Listening To The People Mayor John Talbott Launches Radio Call-In Show

Spokane Mayor John Talbott took his populist leanings live on Wednesday, debuting a weekly radio call-in show he hopes will reconnect residents to their government.

“Maybe we can get people buying the hottest book in town: the Spokane City Charter,” Talbott said as he launched the one-hour show on KSBN 1230.

“I want you to know how you can become involved … what you need to fulfill the dream you have for city government.”

From the start of the show, Talbott made it clear he didn’t plan to spend the hour blasting city leaders. When host Jeff Knox suggested the mayor might use the format to “bash his critics,” Talbott quickly interjected.

“No, no, Jeff. That’s not what’s going to happen here,” he said.

Instead, Talbott said he plans to use the show - known as “The City Forum” - to find out residents’ concerns and questions. He also plans to invite city employees and committee members on the show to talk about issues from parks to police, affirmative action to the arts.

Knox voiced the first concern, telling Talbott the public often feels overlooked during the city’s decision-making process.

“We stand up. We talk in front of the City Council. But it’s like talking to the wall,” Knox said. “They say, ‘Thank you very much,’ and then vote the way they choose.”

The mayor - who visited City Hall a lot in the years leading to his election - said he recognized the complaint. His experience testifying to previous councils left him “disgruntled with city government.”

Now that he’s on the other side of the podium, he said, “I hope I don’t get into that.” He added that he’d like the council always to delay big decisions for at least one week after a hearing.

Talbott’s first show featured investigative reporters Larry Shook and Tim Connor, who recently wrote a series of articles on Spokane’s incinerator for the Inlander.

The discussion prompted only a few calls, but sponsors expect more listeners as news of the show spreads.

As for the mayor, he seemed at ease with the live format, joking with callers and Knox. He quickly spoke up before conversations lagged into dead time.

The show will go on as long as it holds the public’s interest, Knox said, adding he hopes that means a four-year run.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: ON THE AIR Mayor John Talbott can be heard every Wednesday from 6 to 7 p.m. on KSBN 1230.