Council President
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Does Spokane have a sprawl problem? Spokane candidates speak
Yes. No. Depends who you ask, like we just did for you.
Spokane candidates talk about the city’s spokesmen and spokeswomen
Their answers vary, some say just two, others say it’s up to the mayor.
Downtown Partnership skeptical of police precinct move
Mark Richards, president of the Downtown Spokane Partnership, voiced concern to the Spokane City Council Monday night about the police department’s plan to move its downtown precinct from its current location next to the STA plaza.
Editorial: City should drop misdemeanor pot judgments
Criminalization of mere possession of small amounts never served any useful purpose. Nor does preserving the record of misdemeanor convictions.
Candidates speak about Spokane’s lawsuit against agrochemical giant Monsanto
In August, the city of Spokane filed a lawsuit against the international agrochemical giant Monsanto, alleging that the company sold chemicals for decades that it knew were a danger to human and environmental health.
Condon and Lichty on the Mayor Vs. City Council
Condon says things are pretty good. Lichty says not so much.
Spokane candidates on the Mayor Vs. the City Council
Everything’s golden, or This. Means. War.
Spokane candidates on their political heroes
Even politicians have heroes.
In race to lead Spokane City Council, Stuckart faces legislative veteran
Not a lot of people wanted John Ahern to run against Ben Stuckart for the position of Spokane City Council president. Following his lopsided loss to Councilman Jon Snyder two years ago, and his out-of-pocket demand for a limited recount that had no chance to change the race’s outcome, the former Republican state legislator gained the reputation of being a weak candidate and a poor loser.
Teacher squares off against nonprofit leader in Spokane school board race
ELECTION PREVIEW: The race for Spokane School Board between a Spokane Valley high school teacher, Paul Schneider, and a nonprofit leader, Patricia Kienholz.
In race for Spokane City Council, Stratton and Verduin say they’re not proxies for Stuckart and Condon
Incumbent Spokane Councilwoman Karen Stratton is backed the council president. Her opponent, Evan Verduin, is supported by the mayor.
In Fagan vs. Ramos race, it’s the notorious vs. the unknown
The race for Spokane City Council in District 1, representing northeast Spokane, pits a conservative, controversial incumbent against a political newcomer.
Council salute to Muslim group draws protest
The Spokane City Council stepped squarely into the middle of a national debate over Muslims in America, approving a salutation to local Muslims that recognizes their contributions to the community. A proposal that seemed a simple idea a few weeks ago generated a protest from some of Spokane’s tea party faithful, who gathered outside the council’s town hall meeting at the Northeast Community Center for what they called “a rally for Spokane values.”
Condon builds fat stacks of campaign dollars
With about two months until Election Day, the elephant in the room is the mayor’s money. Mayor David Condon has outstacked the fat stacks he put together four years ago, raising $345,000 as of the most recent filings with the state Public Disclosure Commission. That’s more than he raised four years ago, when he held a 2.5-to-1 fundraising edge over incumbent Mary Verner. It’s more than any candidate for city office in the state has pulled together this year, and it’s more than anyone running to be Spokane’s strong mayor has ever raised.
Councilman challenges Spokane’s borrowing from investment fund
Quick growth in Spokane’s collection of investments, and a predilection by city leaders to dip into the investment pool to fund one-time projects, has led at least one Spokane City Council member to suggest that practice runs afoul of the city charter. For the 20th time, the city of Spokane is planning to borrow money from itself, as the council considers on Monday whether to support the city administration’s plan to borrow $5 million from the Spokane Investment Pool. The latest loan would help pay for the recently completed, $17 million Central Service Center in east Spokane.
Spokane firefighters will continue to answer medical calls in SUVs
SUVs will continue to respond to some medical emergencies in Spokane, according to an agreement announced Monday between the city and the firefighters union. The agreement follows a vote by the City Council last month that required the Alternative Response Units to be staffed by two people instead of one. Before the vote and the program’s temporary suspension in May, the vehicles were staffed by just one person.
City of Spokane creates incentive program for new development
Cities are responsible for roads, pipes and cops, generally speaking. With the creation of a new program aimed at encouraging development, the city of Spokane is hoping to get involved in “jump-starting private investment” within its borders.
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.
WATCH: Fagan on “illegal aliens,” Allen and Stuckart push back
“Oh, well that explains everything, sir,” said Spokane City Councilman Mike Fagan. “You know, we are not Seattle. We are Spokane.”