Schroeder Views Quest For Council With Steely Pride Strong Law-And-Order Stance Backbone Of 4th Try

A disabled steelworker who says he loves a challenge plans to make his fourth run for the Spokane City Council.

Robert G. Schroeder, 65, hasn’t made it past the primary since he started vying for a council job in 1991. He’s determined this campaign will be different.

“I know I’ve lost before, but I never give up,” Schroeder said. “I’ve never refused a challenge in my life. Never.”

Schroeder plans to run for the seat held by Councilman Mike Brewer, who doesn’t plan to seek a third term. Judith Gilmore announced plans to run for that spot last week.

Council seats held by Phyllis Holmes and Cherie Rodgers, as well as the mayor’s seat, also are up for election this fall.

Schroeder ran unsuccessfully in 1991, 1993 and 1995.

This time around, he’s taking a different tact, he said Tuesday. “I’m running as a strong law-and-order candidate.”

Schroeder said he wants to see the city strictly enforce laws related to disability parking spots. He and his wife have disability parking stickers, and he often sees people parked illegally in the spots.

He’d like council members to have the authority to ticket violators, Schroeder said.

He also emphasizes fixing streets, expanding programs for seniors, improving conditions for low-income people and increasing communication with residents.

Schroeder works for Laidlaw Transit as a bus monitor, making sure disabled children get safely to and from school.

In the past, he has worked as a steelworker, a cab driver and a quality control supervisor at a carwash.

He has served as an election precinct worker and a lay minister at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, and is a member of the Knights of Columbus. He also has worked with the Boy Scouts.

Because Schroeder receives Social Security payments, the government will only let him earn $13,500 a year without taxing him, he said. If elected, he plans to donate the balance of his $18,000 council salary to charity.

“If I’m elected, (residents) will have somebody they can depend on,” he said. “If they need to talk to me, I’ll be available six days a week.

“The seventh day is for God.” , DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo