Verner gives first State of the City address

Mayor Mary Verner told Spokane’s business leaders Friday that the city must strive to attract environmentally friendly industry and commerce.

Doing so not only will help the environment, but the economic future of Spokane, Verner said in her first State of the City address.

“If the largest city in the state of Washington can go green, then the second-largest city in the state of Washington can go ever-green,” she said, noting efforts of Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels. “And I want to take Spokane there.”

Verner, who spoke for about 40 minutes, has launched an effort to examine ways the city can reduce its energy consumption and lower its dependence on oil.

She said the city’s attempts to conserve power will save money that can be used to improve services.

“In order for me to deliver, I’m going to have to be very efficient,” Verner said. “That’s going to require a new way of thinking.”

Spokane mayors make their annual State of the City address to Greater Spokane Inc., the former Chamber of Commerce. The event was held at the Doubletree Hotel downtown.

Verner also discussed numerous other issues she’s worked on since taking office in late November. She noted that City Council members were moved to the same floor as her office in an effort to improve communication. “That’s more than a symbolic gesture,” she said.

She also pointed to her reorganization of the economic development division and told the crowd that a police ombudsman’s office will be created this spring.

Verner said Spokane’s emergency preparedness was tested by recent winter storms and said the city’s involvement in the county’s emergency operations center, which was activated briefly last month, “went very well.” Verner has faced criticism for the city’s handling of snow removal after a series of storms dumped more than 20 inches of snow within a week.

“I do want you to know that you can rely on us,” she said.

Later, in a question and answer period, Verner was asked if the city benefited from Gov. Chris Gregoire’s declaration of an emergency.

“I did appreciate the governor’s attention,” Verner said. “She needed to see for herself what we were facing.”

But she added that she saw a downside in declaring the emergency because doing so could cause alarm in the community.

“There was no equipment, there was no money, there were no crews,” Verner said of the effects of the declaration on the city.