Jonathan Brunt

Installing cameras at intersections to catch red-light violators may increase safety, but it doesn't necessarily reduce the number of collisions, according to federal and state studies. Spokane leaders are considering using a red-light camera system at the city's most dangerous intersections. Owners of cars photographed running red lights would receive a $101 fine by mail. Signs would be posted to warn drivers and violations would not be on a driver's record. Supporters have pointed to statistics showing drastic declines in crashes in cities that have started camera programs.

Four new firefighter and police positions created in December by the City Council will remain vacant. Spokane Mayor Dennis Hession informed the City Council on Wednesday of his decision not to fill the jobs at least until the city has analyzed a new efficiency study, the Matrix report.

Concerns raised by the Spokane County treasurer have prompted city officials to retake the lead in a proposed tax district that would subsidize portions of the Kendall Yards project. Last month, County Treasurer Skip Chilberg threatened to file a lawsuit to prevent the county from creating a tax area that would allow developers of the 78-acre project in the West Central neighborhood to collect tax revenue to pay for some of the infrastructure, like sewers and streets. Chilberg has since backed off that threat but still questions the use of tax dollars.

More than a decade after Spokane County rejected a new style of government, county commissioners say it might be time to try again. But their new effort isn't about combining the city and county, like the attempt that plunged to defeat in 1995.

The son of Spokane County's chief deputy assessor lost his job late Friday afternoon, soon after Assessor Ralph Baker was informed that human resources officials believed 23-year-old Adam Best wasn't qualified. In the two days that Best worked as property data manager, his new position became controversial when other county leaders said the hire smacked of nepotism.

A week after Spokane County Assessor Ralph Baker proposed selling ads on his county Web site to help make up for budget cuts, he created a new managerial position in his office and hired the son of his chief deputy to fill it. Baker hired Adam Best, 23, as the county's property data manager this week without checking with the county's human resources department to ensure he met minimum requirements. Best was given a $38,471 salary – three steps above the starting rate for the position – without first seeking approval from human resources.

Spokane County commissioners might bend their rules to keep an experienced planning board member in service. Doug Kelley, 52, who has been on the planning board for six years, appears likely to be reappointed to a full five-year term even though county rules say appointees shouldn't serve more than eight years.

Coming soon to a government Web site near you … ads. Spokane County Assessor Ralph Baker proposes selling ad space on the county's popular property data search page.

Spokane County Treasurer Skip Chilberg said Tuesday he might sue to stop a proposal that would shift tax dollars to pay for public improvements in the proposed Kendall Yards project. Officials representing the 78-acre development near downtown Spokane have presented a proposal to city and county leaders to use tax-increment financing to pay for a portion of infrastructure costs, such as for sewers, roads and public parking.

A new man will lead the Washington Air National Guard unit stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base as it prepares for a closer relationship with the Air Force. Col. Gregory Bulkley, 47, took over command of the 141st Air Refueling Wing Saturday in a ceremony at Club Fairchild on the base. He replaces Gary Magonigle, 53, who was promoted to brigadier general at the same event. Magonigle soon will become commander of the Washington Air National Guard and will be stationed at Camp Murray in Tacoma.

They came to pay tribute to a fallen Marine. On Saturday, more than 100 members of the Patriot Guard Riders stood in silence outside Ferris High School, holding up flags in honor of Cpl. Darrel James Morris.

County leaders practically have to beg people to serve on their numerous volunteer boards sometimes. But a controversial decision made last month by the Civil Service Commission has prompted a slew of applications from law enforcement officers, business leaders, politicians and government employees.

The rightful owner of 80 acres of former Washington state park land that was sold in May appears to have shifted a fourth time. In a letter dated Monday, Superior Court Judge Neal Q. Rielly said a decision he authored last month incorrectly indicated that the land should be transferred to Nancy Johnson, a neighbor of the property who had pledged to keep the acreage in its natural state.

Cheney's new top administrator earned his governing stripes in the Army. Robert Strope ran a city with about 5,000 families as a community commander at an Army base in Wurzburg, Germany, from 1995 to 1998.

Spokane County's economic development director resigned last week to pursue a military career. Erik Skaggs, who was a member of the Army Reserve while working for the county, said Monday that he resigned by phone after accepting a new job.

Spokane County commissioners have a new power as of this week. Using a state law, the body authorized itself to limit the use of compression brakes on county roads to prevent noise pollution.

Land deemed ripe for development two years ago by county commissioners was pulled from the county's growth area Tuesday. But commissioners' reversal won't stop controversial developments already approved on the Five Mile Prairie and the West Plains.

A former Spokane County Jail deputy says the county owes her $1.2 million for defaming her and for actions that she said forced her to resign. Annette Ahlf worked in the jail from 1998 until September. She filed a claim against the county two months ago. Her attorney, Kelly Padhgam, said Wednesday that she expects to file a lawsuit in the matter.

Residential construction surrounding Spokane International Airport will continue to be prohibited for at least two more months. Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday night to continue a moratorium on new housing on more than 10 square miles in the West Plains.

While most government employees have today off in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., workers in two Spokane County departments will be at their desks. Several years ago, unions representing the county utilities division and the engineering and roads department negotiated for a "floating holiday" that can be taken at any time.