July 25, 2010 in City

Doug Clark: Ozzie knows catbird seat is a hot one

Doug Clark The Spokesman-Review

Read it and weep, county prosecutor candidates.

The Clark column has been officially endorsed by Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich.

You heard me.

I said, “officially” endorsed.

Ozzie hasn’t been doling out endorsements lately, so I decided to see if he’d give me his blessing. Sure enough, our good-humored sheriff agreed to play along with my antics.

I got the idea after reading our recent front-page story about the crazy Spokane County prosecutor’s race.

This is the one to watch, folks.

We have a quartet of wannabes who have embarked on an emotional and, at times, squabbling mission: to give Prosecutor Steve Slacker, oops I meant Tucker, even more time to hone his golf swing.

Ozzie is so popular with the populace that the candidates probably would piddle themselves at the thought of winning the sheriff’s official nod.

It’s like a pack of adolescent horndogs trying to take the same hot girl to the senior prom.

(Columnist apology: Sorry, Ozzie. That’s actually a terrible metaphor. Anyone who has seen our burly lug of a sheriff would know how positively horrific he’d look in a frilly formal.)

But Ozzie has been keeping his cards tucked tightly to his chest.

Yeah, yeah. The sheriff has offered a vague general support to the Republican field. But he hasn’t really committed to any suitor in particular.

Well, except me, that is.

So I called Mr. Cool to ask what sitting in that fabled catbird seat was like.

“I may be in the catbird’s seat,” the sheriff quipped without skipping a beat, “but that cat’s getting ready to eat this canary.”

Classic Ozzie.

The man has mastered the “aw, shucks” country boy routine. But the Andy of Mayberry stuff doesn’t fool me.

The sheriff is probably the smartest public official I’ve ever come across. Plus he’s a very likable guy, to boot.

It’s a wise play for Ozzie to kick back and see what drama will unfold in the upcoming primary.

But it’s still highly interesting to note that the sheriff did NOT sign Putter’s – oops, Tucker’s – endorsement sheet. Nor did Ozzie record any pro-Tucker radio spots.

That’s gotta hurt. Tucker is the incumbent Republican prosecutor, after all.

“I don’t want to sound like sour grapes … but he kind of backed off everything he talked to me about,” Tucker said in our news story of the sheriff’s lukewarm stand.

“I hate politics.”

Translation: “Waaaa!!!”

If anyone actually believes Tucker’s whining nonsense, I’ve got a Paulsen Building I’d like to sell.

Tucker doesn’t hate politics. Tucker hates the fact that he’s facing real competition this go-round.

But don’t be glum, Steve. You were elected prosecutor in 1998, 2002 and 2006. Isn’t that enough?

Hell, “Seinfeld” only lasted nine seasons, and Tucker definitely ain’t no “Seinfeld.”

For me, Tucker’s nonhandling of the Otto Zehm case is Exhibit A in the case for a prosecutorial change.

It was a stroke of good fortune that the feds decided to investigate what happened to the innocent and mentally ill janitor who died after a violent encounter with Spokane police in 2006.

A federal grand jury indicted Spokane police Officer Karl F. Thompson Jr. on felony charges of excessive force and lying to investigators. The trial, which has been delayed by an evidentiary appeal, is set to begin next March.

That wait is frustrating. And anybody who says they can predict the outcome of a jury trial is a fool.

But at least this case will have its time in court. Had it stayed with Tucker, the matter would have remained dead and buried – just like Otto.

But what do I know? I’ve never sat in any catbird seat.

Doug Clark can be reached at (509) 459-5432 or dougc@spokesman.com.

14 comments on this story so far. Add yours!

ChefGus/ John Olsen on July 25 at 6:10 a.m.
Sheriff Ozzie is a most wonderful public official. He will talk to anyone in his space on any topic that he is conversant with ( and that is many many complex topics).. and treats EVERY person with respect and full attention. I have seen this when he was on the original campaign trail against Cal Thomas, and since then more than a few times. He is a true gentle man… but also stand up guy that will cover your back if needed. When we get to the point of integration for our various police force’s in the Inland County Basin he is the one to make it work.
He need not endorse any one of the candidates because I am confident he will work with any of them professionally and to the good of our citizenry.
The simple fact that Mr Tucker does NOT have Sheriff Ozzie’s endorsement/support is a VERY significant statement to the voting public.
Review the candidates …. my choices for the final election are Mr Stevens, and Mr Malone based on their human qualities being much the same as Sheriff Ozzie. Both of them are stand up guys that will do the right thing and use some common sense in administration for that most important elected office this year. John Olsen
Truthbtold on July 25 at 6:22 a.m.
Gus, could you paste the article here. I am having a problem with my account and noone is availble to answer phones at paper.
liarsinnews on July 25 at 8:02 a.m.
I didn`t hear OZZIE preaching from his bully pulpit regarding the OTTO tragedy. If the sheriff really cared he at least should have expressed his opinion. I continue to wear my OTTO pin and will until justice is served.
Albert on July 25 at 9:15 a.m.
Thank you Doug for the “smile” this morning. Fun.
Herein lies the proverbial truth. If’n we compare the leadership of the Sheriff’s Office with that of the dregs of the SPD, we see a 180 degree difference. Ozzie isn’t out looking for a job throughout the country; Otto wasn’t murdered by the SO; Mr. Pete wasn’t shot by a drunken deputy, and we do not routinely read of violence against the citizens by the SO - not to mention the ongoing cover-ups. In fact, Ozzie will be the first to investigate any complaint with the Sheriff’s Department, publicize what is taking place, and I note in every case, the “offender” quietly disappears from their employment. Now this is accountability - despite the graft, threats, and corruption of the union.
I will openly propose once again, that the City of SlowCan provide policing “services”? with the Sheriff’s Department. This will save the taxpayers a ton of money as evidenced by the various cities throughout California undertaking this action. Harassment of the citizens will decrease, protection will improve, and we will all save money.
Mr. Adams…where can I obtain an Otto Pin please?? I want one of these for sure. Thank you.
eagleproducer on July 25 at 9:36 a.m.
Albert: I think your characterization about the SCO needs to be re-evalutated, especially in regards to Deputy off-duty behavior and the number who’ve been roughed up at their hands. Remember, Ozzie’s boys also run the jail, and the last time I checked there have been a number of inmates who’ve been killed while in custody during his terms of office.
Why is the Sheriff an elected official? What is this, Dodge City? I never cast a vote for this office on my ballot.
Or perhaps a better question, why doesn’t the county have just a single law enforcement agency? I’d vote for that!
liarsinnews on July 25 at 9:38 a.m.
Albert, I received my OTTO pin from Doug Clark.. I think if you just ask him he will send one. Thanks for asking.
eagleproducer on July 25 at 9:41 a.m.
ChefGus wrote: “Both of them are stand up guys that will do the right thing and use some common sense in administration for that most important elected office this year. ”
The “right thing” is to stop jailing marijuana users. Ozzie can do that on his own, like the former Chief in Seattle did.
ZagChuck on July 25 at 10:26 a.m.
@ Spotucky.
First, the sheriff is elected because he is the most powerful official in the county, and we don’t want someone with that power being appointed by anyone. If you think he’s not, you’re not paying attention. Recall when he shut down the school system two years ago because of snow and road conditions? It’s a tough job, he does it really well, and he is an ethical man. I’m not sure we’d get anything like that from an appointment by the county commissioners or the city mayors….. I’m just sayin
Second, The Sheriff, and his Deputies swear an oath to uphold the laws of the Sate of Washington, and the Constitution of the State of Washington and The United States. All of them, not just the ones you want him to enforce, not just the ones he thinks are the best. Therefore, he cannot, as you say “stop jailing marijuana users.” Furthermore, A quick check of the records would show that only one person in the last 5 years was arrested for a marijuana misdemeanor as their only charge. Thus, the SO is not out patrolling for dope smokers, and uses officer discretion fairly frequently.
I’m really tired of that argument from the pro-dope movement. The only people incarcerated for dope charges are those who had felony amounts, or felony charges, (Sale, possession with intent to sell, manufacture etc…) Those individuals took it upon themselves to break the law in a manner that drew the attention of law enforcement, and now face the consequences for their actions. I shed no tears for them.
Ron_the_Cop on July 25 at 10:29 a.m.
Doug,
Thx for keeping the tragic death of Otto in the news. Please remember SPD and it’s IA unit cleared Officer Thompson. Steve Tucker was willing to go with the flow and found nothing amiss here. It was only when the feds got their nose under the tent with the use of a federal grand jury did the police statements begin to change. AMAZING!
I’m with ChefGus I’m not voting for Tucker. Any of the candidates for this very important office can do better that Tucker has done. Yes the prosecutor’s union supports Tucker. Look at the margin though. I suspect it’s the deadwood in the office that wants to keep the status quo that carried the Tucker endorsement.
As for support/endorsement of AG Rob McKenna and Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich I too found this odd after watching the League’s candidates’ forum. I emailed the Sheriff who answered emphatically, “I have not endorsed anyone for any office.” I had this up on my blog the day before Mr. Clouse broke this story. Sorry Mr. Clouse the Sheriff didn’t return your calls:-).
Seriously I’ve wrote Tucker and demanded he make a clarification. I’ve also written AG McKenna and asked if he knew he was supporting Tucker. There are many reasons why Tucker shouldn’t be returned to office the least of which is the Zehm case.
For more information on the reasons Tucker should not be returned to office and in fact should be indicted read here:
BREAKING - Steve Tucker claims support of Sheriff Knezovich - Sheriff Knezovich emphatically says he didn’t endorse anyone
http://tinyurl.com/2at6g2h
BTW ChefGus I thought you were offline at your retreat where your doing your culinary public service:-)
CONCERNEDREADER on July 25 at 1:38 p.m.
Chef Gus - I think that you are right on your point about the margin on the vote regarding the prosecutor’s union endorsement - 18-26 isnt huge support for Tucker and I think that you may be on to something about the “deadwood” and “status quo”
ChefGus/ John Olsen on July 25 at 4:15 p.m.
Ms Shannon…. here is the link i tink…. to the string on the prosecutor….. there is also of course a link on cable 5 perhaps city website for the League of women voter’s forum with the Prosecutors… it is WELL worth watching… best and thanks for keepin your hat in the ring here… J
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2010/jul/21/sheriffs-support-falls-in-gray-area/#c174502
Bullshapitsca on July 25 at 4:21 p.m.
Once again Mr Clark is guilty keeping it real with a smile, thank you sir.
Ozzie seems to know that he works for the people. This kind of thinking in a leader shows in the people he leads..
The SO under Ozzies’ leadership actually takes the common mans interests into account when enforcing the law and maintaining public safety.
ChefGus/ John Olsen on July 25 at 4:22 p.m.
Ron… thanks for the inquiry… I am headed to Holden Village www.holdenvillage.org for six weeks of cooking in the kitchen high in the Washington Alps above Lucerne on lake Chelan… done this for several years now as an additional venue for community and cookin…. we do a week in August called “Abriendos Caminos” inviting the Mexicans from the valley…( those migrant worker folks).. to come to Holden at a much reduced rate per day…..(scholarshipped)… It is the one week a year when and where our steady ready migrant workers can just “BE” without looking over their shoulder for the ICE or Cops…… ( sanctuary status of the church)…. the food is Muy Sabrosa…. 400 meals three times a day….. Pozole, Tamale, fresh made tortillas, huevos rancheros….. stretches my culinary limits… but it is muy bueno…. best week of my year…. as a staff member i do get on line privelege… so you aint rid of me…:)) J
ChefGus/ John Olsen on July 26 at 10:40 p.m.
Headed out of town this afternoon… coming down Ash/Maple…. just below Mission Street is the world famed Maxwell Tavern…( best broasted chicken in the city… and on the north wall of the exterior of the tavern were two HUGE signs…. right side by side….. cozy as can be…. on for “Re elect Sheriff Knezovich” and the other “Re Elect Tucker” some Not so subtle editorializing by the fine folks that hung those signs me thinks…. wonder if the Sheriff knows that they are there and the Implication/Inference is that Sheriff Ozzie is in Mr Tucker’s camp…. any body know/care?? j