Was Veto Of Porn Bill Correct?

Does Washington Gov. Mike Lowry have a political death wish?

He already has had more trouble than he needed over sexual-harassment allegations. Then, last week, he vetoed a child pornography bill which had passed both the House and Senate with enough backing to make a veto override look like a cinch.

Doesn’t the governor get enough abuse?

Or does he just understand something that others don’t? For instance, that making chest-pounding speeches about protecting children from smut-peddling deviates is a lot easier than actually defining pornography with enough precision to avoid unintended harm, such as stomping on legitimate arts, education and entertainment activities.

Readers who want to share their thoughts on Lowry’s decision can submit them to “Bagpipes” as outlined below. Representative comments will be published Thursday.

Should free parking be curbed?

After three years, free on-street parking in some parts of downtown Spokane is being written off as a failure.

City Manager Roger Crum says downtown workers - not shoppers - hog all the free spots. He has recommended to the City Council that parking meters be reinstalled.

The kind of abuse Crum cites is no surprise. The potential for it was foreseen three years ago. But it was supposed to have been averted by establishing and enforcing time limits for the free spaces.

Apparently, wily workers manage to keep a step ahead of meter patrols. If you know how they do it, call and let the rest of us in on the secret.

Even if you don’t (and more importantly), call to share your opinion about the return of downtown parking meters.

Housekeeping

Last week’s comments about former Spokane police Sgt. William Gentry and his disability pension stated, incorrectly, that he will receive 50 percent of final pay. Assistant City Attorney Laurie Connelly called with this correction: The pension is only 42 percent.

All reader comments included in Thursday’s “Bagpipes” are verified before publication, so however you respond, be sure to include a daytime telephone number.

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