Thoughts on 3rd District

The Spokesman-Review got some things right and some things wrong in choosing Andy Billig for the 3rd Legislative District Senate seat. Right: Nancy McLaughlin has served her constituents well over the last eight years as a strong, independent voice on the Spokane City Council. Her support for education, jobs, and a balanced state budget were highlighted in your editorial, but she has a better handle on transportation and infrastructure problems than you realize. She serves on the Spokane Transit Association board, and chairs the Spokane Regional Transportation Council.

Take a second look at the reasons you support Billig:

1. His claim to co-own the Spokane Indians baseball team, when his share is only 5 percent.

2. He’s no moderate. A 10 percent score from National Federation of Independent Business gives him a much worse record than Sen. Lisa Brown.

3. He may be a friend to Sally’s House, but Nancy sits on The Salvation Army board.

4. His proposal to add an income tax comes with a proposal to extend the sales tax to services.

I agree with The Spokesman’s comment: “We wish he drew a harder line on government spending and stood stronger for reforms that would help business.”

Dick Erb

Mead