Public Periscope

Those who golf together

From the minutes of the Spokane Park Board’s Golf Committee meeting in May: “It was suggested by staff the committee attempt to get together once per month in a non-meeting format to play golf at one of the city’s courses to increase their knowledge of the courses as well as establish friendships. …”

Talking head

For those who can’t get enough of Chris Anderson on Monday nights, KSBN radio is coming to the rescue. … Starting today, the Spokane city councilman and wannabe county commissioner will offer his political wisdom from 2 to 3 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday on 1230 AM. He will be host of “In the Public Eye - Hot Talk with Chris Anderson.” … Anderson promises to be “sometimes controversial” and “often outspoken …”

Can’t have it both ways

It took years for Spokane County commissioners to cough up money for tighter courthouse security. … Now, they’re threatening to weaken the plan that’s in place. Commissioners want the front doors of the courthouse unlocked during business hours. … That totally would bungle building security, says the panel overseeing the improvements. It wants only the west side doors, which are accessible to the disabled, left unlocked.

Kudos in order

State Rep. Todd Mielke of Spokane was named one of a dozen legislators of the year by a national Republican organization. He was cited for his work on taxes and health reform and for serving as GOP caucus chairman. State Rep. Dale Foreman of Wenatchee was named House majority leader of the year by the same group.

While talking economics in Portland last week, President Clinton offered fiscal praise to some local folks. … Seems that back in 1993, our own Spokane County Conservation District got a $21,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for restoring ecosystems. The district’s Christine Armstrong led a group of teachers and students through a program to re-vegetate miles of eroded streams and trails along the Spokane River. … Not only did the project get done on time, but it also came in under budget. The district returned $2,799 to the feds. … “This remarkable effort … exemplifies what a community can do to create an awareness of environmental needs and pride in their community,” Clinton said.

Getting involved

Gov. Mike Lowry filled spots on two state boards with Eastern Washington residents: Spokane attorney Judith Butler was reappointed to the state Higher Education Facilities Board, which provides tax-exempt financing for capital projects at private colleges. Tom McKern of Colville was named a trustee of Community College District 17, which covers Spokane and Spokane Falls community colleges.

The city of Spokane has one vacant position on the Community Development Board and two on the Bicycle Advisory Board. Only city residents may apply. Applications, available at the mayor’s office, are due by this Friday.

The city also has a vacancy on the Housing Advisory and Appeals Board. Interested city residents can apply at the mayor’s office by July 14.

Because you asked

Question: Have assessed property values ever been reduced in Spokane during times of economic crisis?

Answer: Yes. Spokane County Assessor Charlene Cooney reports the county tax rolls show three times since the Depression when the county’s total assessed values have declined from the previous year. There were slight drops in 1959, 1971 and 1983. And during the Depression, from 1930 through 1934, values dropped each year; the county’s total assessed value didn’t regain its preDepression level until 1946.

, DataTimes MEMO: “Public Periscope,” published Mondays, was compiled this week by Kristina Johnson from staff and wire reports. If you have a question about government, growth or development, we’d like to help find an answer. Write us at The Spokesman-Review, Box 2160, Spokane 99210. Or call Cityline at 458-8800 on a Touch-Tone phone, then press 9120 to leave a message.