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The Slice: In the end, it’s all about jobs

Readers showed good will, big hearts and imagination in dreaming up theoretical Christmas presents for Spokane.

About 200 did so as part of The Slice’s GU basketball tickets giveaway.

“I think it would be a wonderful gift to Spokane if every child never ever had to worry about being hurt,” wrote Ron McConnell.

Others addressed the needs of the homeless and hungry.

Several entrants wished for perfect roads, money to balance the city’s budget and neighbors knowing one another.

Kathy Zinkgraf said it would be a great gift if Spokane’s TV news teams saved the expression “Breaking News” for big stories.

A couple of readers said a larger arena for the Zags might be nice, so people would not have to enter contests to obtain tickets.

Among the other ideas …

“A River Walk similar to San Antonio’s.” — Bill Witthuhn

“Geothermal hot springs.” — Shelley Storey

“A spirit of kindness and a desire to help others.” — Bonnie Weaver

“Peaceful coexistence between motorists and bicyclists.” — Sam Cozza

“No litter.” — Mary Spangler

“A huge infusion of diversity.” — Annie Iishi

“I wish for all Spokanites to have a healthy set of teeth.” — Linda Martin

“A brain for area drivers.” — Jim Cole

“Being comfortable in one’s own skin.” — Doug Porter

“Civility.” — Sylvia Passe

“Self-esteem.” — Michael Sikora

“All pets in Spokane County would be licensed.” — Nancy Hill

“Compassion as an outlook, not just an activity.” — John Hancock

“That everyone would get just a little more than they deserve.” — Kay Wright

“All the snow that the snow people want, but all the streets and sidewalks would remain clear and dry.” — Dayle Spahr

“A flock of flying pigs, so everyone will know that anything is possible in Spokane.” — Vicki Nicodemus

Thanks to all. I’m declaring artist Ken Yuhasz the winner. His gift would solve 97 percent of our problems.

“I would give everyone in Spokane a job that they love.”

Today’s Slice question: When you can’t think of anything that sounds good, what’s your default dinner plan?

Write The Slice at P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210; call (509) 459-5470; fax (509) 459-5098; e-mail pault@spokesman.com. Veterans appreciate it if you remember that today isn’t the same as Memorial Day.

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