Hard Charger Still Needs Help Of Allies

Almost forgotten amid this fall’s campaigns was the person to whom Spokane’s form of government looks, above all others, for leadership: City Manager Bill Pupo.

Spokane faces a daunting list of challenges. During his first year in the job, Pupo has shown the grit required to tackle them.

While he was still acting city manager, the ice storm hit. Pupo’s assertive deployment of city resources helped resolve one of the worst emergencies in Spokane history.

He oversaw four agonizing personnel decisions - firing an arts director who falsified her resume, demoting an assistant police chief who had a drinking problem, firing a building codes official for sexual harassment and firing the city’s planning and engineering director over a damaging sexual affair.

In addition, Pupo borrowed money for emergency repairs to a few collapsing arterials, shuffled some top department heads, found money to staff a new library and oversaw a severance program that rewards employees who figure out how to eliminate their own jobs.

This has been difficult. What lies ahead will be, too:

Voters rejected higher taxes, yet city streets are in horrible condition and money must be found for better maintenance. This will mean cutting elsewhere in city services, battling for a contribution by Spokane Transit and supporting economic growth to boost tax revenues.

Settle controversies over the Lincoln Street bridge and the adjoining Ronald property.

Hire a new police chief with a process that will, Pupo pledges, feature consultation with concerned community groups.

Make the case for city water and sewer rate increases, to pay for mandatory improvements and expansion of the sewage treatment plant.

Refine and advance the proposal to expand the Spokane Convention Center.

Continue progress toward greater openness and trust in City Hall.

Pupo says he wants to help his home town repair its deteriorated household, from roads to parks to sewer systems. He aims to prevent urban decay by facilitating, within city limits, the same economic growth that’s occurring outside them.

To achieve these goals, he’ll need all of his skills, the City Council’s strong participation and the public’s awareness of just how much is at stake for us all.

, DataTimes The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = John Webster/For the editorial board