Spokane7
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September 14, 2011 in City
Mayor’s FAQs on Zehm case short on real answers, again
It is sad that the Otto Zehm case is becoming a political spectacle.
Sad, and absolutely appropriate. Because it’s hard to see what else – apart from insistent public pressure and repeated uncomfortable questions – might lead to an actual public accounting of how the leadership has led.
Otherwise, all we can count on is what we’ve already seen: A pretense from the mayor, the police chief and most of the city’s leadership that they are somehow bound by questions of legality and propriety and respect for the judiciary from saying anything or doing anything or settling anything or standing for anything. And worse: the repeated insinuations that it is improper or naïve to expect them to do so.
Pick your monkey – see-no, hear-no, speak-no – then shut up.
So it’s good for everybody that David Condon is poking that monkey with a stick. Condon, the former hand-servant for Cathy McMorris Rodgers who’s running for mayor, came out with a statement criticizing Mayor Mary Verner and everybody else over the Zehm case. In particular, he blasted the mayor for allowing the city to proceed with a legal strategy in the family’s lawsuit that now seems doomed by information that has long been known at City Hall – the turning of Assistant Chief Jim Nicks and others against Officer Karl Thompson, who faces federal charges in Zehm’s death.
Just because it’s opportunistic doesn’t mean it’s wrong.
Verner responded with a statement of outrage. It was reckless for Condon to dis her so. He was victimizing the Zehm family all over again. It was horrible of him to use this tragedy for his personal political ambition, she said in the statement released by the organization that supports her personal political ambition.
On Friday, she followed with a hastily called campaign appearance – I mean, an official news conference as mayor – in which she and several council members announced plans to investigate the hell out of this case, eventually.
Well, OK. Super. But Verner’s newly public passion for getting to the bottom of things was accompanied by a refusal to answer any questions. It would be wrong, of course, for her to answer any questions while there is a pending trial. Instead, she helpfully passed out a list of FAQs.
FAQs? Really? Is there any tool in the duck-and-deflect arsenal of public relations that is quite so presumptuous? Is there any form of stunt accountability that more clearly skirts any form of true accountability?
Plus, plenty of Q’s were not exactly A’d.
Such as:
Why now, Mayor? What made this moment – Sept. 9, 2011, five-plus years after Zehm died – the right time to announce that eventually, once everybody else gets done handling it, the city is going to go after this thing like a badger?
It wasn’t politics, was it?
Because that would be – what, reckless? Thoughtless?
And what about this plan for a thorough external and internal inquiry – excellent as it is – took “several weeks to craft”? Did it really take that long to consult the Manual of Obvious Responses?
Surely neither politics nor any other form of self-interest had anything at all to do with the years of silence and deferral on this case at City Hall, followed by lots of empty, high-profile gestures on the heels of shocking public revelations?
And – to follow up on the first question – why was Aug. 16 the prime moment to announce the city would pursue closure and resolution in the civil lawsuit brought by the Zehm family? It wasn’t, I assume, because the turning of Nicks against Thompson had blown up into a public outcry?
Should we adopt any skepticism about the sincerity of that gesture given the fact that nearly a month after the pledge to pursue “any and all courses of action” toward a resolution, the attorneys for the Zehm family are still wondering exactly what that means?
If, as Verner says, it’s a re-victimization of the Zehm family for Condon to criticize the city, is it a re-re-victimization of the Zehm family for her to criticize Condon for criticizing the city?
What, precisely, is inappropriate about pressing these questions? What, precisely, would be inappropriate about answering some of them? What, precisely, is inappropriate about demanding accountability from a bureaucracy that absorbed and silenced legally inconvenient information until it became too embarrassing to do so? A group of leaders who – if Bob Apple is to be believed – sat on this information at the assurances of a city attorney that it would not be introduced in court?
Speaking of Apple, could somebody find him a pair of long pants for the next press conference?
And could someone spring for a day planner for the chief of police? So she’s able to make it to the next get-tough, respect-the-process, we’ll-all-heal-eventually presser?
So many Q’s. Such empty A’s.
Shawn Vestal can be reached at (509) 459-5431 or shawnv@spokesman.com. Follow him on Twitter at @vestal13.
The draw of the unknowable 
DickAdams on September 14 at 9:34 a.m.
Thanks for the story, Shawn. Good job! Mayor Verner`s on a junket to Japan, is very telling, notwithstanding the taxpayers money wasted sending her. Verner has no shame. RIP, OTTO. BTW, Verner, obviously makes no attempt to reduce the deficit spending money we don`t have and taking a needless trip, and yet Verner condones the tax increase that the city council enacted Monday night. I suppose that`s one way to pay for the junket expenses. What fools!
Ron_the_Cop on September 14 at 9:53 a.m.
Another excellent column Mr. Vestal. You’re asking the questions that all of us had who attended the Mayor’s tea party oops presser;-) OK apparently Mr. Snyder, Mr. Corker and Ms. Waldref had some advanced notice of the Mayor’s gig. Mr. Snyder and Mr. Corker were in coat and tie. Ms. Waldref was nicely attired too.
Mr. Apple did stand out but he wasn’t given notice of the meeting. Why do you suppose? At least he approached the press line and engaged the reporters. He gave several significant statements and called a shovel a shovel. For that I will give him kudos for having the courage to speak out. Refreshing in this City of closely held secrets.
Of course George McGrath was present and noted there was a quorum of the Council present for which there was no adequate notice. After the Mayor fled for the security of City Hell, McGrath yelled something to that effect. City Administrator Danek yelled back gruffly that they had checked with legal and it was ok since they said nothing. True but I did see them talking privately with each other:-)
I’m sorry but the Mayor’s been a day late and a dollar short for not pulling the plug of this active cover up by the police command staff, the City Attorney and her office many moons ago. Blaming the federal court is nothing but BS. Yes the timing is very political and the timing has everything to do with Condon throwing this gauntlet down very legitimately. Sorry if this wasn’t very Spokane Nice of him.
I voted for Mary Verner as I couldn’t vote for Hession. Verner promised former Sheriff Tony Bamonte she would deal with the corruption in this town to secure his endorsement. Once in office she reneged on this promise and her spine turned to Jello.
Spokane’s Anarchist Mayor - http://tinyurl.com/48qh6et
At this point I think I will take my chances with Condon. I will not vote for Hession this time for Council President either.
Ron_the_Cop on September 14 at 10:09 a.m.
If you’re new to this party don’t miss the community debate going on about the Mayor’s presser and the tragic death of Otto Zehm in the other S-R threads.
Here’s paraphrase of one of my comments regarding the disingenuous nature of the Mayor’s press conference and drop and run with the FAQ’s.
I understand sometimes it better for all involved that complicit officials are quietly eased out the backdoor. HOWEVER when there is an active cover up those complicit should be prosecuted for obstruction of justice. These officials violated their oaths of office to WE THE PEOPLE. Both Chief Kirkpatrick and Asst. Chief Nicks were in the captain’s seat at various times during this cover up.
There were other officials that are definitely more culpable in the cover up and mislead both Chief Kirkpatrick and Asst. Chief Nicks but the buck stops with them and the Mayor - WHO DID NOTHING for almost two years.
In my read of the fed’s proffer filed in April of 2010 former Asst. Chief Oldenthal should be puckering right now whether he gets tagged with obstruction of justice. SPD Det. Ferguson should have known better than to follow Asst. Chief Oldenthal’s unlawful order to edit the infamous video tape before viewing by other police command staff and SPD use of force experts.
NO ONE SHOULD BE ABOVE THE LAW! - Including Rocky Treppiedi.
Mayor Verner is a strong mayor with the ability to fire at will some 30 high City officials. Mr. Treppiedi is a big liability to the City. Why Treppied is still around is beyond me - MAYOR VERNER! If City Attorney Delaney won’t fire Treppiedi, fire Delaney and get someone that will.
Mayor Verner I understand your wanting to handle this quietly but there are times when you need to wield the axe. This is why the people voted you into office. Perhaps if your spine improves you should show SFD Chief Bobby Williams, CFO Cooley, City Atty Delaney the door too:-)
I presented an easy out to the Mayor and to the City Council to have done with this issue and will bring about the change that Spokane citizens are demanding. And it won’t cost us a dime. Of course it will use federal resources that we all pay for but this would be a very good investment of our tax money unlike the way Mayor Verner and this City Council and the ones before them have spent other peoples’ money.
See my way forward in my post:
Mayor Verner kicks the Otto Zehm death cover up down the road again http://tinyurl.com/3h49dgd
ChefGus/ John Olsen on September 14 at 10:10 a.m.
It is true about the “quorum” call…. but believe me that is the “least” of the City Council, Mayor, Chief and Assistant Chief’s problem…. but it DOES underline how very little respect all of these people have for their oath of office and their understanding of how an open government is required by law to function.
The folks in charge have failed, uniformly failed and continue to fail at getting out front on this “City Hall Legal Office” problem…. it is difficult to believe that now they are still being kept in the dark… Trepiedi and his gang have duped and dissembled and ducked long enough…. Bring on the Feds…. There are deep Constitutional issues here around citizens civil rights…..John
Ron_the_Cop on September 14 at 10:28 a.m.
Well said Chef Gus!!! Are you back in town now?
Squid on September 14 at 10:42 a.m.
Ron, my father is a good friend of Mr. Hession, so I have to believe that Dennis has good intentions. I don’t know.
Remember the good old days when you could run the bad guys out on a rail, or tar and feather them, in public? It kept people honest and true, to a degree. PC and pacifism have long term side effects. The price of petrol products might make tar and feathering cost prohibitive too.
Gus, are we still pals? I wasn’t necessarily mad at you, as much as I was angry about the date the article was printed. Poor timing and disrespectful to print it on that day, in my opinion. My humble apology.
Ron_the_Cop on September 14 at 10:46 a.m.
Squid,
I don’t want to go into issues why I’m not voting for Hession. My sources do say he’s the one who may have called the feds to come in on the Zehm case which was the right thing to do.
Squid on September 14 at 10:54 a.m.
Well Ron, I may be able to find out if he did. I’ll call my pappy. If he did, I’d have to say that he has my ultimate respect. It’s just a shame that it had to come to that. It’s an extreme measure, that has soiled our town on a National level. Embarrassing, to say the least, but if you look at all of the controversy since 1996, it appears that too much has happened for too long. Any idea what changed in 1996?
Ron_the_Cop on September 14 at 11:33 a.m.
Squid,
I do but I’m trying to keep this debate centered on Verner’s lack of action and spine.
I’m willing to go with Condon if he will make a sincere effort to address the corruption in this City of which the Zehm case is only the tip of the iceberg.
zelda on September 14 at 2:42 p.m.
Condon is correct for calling out Verner on this, but it’s just plain ol’ political opportunism on his part. He saw an opening and he went for it.
It would be comforting to think that new mayoral leadership would change things, but it’s just as likely that Condon would have done the same thing if he were in Verner’s shoes.
The overarching conclusion is that corruption around here has reached a level that it literally takes someone to make a federal case out of it to see that justice is served. The need to have a federal civil rights trial is both a diagnosis and a verdict on Spokane’s police dept. and its civic leadership.
The FAQ really is a farce, but it’s one being played out across the country. Lying is a reflex for politicians and executives. It’s ingrained; they lie even when they don’t have anything to cover up. It’s so rare to encounter the unvarnished truth that one tends to disbelieve it. Communications degrees have supplanted journalism degrees. Propaganda has replaced news.
Ron_the_Cop on September 14 at 3:11 p.m.
Well said Zelda. This goes to my point and recommendation to do just that regarding the feds. They have the resources and expertise to do what is needed as Spokane government has demonstrated it is incapable or won’t take care of this very serious problem.
http://tinyurl.com/3h49dgd
It’s clear our Mayor and City Council have no political will to do this. WE THE PEOPLE are not powerless to act and can action to correct this problem if our elected leaders will not.
We the citizens of Spokane have a fundamental right to have an effective, accountable police department that controls crime, ensures respect for the Constitution, and enjoys the trust of the public it is charged with protecting. In the end it is we who are the police and the police are us.
brianrbreen on September 14 at 3:20 p.m.
@Suid
In my Opinion despite you and your parents relationship with Dennis Hession. Back in, 2006-2007 he knew exactly what was going on and did nothing
Forgive me, I’m still waiting for Spokane_Citizen and “underthecover” to load up. They have every right to post on here as do I.
As far as the East Central Community Center is concerned, I’m pissed , but what’s new.
Spokane_Citizen do you want to just hope it will go away? It won’t.
.
liberal_in_right_wing_land on September 14 at 3:24 p.m.
What happened to Mr. Zehm was sad and whatever happened afterwards sounds bad also. However, what is the deal with the Spokesman Reviews coverage of this? Every single day they have an article written about Otto Zehm, but there is no new information, they just keep typing the same story but rearranging the words for a different day. Not even the local TV stations that LOVE to inflate local stories to fill there newscasts are giving the Otto Zehm case this much coverage, because there is nothing new to report.
Either this paper has an agenda to keep this in the voters minds because they want yet another new mayor……or they just have nothing better to report on down there other than giving us the same story every single day.
When something breaks or some new piece of information regarding this case come forth, by all mean, cover it, but nothing new has been said for weeks or longer, there are other issues going on in this city, county, state and country.
brianrbreen on September 14 at 5:44 p.m.
@liberial
I’m sorry but, I consider myself pretty middle of the road, and perhaps just an old guy that likes to take the paper into the bathroom. So when I see someone trying to justify a D’s problems by attacking the media. I kinda laugh. I’m happy with a lot of the coverage the SR has provided, and unhappy with some. But as far as in-depth is concerned it’s the only outlet we have.
Perhaps you have noticed that “Spokane_ Citizen and “underthecover” have not taken a shot at me for a while. The reason is, they know I know, and a lot of it has to do with embarrassment
The Zehm case as difficult for everyone as it is, and most of all, for the Zehm family is perhaps a blessing for the SPD.
I was going vote for Mayor Verner, despite what I know, but I won’t now.. My recommendation to Wuthrich is to respond in this way to media requests. “It would be inappropriate for the Guild to comment regarding the recent media reports concerning the retirements of Chief Kirkpatrick and Chief Nicks.. The membership is excited about the possibility of being in a position to help regain the communities respect”
How was that “Spokane_Citizen”? I realize I’m the product of a Southside public school education but my English Teacher was none other then Spokane Hutchinson.. I never got the spelling or grammar down quite right but she made sure I was eligible to play on Friday.
DickAdams on September 14 at 6:12 p.m.
Squid, in answer to your question as to what happened in 1996 to change stuff. If your not guesting, its the amount of money involved fleecing the taxpayers and handing it to the Cowles Dynasty over $100.million bucks. Its going to take the taxpayers in the Lilac City until the year 2030 to pay off the debt off. Did anyone hear if either Betsy or Stacey thanked the citizens. My guess is the reason might be the issuance of illegal muni bonds. Illegal acts are performed by thief’s.
arroyoribera on September 14 at 6:16 p.m.
It is absolutely correct that Condon’s jumping on this issue is purely political opportunism. Presumably Condon resides in this city as he is running for Mayor. While thousands of people in this community have marched, written, spoken up, and worked to maintain Otto Zehm alive in the public eye and in the courts and in City Hall and the City Council and the offices of the FBI and elsewhere, David Condon never raised his voice, was never seen, never protested the coverup evident from day one nor the gross human rights abuse that occurred when the SPD and the Spokane Fire Department killed Otto Zehm. Condon is a politician. He has one goal - get elected. His voice really adds nothing to this matter but to display his crass opportunism. Let him find some other issues to address and make his mark.
DickAdams on September 14 at 6:19 p.m.
I should have read what I typed before clicking on the send key.
The Cowleses did not thank the taxpers for their generous gift.
Also the redundancy I used re debt pay off.
DickAdams on September 14 at 6:22 p.m.
I should have read what I typed before clicking on the send key.
The Cowleses did not thank the taxpayers for their generous gift.
Also the redundancy I used re debt pay off. Sorry
Elkay on September 14 at 7:23 p.m.
Frankly, I’m glad Otto’s story is being kept alive (thank you Shawn, for today’s contribution … it was great!).
In the grand scheme of things, who would have thought that a humble, mentally-challenged janitor’s death would expose so much rot and decay in the highest offices in our fair city.
And I would NOT vote for Hession, ever. After my business dealings with him (yes, he FINALLY paid), I found him to be incredibly arrogant and aloof. But I guess those traits are star qualities for a lawyer/politician.
brianrbreen on September 14 at 7:59 p.m.
@Elkay
Yep, you are right, some how, some way, we have to keep Otto’s story alive. Some where there is a meaning in his death. I ain’t forgetting, and no matter what it takes, or who it takes, I’m going to do my best to keep it remembered.
Elkay on September 14 at 8:48 p.m.
@brianrbreen
Thanks, and for Otto, it is not a want, but a need to keep his story alive. He wasn’t seemingly ‘important’ in the Spokane Swells Circle — so it would follow that his ultimate demise could be easily dismissed.
What a mistake our big-time so-called ‘leaders’ made!!! Patent lying, cover-ups, corruption … all this ensuing from a mostly anonymous gentle person’s death.
I know you’ll do your best for Otto and his family. Thanks, and I’ll do what I can with the people I know, too. My middle name is Mighty Mouth.
DickAdams on September 14 at 8:52 p.m.
Your comment sent to Elkay is right on target and I applaud you for sticking with it to keep OTTO, tragedy remembered. I feel the same way regarding the robbery committed against the taxpayers by the Cowles. I hope the taxpayers remember at least twice a year with an excellent reminder, when opening their real estate tax statement and note they are giving money to the Cowles. The debt to the taxpayers for paying off the loan is in the year 2030. I think it only right to keep telling the Cowleses until the year 2030 and keep complaining.
Spokane_Citizen on September 14 at 8:52 p.m.
Brian, I’ve “not taken a shot” at you in any of my posts. As for your assertion of ‘embarassment’ on my part, that’s quite an entertaining reach. I just don’t live in this forum, the way that many do, and I only very occasionally visit.
I have no ‘horse in this race’, nor do I have any more information regarding the Zehm case than what I’ve read in the SR. Whether it eventually ‘goes away’, or becomes a huge issue (unlikely, because most people have many other concerns) will fortunately be decided in a far more deliberative venue than that of very few ill-informed speculative blog devotees (I’d say ‘fanatics’ but that could be construed as insulting, despite its accuracy).
There are well considered reasons why none of you would ever be selected to be jurors in most court cases….you presumptively jump to all sorts of facile conclusions.
For some strange reason, you (and a few others) believe they know who I am, and that I have “insider knowledge” regarding many of the conspiracy theories (truly urban legends) that abound regarding the city of Spokane. I’m sorry to disabuse you in that respect…I’m just another Spokane citizen (a long time ‘student of Spokane’, so to speak…but not one who is fixated on a single issue).
It is, however, obvious to me that nothing much has changed in the mob psychology of public anger, hysteria, and paranoia since the early days of this republic. Nowadays it’s just digitally facilitated, rather than illuminated via torchlight outside sleepy county courthouses. Frankly, that’s quite an improvement….since cooler heads will ultimately prevail.
Spokane_Citizen on September 14 at 9:08 p.m.
Well Dick…it’s quite apparent that you and I won’t be the ones complaining until 2030, and the vast majority (an ever increasing vast majority as every year passes) won’t have the slightest clue what you’re talking about (most people wouldn’t know, even right now…are you talking about Taft’s Teapot Dome Scandal, or Watergate?).
However, old friend, if the anger keeps you going for several more decades, have at it! I’ll take it over blind apathy any time. You must have been quite a force of nature in your day (and I say that without any disrespect).
brentandrews on September 14 at 9:40 p.m.
Good writing, Vestal, keep after these pigs. They killed an innocent man and then covered it up. The mayor, the police chief, everybody ought to be in jail. As an anarchist, I could not think of a better way to get the people on my site - extrajudicial killings do the job, every time. There’s no government like no government. Overthrow them.
Ron_the_Cop on September 14 at 9:46 p.m.
Brian, Dick and Elkay,
Yes how true. The death of Otto has exposed the unseemly side of Spokane nice for all to see and the corruption that is endemic in our local government of ethically challenged officials both elected and appointed.
Spokane_Citizen,
Look call me a conspiracy theorist if you wish. I actually prefer a prescient Cassandra with a crystal ball that is generally about three to five years out.
What we are witnessing before us is the result of chaos theory and unintended consequences set in motion by the events leading up to the death of Otto and what happened after.
The truth seeks to be free and will eventually out itself.
Spokane_Citizen on September 14 at 10:04 p.m.
Ron……okay…..humble guy, ain’t ya? Of course the truth seeks to be free, but sometimes it isn’t quite what you suppose it to be (don’t despair, I have faith that you can morph it into something that suits your needs). But your concern and need for attention isn’t about Otto, it’s about you, and your ‘prescient Cassandra crystal ball’ complex. It’s sorta pathological, don’t you think?
Elkay on September 14 at 10:16 p.m.
@Ron_the_Cop,
“The truth seeks to be free and will eventually out itself.”
Great words and wisdom. All it takes is required patience…in this new world of “I gotta know NOW”. We’ve already seen how CYA has worked.
I believe these blogs are read by the actors in this case…and hope their sleep ain’t too peaceful. Do I hear “tip of the iceberg”?
BlueHealer on September 14 at 10:18 p.m.
@Spokane_Citizen-Sometimes I think you are the only rational person left in Spokane, except that I have faith that the majority feel the way you do. Keep calling ‘em like you see ‘em.
Ron_the_Cop on September 14 at 10:20 p.m.
Spokane_Citizen,
Look I spent 35 years connecting the dots. It’s in my DNA. Look we’re all ears. If you have a better way forward to fix our government that IMO is dysfunctional please do enlighten us.
I’m sorry I have a real problem with being a victim like sheep being preyed upon by the wolves. I will not standby while thieves raid our public treasury to line their own pockets. I will not remain silent when I see outright police misconduct and behavior. I will call a spade a spade [No expletive intended] and fight!
The Mayor is being disingenuous which is a polite way of saying if her lips are moving she’s probably lying.
Elkay on September 14 at 10:22 p.m.
@Spokane_Citizen,
Sorry, but I think Ron_the_Cop and others on here want to expose corruption at the highest level. That doesn’t strike me as pathological. How about “transparent”.
Are your meds out of date?
Ron_the_Cop on September 14 at 10:23 p.m.
Elkay,
Wise words. I hope those complicit are hearing footsteps behind them:-)
Elkay on September 14 at 10:37 p.m.
@Ron_the_Cop,
Thanks. And I hope Spokane_Citizen and Blue Healer dream of unicorns and lollipops tonight.
Spokane_Citizen on September 14 at 10:52 p.m.
Thank you! I’ll continue to sleep quite well, knowing that your conspiracy theories are baseless, and a product of personal issues that find resonance with few in this community.
Elkay on September 14 at 11:00 p.m.
@Spokane_Citizen,
“…….knowing that your conspiracy theories are baseless, and a product of personal issues……..”
Really.
It’s always comforting to know we have freedom of speech in America. So much intelligence (or lack thereof) gets exposed. Sweet dreams.
Ron_the_Cop on September 14 at 11:33 p.m.
Night all and don’t let the bed bugs bite. You know they’re coming back again since DDT was pulled;-)
greenlibertarian on September 15 at 12:55 a.m.
Windmill tilting.
BlueHealer on September 15 at 6:18 a.m.
Ron-I didn’t dream of unicorns or lollipops last night. Nor did I dream of conspiracies, which apparently takes up most of your time. Have a great day and go defend the good people of Spokane because they are obviously unable to do it without your help. Have you considered buying a larger white hat? The one you’re wearing seems to be getting a little tight.
brianrbreen on September 15 at 8:06 a.m.
@Spokane_Citizen
Coining the profound words of my granddaughter; “Whatever!” I don’t consider myself a conspiracy theorist, just an old guy who can at least grasp the obvious. But lump me in wherever you want.
You are likely correct. The death of an innocent man at the hands of the police, and a police department in chaos probably won’t be a big issue “because most people have many other concerns”. I understand your lack of concern for both, but I would also hope that you would at least understand that there are some of us who are legitimately concerned, including it would appear Shawn Vestal.
@Zelda
Right On!
“It’s so rare to encounter the unvarnished truth that one tends to disbelieve it. Communications degrees have supplanted journalism degrees. Propaganda has replaced news.”
But there are still some with journalism degrees.
Ron_the_Cop on September 15 at 8:12 a.m.
LOL BlueHealer,
There are none so blind that will not see.;-)
Anyway I like Green’s characterization - Professional Windmill Tilter. Just I’m not as delusional from lack of sleep like Don Quixote.
Sit back and enjoy the ride or join this quest if you choose. Time will tell as I said, the truth will eventually out itself .
In the meantime I will not tolerate police misconduct, poor work product and cover ups.
BTW Brunt has a new article on PERC slamming the City on the arbitrator’s adverse ruling on the Ombudsman Ordinance. The City tanking its own case again? Why?:
Panel won’t overturn decision on police ombudsman’s powers
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/sep/15/oversight-request-denied/
And of course Doug Clark sometimes shares my quixotic views:
Clark: Police chiefs’ parting gifts will embody law, odor
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/sep/15/chiefs-parting-gifts-will-embody-law-odor/
GDodd on September 15 at 8:57 a.m.
http://spokanehomicide.20m.com/
Squid on September 15 at 9:34 a.m.
How much evidence do you need to make you suspicious?
The Mayor’s job is to know everything about City matters. Especially the big problems. If she didn’t do some serious studying when the case was looking controversial, then she didn’t do her job. If she didn’t look at the video, when it was found that it was edited, and when the entire City looked at it, then she really didn’t do her job. If she didn’t do some serious digging when the Feds brought charges, then she extra didn’t do her job. I she didn’t make heads roll,to give her every scrap of info and evidence when Nicks testified last year, then she extra super triple didn’t do her job.
It appears that the public knows more about this case than Verner does, so which is it??? Extremely uninformed and naive about things that she is required to know, and the public knows, or is she just a good actor?
Or…..Maybe she’s a lawyer, and knows that ignorance is the best defense. The bad part about that defense is that she is the Mayor of a large town, and we have something kinda important going on. Ignorance is not a good trait for her job.
There are only two choices for her right now. She is either EXTREMELY ignorant, or complicit. Neither one is a good job qualification. I mean really…. What other options are there?
Elkay on September 15 at 10:51 a.m.
Good one, Squid. Right to the point.
brianrbreen on September 15 at 2:40 p.m.
@Spokane_Citizen
As you know, I’m upset about the issue at the ECCC. Something that won’t get a lot of play in the press. Because it’s just one of those things that will go away. As an ex-cop I look at it and say to myself why if everyone wanted transparency would they not call for an independent criminal investigation? You know why, and I know why!; I’m hoping the Guild takes a good look at that and uses it. If It was back then that would have been my first consideration.
Now with respect to your identity, I believe in freedom of speech, and say what ever you want, I don’t care, but don’t ever again put me in a position where, in perhaps in my own self-serving interests I might do something.
Elkay on September 15 at 6:26 p.m.
For some reason, I needed to re-read Spokane_Citizen’s blogs again, and it just seems s/he wants this issue about Otto Zehm to disappear and die. Like now.
I dunno … but when people protest too much against common sense, like S_C has, I start to wonder why. And who they really are.
Squid on September 15 at 7:36 p.m.
Brian, don’t tease us like that! Tell us who he is. Maybe a hint?
Ron_the_Cop on September 15 at 9:11 p.m.
Good posts Squid @9:34. I concur.
Elkay on September 16 at 2:23 p.m.
@Squid,
I have a suspicion of who S_C is, but think I’ll keep the cards close to my chest.
Squid on September 16 at 5:00 p.m.
Elkay gimme a hint. Elected, employee, or SPD?
A cool video for ya. 916 following an M1, 930, and 935. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrTqLx2wn8A&feature=related
Elkay on September 18 at 2:25 p.m.
Not SPD.
Squid on September 19 at 11:01 a.m.
Shogun?