Jonathan Brunt

Corker, Sandifur make it official

A natural gas explosion that burned the owners of a heating and air conditioning business in 2005 will cost the city of Spokane $125,000. The Spokane City Council voted 6-0 on Monday to pay Avista Corp. $125,000 as part of a lawsuit filed by the owners of Cougar Mechanical, 3818 E. Joseph Ave., against Avista and the city.

An already crowded November ballot could become more complicated as the Spokane City Council considers more than a dozen ballot proposals. On Monday, the council will debate the proposed changes to the City Charter. If the council decides to ask voters for the amendments – many of them minor clarifications – it could make the November ballot two pages and make the ballot packet more expensive to mail, thus requiring voters to add more postage.

Two years ago John Driscoll beat four-term incumbent state Rep. John Ahern by only 72 votes. This year, the two face off again in the August primary, along with political newcomer Shelly O’Quinn in a three-way primary that has been one of the most contentious for local Republicans.

Two newcomers to politics say it’s time for a change in the state House seat held by veteran Democrat Timm Ormsby. But Ormsby, who has held the 3rd District position since 2003, points to his experience and says having spent most of his life in Spokane, he’s intimately knowledgeable of how the state can assist what is often labeled Washington’s poorest legislative district.

Speculation that Rep. Alex Wood might retire after more than a decade representing central Spokane in the state House of Representatives sparked vast interest in the seat among Democrats. After all, the 3rd Legislative District is Eastern Washington’s most reliably Democratic district.

City administrators are asking for help to salvage Spokane’s troubled elevator inspection program. State regulators in recent years have questioned the effectiveness of the city’s inspections, documents show. Although the state says Spokane now is back on track, the program continues to suffer from a severe backlog.

Republicans and Democrats finally unite: Don't steal campaign signs

The Fourth of July is more about duty than barbecues and fireworks – at least to many who celebrated on Sunday.

The Spokane County Republican Party is backing the challenger of a Republican incumbent for county prosecutor this year. The Republicans of Spokane County, however, endorsed both the GOP incumbent and a separate challenger in that same race in the upcoming primary. This confusing alignment of support in the prosecutor’s race is just one example of a schism within the local GOP that in some respects parallels splits all over the country. Some see it as a rift between the Ron Paul supporters and the John McCain supporters in the 2008 presidential race. Or a split between the tea party and the mainstream, or between upstart libertarians and old-guard establishment.

Candidate says he's back in the running

Verner will sign ombudsman ordinance

Advocates of a Spokane-area property tax that would raise money for early-child learning, abuse prevention, treatment and other programs have submitted more than 12,600 signatures in support of placing the levy on the November ballot.

Supporters of children's fund tax closer to earning spot on ballot

Candidate drops bid for county commission

Verner's sustainability plan 'adopted' and 'accepted'

Almost a year after he was hired, Spokane’s police ombudsman on Monday was granted the power to investigate cases of officer misconduct. The Spokane City Council voted unanimously to increase the ombudsman’s authority after the third hearing on the topic in two months.

Idaho wildlife officials are asking for help in finding the person who placed poisonous sausage along a hiking trail north of Clark Fork. One dog was killed and three others were sickened after they ate the tainted meat while their owners hiked along the trail.

Tree advocate nominated for Spokane Park Board

If at first you don’t succeed, try a new city council. Little more than a year after the Spokane City Council gave only tepid support for recommendations aimed at cutting carbon emissions, Spokane Mayor Mary Verner is asking for a new vote to “adopt” the report.

Apple's campaign for state House may have violated campaign rules

Mayor Mary Verner won unanimous support Monday for her plan to buy a police evidence warehouse and an office building by borrowing from the city’s main investment fund. The City Council agreed to purchase the Gardner Building, 1427 W. Gardner Ave., for $1.8 million, and the Great Floors warehouse, 4010 E. Alki Ave., for $2.8 million.