Campaign ‘97

Candidate Q&A

Do you think Spokane School District 81 should increase, decrease or keep at its current level of $200,000 the funding for its Equity Program?

- asked of candidates for the district’s school board.

Don Barlow: “Maintain it. I think basically they’re doing a good job.”

Joanne McCann: “I think they should decrease it, but I’m not sure how much. I think there are other priorities, and I’d really rather see more money go into a reading program.”

Probably just using up the old ones

The Jack Geraghty campaign is finally using the right forms to report campaign donations. … For several months, the treasurer for Geraghty’s re-election campaign has been using outdated Public Disclosure Commission forms to list donors. Those forms don’t have a space for the campaign to explain the employer and occupation for donors who gave more than $100, which is required by law … Geraghty’s most recent filings use the newer forms, and carry that information on at least some of the big-money folks … Most other candidates, including Geraghty’s opponent John Talbott, have been using the current forms all along.

It’s in the mail

The Washington State Voters pamphlet, with the arguments for and against the eight statewide ballot measures, and their complete texts, is off the printing press and off to the post office. It should be arriving at homes around the state any day now.

For the record books

Careful reader Jonathan Swanstrom Sr. wrote recently to take issue with a story about spending in the primary. The story about the independent expenditure campaign launched by NorthTown owner David Sabey and Spokane developer John Stone should have noted the biggest campaign - ever - in municipal election history, he thought … While that wasn’t the point of that particular story about this year’s primary, Swanstrom is correct in noting that distinction belongs to the Pacific Science Center proponents, who spent more than $150,000 in 1995.

The money chase

While Mayor Jack Geraghty leads all municipal candidates at this point in total money raised, challenger John Talbott has brought in more money since the primary … Most recent reports on file at the Spokane County Elections Office show Geraghty with $16,495, and $1,435 of that raised since Sept. 16. Talbott has $10,321, with $2,705 coming since the primary … Talbott’s total is boosted by a $1,000 check from developer Martin Howser, who switched horses now that his first choice, Duane Sommers, lost in the primary. Council candidate Judith Gilmore got $1,000 from the Washington State Council of County and City Employees, her second “G” note from the government workers union in this campaign … Steve Thompson is the municipal candidate who successfully made it through the primary with the least amount spent, $318.

Campaign Calendar

Friday: Candidates and political committees are required to file campaign summaries.

Oct. 15: Absentee ballots available for Nov. 4 election.

Catch the candidates

Friday: Friends and foes of Initiative 678, the dental hygienists law, on “Spokane This Week.” 8:30 p.m., KSPS-TV, Channel 7.

Oct. 19: Discussion of the Lincoln Street bridge, sponsored by the Citizens League of Greater Spokane. 7 p.m., The Met, 901 W. Sprague.

, DataTimes MEMO: Campaign ‘97, published Sunday’s during election season, is compiled by Jim Camden from staff reports. Information about debates or political forums can be mailed to P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, Wash., 99210; or faxed to (509)459-5482; or e-mailed to jimc@spokesman.com.

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Compiled by Jim Camden from staff reports