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Supreme Court will decide if Envision Spokane’s 2013 initiative will be placed on ballot
More than two years after the Community Bill of Rights was blocked from the ballot by a Superior Court judge, the Washington state Supreme Court agreed to hear the case this week, starting a 30-day countdown for both sides to prepare their arguments.
Spokane city administrator defends transfer of spokeswoman Monique Cotton
Spokane City Administrator Theresa Sanders said Wednesday she takes responsibility for the decision to transfer a police department spokeswoman to the parks department, a move that raised questions among some park board and City Council members. Monique Cotton left her position as the Spokane Police Department’s spokeswoman in May to join the parks department, but her salary is still funded through the police budget.
Paid sick leave vote put on hold
A proposal to require employers to give their workers paid sick leave won’t be considered by city leaders until after they approve city spending for next year – after the November election. City Council President Ben Stuckart said some council members had hoped to vote later this month on a plan that would require businesses to offer their workers one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. That amounts to three days a year for full-time workers.
Judge refuses to block anti-tax I-1366 from ballot
OLYMPIA – The latest initiative designed to make it harder for the Washington Legislature to raise taxes survived a court challenge Friday when a King County Superior Court judge refused to block it from the November ballot. Judge Dean Lum said he believes the measure is clearly beyond the scope of a ballot initiative set down in the state constitution, but that’s not enough to keep it off the ballot.
Judge rejects Condon’s attempt to block vote on worker rights
A Superior Court judge on Thursday denied Spokane Mayor David Condon’s request to block Envision Spokane’s Worker Bill of Rights from appearing on the Nov. 3 ballot, saying that the state Supreme Court generally rules against preventing an election from occurring. “There is a process that the court has to give some respect to,” said Judge Salvatore Cozza.
Judge rules against mayor, allows Envision to appear on November ballot
A Superior Court judge denied Spokane Mayor David Condon’s request to block Envision Spokane’s Worker Bill of Rights from appearing on the Nov. 3 ballot this afternoon, saying that the state Supreme Court generally rules that “it is not a favored act to restrain or prevent an election to occur.”
City responds to Envision claim
The city of Spokane asserted the mayor’s right to “initiate and control litigation” in a court document Wednesday, a claim aimed at Envision Spokane, which argued earlier in the week that the mayor didn’t have the authority to block its Worker Bill of Rights from November’s ballot. In a 12-page response, the city argued that “time is of the essence” for the Spokane County Superior Court to act and strip Envision’s measure from the ballot. Superior Court Judge Salvatore Cozza will hear the case today.
Today’s fun fact: It’s World Elephant Day
Happy World Elephant Day. If you have lunch with an elephant today, you should pick up the tab.
Envision Spokane: Mayor doesn’t have authority to block measure from reaching ballot
Envision Spokane is pushing back against Mayor David Condon, who last week sued to keep the group’s Worker Bill of Rights from appearing on the city’s general election ballot in November. In an official response to the city’s lawsuit, which was filed at Condon’s direction, the group argues that the mayor doesn’t have the authority to prevent the measure from reaching the ballot, and that only a supermajority of City Council members can block any initiative from appearing before voters.
After latest count, two Republicans emerge in state House race
Former Franklin County Sheriff Richard Lathim held onto a slim lead over former Othello City Councilman Ken Caylor Friday and seemed likely to advance to the general election against Mary Dye of Pomeroy.
Ramos to face Fagan in City Council race
Spokane City Councilman Mike Fagan has a clear opponent after the third day of ballot counting put a little more space between his challengers, Randy Ramos and Ben Krauss. Ramos, a recruiter with Spokane Tribal College, leads Krauss by 26 votes.
Spokane Valley library backers take stock after bond defeat
Supporters of a new Spokane Valley library are weighing their options after failing again to capture the needed supermajority for a $22 million bond issue. Among the possibilities, library officials say, is tightening the boundaries of the areas that would vote on and pay for the tax increase needed for a new Spokane Valley library branch on Sprague Avenue across from the old U-City Mall and updating other existing library facilities.
Two local primary races change as more ballots counted
The top finishers in two local primary races changed in the second day of counting ballots. In the race to face incumbent Spokane City Councilman Mike Fagan in the November election, Randy Ramos, a Spokane Tribal College recruiter, edged ahead of Ben Krauss, a Spokane police crime analyst.
Race to face Fagan in November remains close
In the battle to face incumbent Spokane City Councilman Mike Fagan in the November election, there is a new leader after the second day of ballot counting.
Shawn Vestal: People, not city, should vote on workers’ bill of rights
Are we confused, electorate? I know I am. On one hand, the city of Spokane has, in essence, sued its citizens on behalf of corporations, trying to prevent voters from getting even a peek at an initiative that would enshrine the kinds of workers’ rights that give the business community the night terrors. On the same day, the city sued a corporation on behalf of a river – perhaps as Sierra Clubby a move as we can ever expect from the administration of David Condon.
Library bond losing in rural areas
The Spokane Valley Library bond passed in the city, but failed badly in the outlying areas.
Treppiedi takes most votes in Spokane School Board election
Long-time Spokane School Board member Rocky Treppiedi easily topped two challengers in the primary to move to the November election.
Spokane primary results: Condon, Fagan, Stratton on top
Spokane Mayor David Condon finished easily in first, and community activist Shar Lichty a comfortable second in the city primary. Incumbents Mike Fagan and Karen Stratton topped the field in their respective council races.
Ballots due by 8 p.m tonight
Tuesday evening is the deadline for casting ballots in the primary election. Chances are you still have yours, because only about 25 percent of Spokane County ballots have made their way to the elections office. Information on the election, and ballot drop boxes, are inside the blog.
Ballots due today for primary election
Nearly four of five voters in Spokane County had not turned in their primary ballots as of Monday. That’s not very good, but it is a bit better than the statewide average, which was below 15 percent. Readers who just asked themselves “What primary ballot?” should consider two possible answers.