Public Periscope
Let’s regulate these releases
The Republican revolution has swept many new changes into the Legislature, but one thing hasn’t changed: the propensity of legislators to send out fatuous press releases at taxpayer expense….Last week’s lamest pronouncement came from state Sen. Pat Hale, R-Kennewick, who bemoaned the loss of a possible Micron Technology plant to the Tri-Cities. Just goes to show the state needs to get rid of some of those pesky regulations to attract more businesses, he said…Hale seems to be ignoring - or at least conveniently forgetting - that Micron similarly snubbed Post Falls, where the regulatory environment is far more relaxed. All indications are Micron’s decision to go to Nebraska, Oklahoma or Utah had very little to do with regulations, and very much to do with proximity to well-established engineering schools…We would be shocked - shocked! - if Hale’s analysis was colored by the fact his regulatory reform bill was scheduled for a hearing.
We’ll do better if they’ll do better
Words of wisdom from media relations chapter of Walk in the Wild’s new business plan: “I frequently see and read in the local media positive and lovely stories about a zoo, but rarely is it about Spokane’s own Walk in the Wild. In fact, if it is about our zoo, the report is usually riddled with negativity,” manager Frances Drake wrote….Perhaps we need a little guidance on the positive side of red ink and maimed wildlife.
Thanks for clearing that up
Millwood Mayor Jeanne Baston recently offered the following clarification on last month’s statement to a reporter that she “hates” developers: “Actually, I don’t hate developers. I just don’t agree with the way they do things. They don’t seem to care about people or ecology or the environment. They just build their houses, take their money and get out.”
What’s in a name?
Although we don’t usually comment on such personal matters, the decision of the director of County Animal Control to resume using her maiden name after her divorce was cause for celebration among reporters throughout Spokane. Marianne Sinclair is much easier to say than Marianne Niemczyk…And, as the director herself notes, “It’s easier to spell.”
Old news is historic, right?
In the better-late-than-never department, Periscope notes Spokane has a new director of the Historic Preservation office. In November, Teresa Brum decided to trade the historic preservation office of Newport, Ky., for Spokane, filling a spot that had been vacant nearly a year…Last week she hosted a breakfast to mark the “renewal of the Spokane preservation program.
Getting involved
The Washington Rehabilitation Advisory Council is looking for people willing to offer advice on developing programs and getting services to the disabled. Call 1-800-624-4105.
Gov. Mike Lowry appointed local residents to various state boards: Jean Beschel and James Kirschbaum were reappointed to the Eastern Washington University Board of Trustees; Clyde Anderson reappointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission; and Pend Oreille County Prosecutor Tom Metzer named to the Sentencing Guidelines Commission.
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This sidebar ran with story: HOT TOPICS Monday, 6 p.m.: The City Council has a full plate with hearings on a police review board, composting and the Pacific Science Center. City Hall, lower level. Thursday, 5:30 p.m.: A financial consultant estimates for the freeholders the cost of consolidating Spokane city and county. Health District Building, W1101 College.
The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Compiled by Jim Camden from staff reports