Call for garage hearing praised

The attorney representing the family of a woman who died when her car fell from the River Park Square garage said Thursday he’s encouraged by Mayor Dennis Hession’s decision to hold a hearing on the garage’s safety.

“We are obviously pleased by any action to answer substantial questions as to the integrity of the garage and to take responsible actions to protect the public,” said attorney Robert Rembert. “We think it’s time for the city as well as the owners of the garage to come forward with affirmative evidence that supports their contention that the garage is safe.”

On Wednesday, Hession announced that River Park Square officials will testify at a May 17 hearing on the safety of the garage.

Jo Ellen Savage, 62, of Pullman, died April 8 after her Subaru went through a barrier and fell from the garage’s fifth level. Her ex-husband, former Washington State Bar Association President David Savage, is a partner in the Pullman law firm representing her relatives.

Jennifer West, River Park Square spokeswoman, has said the garage is safe and pointed to a 2003 study that says many problems cited in an earlier review were overblown. The garage is owned by the Cowles Co., which also owns The Spokesman-Review.