Endorsements: Condon, Stuckart top our choices for election

Following is a summary of The Spokesman-Review’s endorsements for the general election. To read the full endorsements online, go to spokesman.com/tags/ 2011-endorsement. For full election coverage, go to spokesman.com/elections.

City of Spokane

Mayor: David Condon

Best hope for pushing forward on economic development while pushing back on public employee compensation.

Council President: Ben Stuckart

Fresh perspective and ideas make him the better choice.

Council District 1: Donna McKereghan

Superior experience and practical outlook give her the nod over fringe ideologue.

Council District 2: Mike Allen

City needs his business sense and commitment to accountability.

Council District 3: Steve Salvatori

Business-oriented perspective gives him the advantage.

Proposition 1 (Community Bill of Rights): No

Fanciful wish list would be completely unworkable in the real world.

City of Spokane Valley

Council Position 2: Dean Grafos

Possesses sharp eye for the bottom line; looks out for small business.

Council Position 3: Dee Dee Loberg

Boundless energy, different viewpoint would challenge lockstep council.

Council Position 6: Ben Wick

Adds needed regional perspective to discussions.

Spokane County

Measure 1 (animal control facility): Yes

Small property levy worth it to regionalize and modernize animal control.

Spokane Public Schools

School board: Deana Brower

Deep commitment and positive approach elevate her over potentially divisive opponent.

State Legislature

District 4: Mike Padden

Conservative record and superior experience make him a good fit for district.

Statewide measures

Initiative 1125 (tolls): No

Limitations on West Side tolls would come back to haunt Eastern Washington transportation projects.

Initiative 1163 (home health workers): No

Given all of the budget cuts ahead, mandating spending on training is a low priority.

Initiative 1183 (liquor privatization): Yes

Public safety fears overblown. Governments would gain revenue; consumers would gain choices.

Senate Joint Resolution 8205 (residency requirement): Yes

House-cleaning measure to standardize residency requirement for all election contests.

Senate Joint Resolution 8206 (budget stabilization): Yes

Would ensure larger reserves and smooth out budgeting roller coaster.