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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Opponents Of Incorporation In Frenzy Of Campaign Activity

Concerned Citizens Against Valley Incorporation isn’t wasting any time.

The group, which formed just last week to battle efforts to form a city in the Spokane Valley, already has purchased newspaper advertising and yard signs.

“We’re doing what we can to get the word out,” said Dick Denenny, the group’s chairman.

With just more than a week to go to the election, time is precious.

Citizens Against bought full-page advertisements in this week’s editions of two local newspapers. The ads blast incorporation as expensive and unnecessary.

The group also has advertisements on the radio.

A few anti-incorporation signs have sprouted at some Valley intersections this week.

According to records filed with the county elections office, Citizens Against had raised more than $4,500 by Wednesday.

Top contributor’s were Northwest Design & Equipment Co., $1,000; Millie Gardner, $500; Hite Crane & Rigging, $500; and Mike and Pam Senske, $500.

By comparison, Citizens for Valley Incorporation, which has been campaigning for incorporation since late last year, had raised just more than $7,500 by Wednesday.

That group had advertising in one local newspaper this week, and its signs, many of them leftover from two previous campaigns, blanketed the Valley.

Expect more from both sides as the May 16 election draws nearer.

The next time the groups legally have to report financial information to the county elections supervisor is Wednesday.

Gates not coming

Federal Way Mayor Mary Gates, who last year came to the Valley to give a pep talk to incorporation backers, won’t be making the trip this year.

Citizens for Valley Incorporation co-chairman Joe McKinnon had hoped to get Gates to the Valley for a similar rally this year, but conflicting schedules prevented it, he said.

“It would have been great to end the campaign with, but…” McKinnon said.