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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
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Jonathan Brunt

Jonathan Brunt

Current Position: Asst. Managing Editor (Govt)

Jonathan Brunt joined The Spokesman-Review in 2004. He is the government editor. He previously was a reporter who covered Spokane City Hall, Spokane County government and public safety.

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jonathanb@spokesman.com
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(509) 459-5442
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News >  Spokane

Subsidy zones to be cut

A program aimed at boosting development downtown and in key neighborhood centers has perhaps been an even bigger boost to the fringes of town. That’s one reason why the Spokane City Council on Monday will consider shrinking the boundaries where it will allow developers of condos and apartments to receive tax subsidies to build.
News >  Spokane

Downtown business group fires president

The leader of downtown Spokane’s main business organization was fired Tuesday, less than a year after starting the job. The Downtown Spokane Partnership Board voted Tuesday evening to terminate its president, Mike Tedesco, in a 15-0 vote with two abstentions, board Vice President Todd Woodard said.

Downtown organization fires its president

The president of the Downtown Spokane Partnership was fired this morning. Mike Tedesco, who led the organization since October, said three members of the board told him of the decision this morning.
News >  Spokane

Anti-Shea mailer features pointing gun

Democratic challenger Amy Biviano is turning incumbent Republican state Rep. Matt Shea’s road rage case into a campaign issue. But the mailer that began arriving in Spokane Valley mailboxes over the weekend includes embellished details of the lawmaker’s armed Nov. 23 encounter in downtown Spokane. Complicating matters, Shea includes some misrepresentations of his own in his denouncement of the Biviano attack ad and in other efforts he’s taken to downplay the severity of the encounter.
News >  Spokane

Downtown group may fire leader

Less than a year on the job, the leader of a downtown organization that collects about $1 million each year from downtown property owners and tenants is in danger of losing his job. Mike Tedesco, who started his job as the president of the Downtown Spokane Partnership in October, said he was asked on Sept. 7 by three members of the group’s board to resign or face a vote to be terminated. The organization uses city-approved fees on downtown business owners and tenants to pay for security, cleaning crews, downtown marketing and other improvements.
News >  Spokane

Riverfront Park’s entrance may receive a new look

The front door of Riverfront Park could get a significant facelift next year – just as some park programs deal with $1 million in cuts. The Spokane Park Board this week approved its 2013 spending. The main part of the budget, which includes operations, will fall from $18.7 million this year to $17.5 million next year.
News >  Spokane

Straub saw 9/11 up close

The new leader of the Spokane Police Department credits his life to a fire truck. More specifically, the New York City Fire Department truck he used as shelter as the second World Trade Center tower collapsed 11 years ago about a block away.
News >  Spokane

Straub gets show of support

Tired of hearing negative things about the man he selected to be police chief, Mayor David Condon and his top administrator personally paid to fly four Indiana residents to Spokane to vouch for him. The four, including the former editor of the Indianapolis Star and the leader of the Indianapolis fire union, told the Spokane City Council on Monday night that Condon’s pick, Frank Straub, is a hard-working, caring reformer who listens to the community. Straub last month left his job as Indianapolis’ public safety director after a controversial two-year tenure.
News >  Spokane

Spokane council picks Straub to lead police

Tired of hearing negative things about the man he selected to be police chief, Mayor David Condon and his top administrator personally paid to fly four Indiana residents to Spokane to vouch for him. The four, including the former editor of the Indianapolis Star and the leader of the Indianapolis fire union, told the Spokane City Council Monday night that Condon’s pick, Frank Straub, is a hard-working, caring reformer who listens to the community. Straub last month left his job as Indianapolis’s public safety director after a two-year, controversial tenure.
News >  Spokane

Andy Billig, Q&A on 15 topics

ANDY BILLIG, Democrat 1. Why do you feel that you are the best candidate? I have a successful record of delivering results on the issues most important to our community: jobs, health care and education. Job creation is my top priority, and I am uniquely qualified in this area with 20 years of experience leading a successful small business and a positive record in the Legislature. I am committed to supporting great public schools, protecting women’s reproductive health rights and safeguarding the Spokane River. As State Senator, I will continue to advocate for our community values of justice, freedom and equal opportunity while maintaining a clear focus on jobs and a prosperous Spokane for everyone.
News >  Spokane

Nancy McLaughlin, Q&A on 15 topics

NANCY MCLAUGHLIN, Republican 1. Why do you feel that you are the best candidate? As your city councilwoman, I have been in touch with moms and dads, singles, retirees, employers and employees of Spokane. I understand your frustration with reduced job opportunities, high taxes and fees and extensive regulations. That’s why I voted against the $20 car tab fee and excessive water rates. I can be a greater part of the solution as your senator. With fair, common sense leadership I can help ensure a climate for job creation, education reforms to include more local control and accountability, and sustainable budgets that won’t leave an oppressive debt burden on our children and grandchildren.
News >  Spokane

McLaughlin apologizes for false claims

Spokane City Councilwoman Nancy McLaughlin publicly apologized this week to her opponent in the race for state Senate for using false information on a campaign mailer she sent before last month’s primary. Her apology was made as the state Public Disclosure Commission began inquiring about the mailer in response to a formal complaint.
News >  Spokane

Changes coming in recycling programs throughout Spokane County

It wasn’t a shocking revelation, but Spokane Mayor David Condon’s unveiling of the city’s new blue recycling carts on Thursday signaled that Spokane County’s recycling system has finally caught up with many other larger cities. In October, most trash customers with Spokane County will move to a new single-stream recycling system. Curbside recycling customers will dump all recyclables in a single container that will be sorted at Waste Management’s Spokane Material and Recycling Technology Center on the West Plains.
News >  Spokane

At your service, Spokane

The first step of Spokane Mayor David Condon’s plans to improve customer service became visible this week on the first floor of City Hall. A desk meant to be a one-stop shop for residents doing business with the city opened, part of Condon’s My Spokane program.