Editorial: Stuckart’s energy, fresh leadership needed now

Nobody wanted the Great Recession, but it did provide the city of Spokane with opportunities to make bold changes that reflected the new realities of lagging government revenue. Instead, the city took small steps in hopes the good old days would return. America’s economic doldrums appear to be long term, so fresh ideas are still needed.

The race for Spokane City Council president pits Dennis Hession, a former council member, council president and mayor, against political newcomer Ben Stuckart. Hession’s previous service was marked by civility and caution. We don’t think slow and steady should win this race, so we recommend a vote for Stuckart.

In a recent Spokesman-Review article Hession said, “I would be surprised if you could find anyone in town who would say anything but that I always treated everyone with respect.”

That rings true – truer than his contention that he embodies the kind of strong leadership the city sorely needs. And while his basic decency is undeniable, there is a concern about whether he could work with Mary Verner, who is the odds-on favorite in the mayoral race. Previous campaigns stirred bad blood between the two.

Hession is stronger than Stuckart on the issue of employee pay and needed union concessions, though that is mostly the responsibility of the mayor’s office. Support from labor interests makes that a difficult issue for Stuckart, but he has made a concerted effort to listen to the problems of small businesses and is sympathetic to the unnecessarily high hurdles that City Hall places in front of them. He notes the restrictive rules for something as simple as a tavern adding a patio.

Stuckart says he would challenge the presumed 6 percent increase in annual costs when it comes to budgeting, and says the city needs to be more aggressive in pursuing growth opportunities, whether it’s with business improvement districts, tax-increment financing or more strategic infrastructure projects near industrial areas. He’s right that the city needs to break free from the either/or approach of tax hikes or service cuts.

Stuckart demonstrated impressive leadership and commitment in launching Communities in Schools, a welcome addition to the region’s nonprofit community. It does valuable work to strengthen local education. While we opposed the tax increase for the Children’s Investment Fund, Stuckart showed courage in leading that effort and an ability to herd disparate interests toward a shared goal.

Hession has a long record of public service and would surely conduct civil meetings and interact professionally with the public. But the city badly needs leaders with bold ideas and the energy to follow through.

That’s why Ben Stuckart is the best choice for council president.