Hession for mayor

Less than two years ago, Spokane residents breathed a collective sigh of relief when Dennis Hession took over as mayor. After the upheaval of former Mayor Jim West’s scandals, Hession’s stability, discipline and honesty provided a reassuring contrast.

Now city voters must decide whether to elect Hession, or one of his four challengers, to the next four-year term as mayor. While the race offers several capable candidates, only one has demonstrated he can effectively lead this $500 million organization. And that is Hession.

The mayor’s strongest competition comes from two current City Council members, Mary Verner and Al French. Neither demolition contractor Michael Noder nor retired debt collector Robert Krobroth possess the experience necessary to be serious contenders.

Verner, an attorney and executive director for the Upper Columbia United Tribes, thoughtfully and articulately spells out her ideas. She deals with others with respect and professionalism and provides a diverse, progressive voice on the council.

Al French, a business owner and architect, also relies on his background in the military and in public safety as he critically assesses the work of the current mayor. French describes his own style as decisive and fast-paced, yet he reaches out to citizens with affability and candor.

Both Verner and French complain that Hession’s quiet, deliberative approach strings out decisions too long and too often leaves the public in the dark.

And on those points, they are right. Too often Hession’s announcements wind up surprising onlookers, rather than appearing the logical conclusion of a process that has been conducted fully in the public’s view. Two of the most troublesome examples involved the release of the Matrix Consulting Group report and the long-delayed announcement of the termination of former deputy mayor Jack Lynch.

Nonetheless, during the past 21 months, Hession has effectively demonstrated his leadership skills. He wisely hired Anne Kirkpatrick as the city’s new police chief, who has already improved the professionalism and accountability of that department. Other particularly strong members of his team include new Chief Operating Officer John Pilcher and Chief Financial Officer Gavin Cooley, whom he was wise enough to retain from the previous administration.

This mayor has not only reduced costs to taxpayers, but also improved the city’s financial standing. Tax revenues increased 11 percent last year, and the city has been able to increase its reserves to nearly $14 million. Many of the city’s most influential business people and politicians have responded to Spokane’s favorable economic news with endorsements for Hession.

They believe Spokane’s prospering economy will thrive best under the stability of Hession’s continued leadership. They also correctly perceive that the strengths he initially brought to the job – a strong work ethic, perseverance and integrity – will keep serving the city well.

During this campaign, Hession describes his vision of making Spokane “Best in Class” in all areas of the city’s operation. As his ability to articulate this vision, with openness and clarity, grows, so too will the reality he hopes to create. City voters owe Spokane the chance to become its best self in the coming years. Hession is the candidate most likely to lead us there.