Let’s Hear About Candidates We Actually Could Look Up To

Pat Buchanan did better than expected in the Iowa caucuses. Some say that’s because he avoided the negative ads that marked the Bob Dole-Steve Forbes punch-out.

Still, Buchanan trailed Dole in the Republican caucuses, suggesting that Leo Durocher’s line may need to be updated: “Nice guys finish runner-up.”

But if a relatively clean campaign did boost Buchanan above the expectations for him, does that mean voters finally are rebelling against the attack ads their mouths say they hate, no matter what their votes say?

As issues go, this one seems as predictable as it is intractable. It would be nice, in the current climate, to have a reassuring example or two.

If you can remember a campaign or a candidate or other political figure who upheld the ideals you think should be restored, let me know about it. (To avoid the potential for campaign rhetoric, only people not expected to run for office this year are eligible.)

Looking for gifted ideas

Spokane’s most capable students will have expanded opportunities for enhanced learning if a Spokane School District 81 task force’s recommendations for gifted-education programs are adopted.

Options range from a magnet school to more extracurricular academic competition to a variety of staffing and curricular changes.

The public has a chance to air its opinions tonight at a hearing at 7 at Shadle Park High School. If you have opinions on the subject, you should attend, but you’re encouraged to share your views with “Bagpipes,” too.

You may fire at will. Look out, Will!

Land-use issues are so complex that Spokane County will appoint an attorney as a hearing examiner to resolve conflicts.

One of the three county commissioners, John Roskelley, thinks that person should have the independence that job security allows. His fellow commissioners, Phil Harris and Steve Hasson, disagree. Therefore, the new hearing examiner will be vulnerable to being fired at the commissioners’ will, not just “for cause,” as Roskelley proposed.

Which would “Bagpipes” readers prefer - a hearing examiner largely out of public reach or one potentially under the commissioners’ thumb?

, DataTimes MEMO: “Bagpipes” appears Tuesdays and Thursdays. To respond, call Cityline at 458-8800, category 9881, from a Touch-Tone phone; or send a fax to 459-5098 or e-mail to dougf@spokesman.com. You also can leave Doug Floyd a message at 459-5577, extension 5466.