Jack Geraghty Wants To Serve As Mayor Again Announces Plans To Seek Re-Election

Jack Geraghty plans to try something that hasn’t been done successfully by a Spokane mayor in nearly a quarter of a century.

He’s going to run for re-election.

In a statement released late Tuesday, Geraghty announced plans to run for a second term. If successful, he’ll be the first to accomplish the feat since David Rodgers in 1973.

Geraghty, 63, wrote that he planned to run a “vigorous and aggressive campaign on the issues.”

“We have made great strides in the city on a number of issues during the last 3 years,” he said in the statement. “But there remains much unfinished business as Spokane and its people prepare to move into the next century.”

Geraghty is the first to publicly announce plans to run for mayor. State Rep. Duane Sommers, R-Spokane, and at least one former City Council member have hinted they might vie for the spot.

The posts of council members Phyllis Holmes, Mike Brewer and Cherie Rodgers also are up for election this fall.

In the statement, Geraghty said his goals for a second term include supporting efforts that strengthen the city’s economic vitality and create new jobs, pushing new affordable housing initiatives and increased home ownership, and finding ways to pay for street, water and sewer improvements.

Geraghty’s five-page statement lists his 1993 campaign promises and what he’s done to meet them:

“Working for a crime-free city.” During Geraghty’s term, the council hired 30 new police officers and opened nine neighborhood policing substations.

“Working for downtown revitalization/economic development.” Geraghty voted for the downtown Parking and Business Improvement Area, the River Park Square project and the Wall Street trolley project.

“Working to strengthen neighborhood voice.” During Geraghty’s term, the council set up a neighborhood council system and hired a communications director.

Also in the statement, Geraghty noted his role in bringing together the area’s first congress on race relations.

Geraghty owns a public relations firm, Jack Geraghty and Associates.

His first foray into politics was in 1964, when at 29 he became the youngest elected county commissioner in Spokane’s history.

Seven years later, he resigned to start his public relations career at age 36. He was named director of public relations and then rose to vice president for exhibits and guest relations for Expo ‘74.

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