Donations Pour In To Help Stage ‘Citizens Retreat’ Saturday’s Two-Hour Event A Chance To Discuss City Issues, Priorities

Spokane residents planning a “citizens retreat” at City Hall this weekend can more than afford rent for council chambers.

In fact, they could pay for at least five more similar events in the future.

City Councilman Chris Anderson said he has received $1,135 in cash donations and $790 in pledges from residents who want to make certain the retreat takes place.

“I think people are craving an opportunity to come together in a forum and support their views,” Anderson said.

The retreat, sponsored by Anderson and planned by Spokane residents John Talbot and Dick Adams, is being touted as a priority-setting session for citizens, similar to the council’s weekend retreat in January.

It’s a chance for residents to talk about what they want from their city government, Talbot said.

A week ago, the council rejected Anderson’s request that the $285 rental fee for council chambers be waived, and it instead demanded payment up front in cash.

Since then, people from as far away as Newport, Wash., have sent checks and cash to Anderson, Mayor Jack Geraghty and residents planning the retreat.

“We’ve hit on something people have wanted for a long time,” Talbot said. “People are upset with the arrogance of the council.”

The two-hour retreat is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. Saturday in City Hall, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. Topics include “city taxes and you,” “land use,” “city management” and “council responsibility.”

Talbot said he plans to compile a list of citizen concerns and desires and present them to the council.

“We need a council of the people, not over the people,” he said.

Mamie Picard, a frequent council critic, said she hopes the retreat “informs the public so it can make better choices. Most people think they can’t do anything.”

Geraghty said he hopes the event attracts a wide range of people, not just those who want to be critical.

“If people show up, I think it’s great,” he said. “If not, it’s another story.

“I wish them well. I’ll be marching in the (St. Patrick’s Day) parade.”