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Editorial: Al French still best choice for County Commission

Sun., Oct. 12, 2014

As they say in sports, “It’s a shame one of these teams has to lose.” And so it goes in the District 3 County Commission race, which features two strong candidates with different ideas about the job.

Republican Al French is the incumbent, and his hard work on economic development has convinced us that he should be re-elected. Spokane County is the kind of place that has to scratch and claw to attract and retain businesses, and French is comfortable in the trenches. His maneuvering to help land the Caterpillar distribution center is a prime example.

He’s worked to make county government more amenable to the needs of business, and he did the same while serving on the Spokane City Council. He’s an advocate for the Geiger rail spur and sees a rail trans-loader operation as a potential solution for long-hauling trash to distant landfills, and moving freight as well.

French has two decades of experience in local government and has served on a variety of boards and commissions. He’s one of the most knowledgeable politicians in the region. He’s had his share of political battles, and can sometimes be heavy-handed. A recent example is holding up appointments to the Landmarks Commission when its decisions clashed with his wishes.

He’s also tussled with the city of Spokane over the expansion of urban growth boundaries, but he’s presented a strong case against the notion of sprawl. Compared with other communities, the county’s growth has been measured and defensible. He advocates a revenue-sharing plan that could cool the jurisdictional tussles.

French has been outspoken on preserving Fairchild Air Force Base, and we agree with him that a second tribal casino on the West Plains could pose an encroachment issue for an installation the community could ill afford to lose.

Mary Lou Johnson is a political newcomer who has made criminal justice reform the centerpiece of her campaign. She provided valuable assistance to the Criminal Justice Commission’s “Blueprint for Reform,” which has drawn widespread support. French also embraces it. She would like to help implement the reforms as a county commissioner.

As a longtime attorney in Washington Court of Appeals Division III and U.S. District Court, Johnson would bring unique experience to the commission. Criminal justice represents three-quarters of the county’s budget.

Johnson has received the endorsement of former Commissioner Bonnie Mager, whom French unseated in 2010. Mager supports the Spokane Tribe’s efforts to build a West Plains casino. Johnson says the county should stay out of the fight. We disagree.

Johnson’s resume is impressive; so is her calm intelligence. But the momentum for criminal justice reform is so strong that we’re confident it will occur regardless of the outcome of this race. As we noted of Breean Beggs in the prosecutor’s race, we hope Johnson stays involved on this and other issues. She brings a valuable perspective.

In the final analysis, French is a proven leader, and we recommend re-election.