Lindow Appointed County Administrator

Setting aside any type of search process, Spokane County commissioners Tuesday appointed Jim Lindow as their top executive.

All three commissioners are in agreement that Lindow, 49, has the skills, disposition and support to do an excellent job as county administrator.

“I don’t think we’re going to find a better man for the job,” said Commissioner Phil Harris, who took office Jan. 1. “To go through a national search at this time would be a mockery of the whole process.”

Commissioner Skip Chilberg said any search “would be a disservice to Jim,” and cause undue stress to county employees.

Harris said the action was not contradictory of his support for a fair and open employment practice.

“We’re not bringing in somebody who has not met the test,” he said. “This is an in-house promotion of a current manager. I think that’s different.”

Lindow said he was honored by the support and already has set about bringing a new face to the government.

“My feet are running right now, my feet are on the pavement,” said Lindow, who worked his way up from county probation officer.

Lindow wants managers to stress accountability, performance and values. Supervisors, he said, will have to begin setting an example of what’s to be expected.

“We want to model what we’re telling people,” he said.

With a master’s degree in counseling, Lindow said his watchwords will be teamwork and empowerment.

“I’ve always taken the position I’m not very important in this organization,” he said. “I’ve seen myself at the bottom supporting my staff instead of them supporting me. I see myself as catalyst, for me to bring out the best in people.”