Candidate’s Claims Called Into Question Touts Of Civic Involvement Seem Exaggerated

A Republican candidate for the Spokane County Commission touts his civic involvement as one of his major qualifications.

Problem is, Martin Burnette’s claims are exaggerated, according to one of his opponents and an organization of which Burnette is a member.

A Burnette campaign flier states: “Believing community involvement is a privilege and a responsibility, Burnette is serving within the community in various capacities, including … Spokane Area Lilac Festival.”

It is true that Burnette is one of 90 members, or directors, of the Lilac group. But he only joined earlier this year, has never participated in any activities and even skipped working the May parade, the group’s annual highlight, an official said.

Ed Neunherz, the organization’s executive director, confirmed that Burnette is a member but said he has only attended two monthly meetings - in February and April.

“He has not been active in Lilac Festival activities,” Neunherz said. “He has never been active. He did not assume any responsibilities. He didn’t participate at the parade. He missed the premiere reason we exist.”

An angry Burnette, 43, said he attended the parade but would not say in what capacity. He has told other Lilac volunteers that he was there campaigning for the county commission, although he didn’t announce his candidacy until July.

Burnette also would not say how he has participated in the festival group or how many meetings he has attended. He did say that he does not own a purple sports coat - the group’s signature and a requirement of all participants, Neunherz said.

“I take great exception of being challenged on my integrity,” Burnette said. “I pride myself on being positive and uplifting. I’m not going to allow someone to create a mickey-mouse scandal.

“We have enough clowns out there in public office. I don’t want to be lumped in among the clowns.”

Burnette’s campaign literature also suggests he has been a financial, investment and insurance planner for 18 years in Spokane.

While he has advised citizens and businesses on how to invest their money since 1977, the Spokane native concedes he spent seven of the past nine years in Sacramento and Modesto, Calif.

GOP opponent Art Meikel called Burnette a “snake-oil salesman” who’s “twisted a lot of things sideways.”

Meikel points to a local radio interview in which Burnette was asked what separates him from Meikel and Republican candidate Mike Davis.

Burnette responded: “The key area where we differ is that I’m already very involved in the community on a civic and social and governmental basis. And to the best of my knowledge, none of the other candidates is involved within the community.”

Davis has coached children’s sports for several years, and is assistant basketball coach at Deer Park Junior High.

Meikel was “Big Brother of the Year” in 1993, occasionally volunteers at the Spokane Food Bank and is vice president of a homeowners association.

In 1993, Meikel was nominated for United Way’s Volunteer of the Year, according to a certificate from the group.

“It irritates me. I think (Burnette) could be much more truthful,” Meikel said.

Davis could not be reached for comment.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo