Endorsements and editorials are made solely by the ownership of this newspaper. As is the case at most newspapers across the nation, The Spokesman-Review newsroom and its editors are not a part of this endorsement process. (Learn more.)

Past opinions provide perspective

Tue., June 20, 2017

Looking Back reviews opinions published in The Spokesman-Review during this week in history.

Downtown parking, June 20, 1941

Parking downtown has vexed city leaders for a long time. This S-R editorial examined a solution for short visits.

“The proposal to establish 10-minute parking zones in each block downtown would not only alleviate the present congested condition, but it would be of distinct benefit to business firms by enabling more customers to reach them. The person who drives downtown to attend the theater, to go to the hairdresser, or to meet an engagement of any length would, of course, put his car in a garage, a parking lot, or in a three-hour zone away from the area of heavy traffic.

“The worst traffic offenders are the all-day parkers who fill up the one-hour zones in front of the stores and businesses downtown. Few of these would take a chance in a 10-minute zone.

“Unless some solution to the parking problem is worked out soon, Spokane motorists are going to be dropping coins in slots for the privilege of leaving their cars at the curb. The streets belong to the public and those who are able and willing to pay for parking space should not be given preferential rights over those who might not be able to afford it.

“The answer to the problem may be 10-minute zones. At least it should be given a trial.”

School funding, June 17, 2007

An S-R editorial decried the long-standing “inadequacy of the state’s school funding formula for basic education,” which causes local districts to scramble.

“We shouldn’t be at the point where districts are cutting basic services while receiving a $1.8 billion infusion from the state to cover new initiatives, such as full-day kindergarten and beefed-up math and science requirements. The disconnect lies in a funding formula that doesn’t match funds to mandates.

“It’s true that schools are getting an increase of $896 per student, but most of that money is spoken for. The lack of leeway means districts have to scramble to cover historically underfunded services, such as special education. It’s like a homeowner with a leaky roof getting an infusion of cash that can only be spent on landscaping.

“In response, Spokane Public Schools has diverted voter-approved supplemental levy money to cover the basics. That option isn’t available to districts where voters reject levies.

“Spokane Public Schools has a list of 77 services required by federal and state governments that are only partially funded, including special education, transportation and six-period school days (the state covers five). The Legislature has long been aware of the disparity between mandates and funding, and has commissioned studies that have only gathered dust. This year, lawmakers approved yet another study, which is due in January. Except this time they’re calling it an “action plan.”

For the sake of the state’s paramount duty – educating its children – let’s hope that isn’t another euphemism.