County search a charade

So, in this large country, full of talented, experienced people, we advertise for a Spokane County chief executive officer. The selection board winnows down the choice for two county commissioners, who must choose between the third commissioner, Todd Mielke, and a fellow who left his last position under an ethical cloud.

Either the presence of a sitting commissioner as a candidate discouraged qualified candidates from applying because they thought “The fix is in” and it would be a waste of time or, indeed, “The fix was in.”

This result indicates “the fix was in” and the whole thing was a charade for us rubes. If a search for this position is required, then it must be a credible search. Appearances matter in a representative democracy. It is a matter of respect for citizens and for fair process. The outcome of this process was Third World. It does not pass the smell test. It stinks of cronyism.

The integrity of everyone involved is now open to question. I am very surprised at something this blatant. This whole process needs a do-over, without Mielke, so we can trust the process. How stupid do they think we are?

Tom Horne

Nine Mile Falls