall for a visit with the mayor…Through a series of communication mishaps, they wound up at the County Courthouse where they happened upon Commissioner Steve Hasson. After explaining their dilemma in deep Irish brogues, Hasson explained he was the “county’s mayor.” He added: “Let me guess, you guys are from Idaho”…He took them outside and pointed toward the flags flying atop City Hall, prompting the confused visitors to hoof it to Mayor Jack Geraghty’s office.
Update on that short list
So much for usually reliable sources. Last week’s list of Democrats hankering for County Commissioner Skip Chilberg’s job if he departs midterm needs correcting. Shay Austin says she’s not interested in the commissioner’s job, although she is leaning toward a run this fall for the state House of Representatives in the 4th District.
Going, going…
County commissioner Phil Harris has done much to bolster the image that he is no fast-talking politician. So we were surprised to see him listed as the auctioneer for a Valley incorporation fundraiser on Thursday evening at 1212 N. Pines…Harris first tried his hand, or rather mouth, at auctioneering at age 17, and now does it for charities and non-profit groups. “This doesn’t mean I’m for incorporation,” he said. “If there’s a group out there against incorporation, I’d do it for them, too.”
County slot filled
Bruce Rawls starts Tuesday as the new county utilities director. Formerly with CH2M Hill, where he managed water resource projects, Rawls fills the slot left vacant by Bill Dobratz about a year ago…His new job, which pays more than $60,000 per year, includes supervising the sewer program and landfill cleanup for the 26-person department.
Getting involved
Know something about real estate appraising? The city and county need someone with that kind of experience for the Historic Landmarks Commission. Applications, available at the Spokane mayor’s office at City Hall, are due by 5 p.m. Friday.
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