Public Periscope
Sounds like a plan
Spokane County planners were conspicuous by their absence from the recent regional meeting of the American Planning Association. The subject was Initiative 164, which requires local governments to reimburse landowners if regulations hurt property values. … The agenda included property rights advocates and loggers as well as environmentalists, but county commissioners said it looked slanted against the initiative. “It’s real clear that APA is against 164,” said Commissioner Steve Hasson, a supporter of the initiative. Planners were told to spend their own time and money if they wanted to go to the conference. … “Public Periscope” supports such frugal use of the taxpayers’ resources and urges it be applied just as stringently next time the commissioners attend a meeting of the Association of Washington Counties, which also is well-known for taking stands on pending political issues.
Hello, Left Hand? This is Right Hand
The city of Spokane’s brochure on the proposed Moran Prairie annexation seems to be of two minds on the plan to add 1,500 acres, 5,675 residents and 34 businesses to the city proper. In its time line, it lists “January 1996: Annexation Effective.” … In its question-and-answer session, it says, “The annexation is not a done deal.” … If it’s not a “done deal,” how can it become effective next January?
How many votes are on the prairie?
Until and unless the deal is done and the prairie environs are annexed, those residents can’t vote in city elections. That’s probably not causing any distress for recently announced council candidate Jim Kolva. … Why? Because Kolva also is chairman of the Plan Commission, the panel holding hearings on the controversial proposal. Residents unhappy with their new citizenship might express that at the polls.
A well-deserved hand
City utilities workers Ron Triplett and Bill Soran were honored Monday by the City Council for their actions to help save Virgil Rose, a sewer worker buried in a May 4 cave-in.
Wear ‘em anyway
Our vote for the “worst timing of the week” goes to the Washington State Patrol for its participation in All-American Buckle-Up Week, which ends today. … Not that troopers shouldn’t be emphasizing safety over the holiday weekend. But Buckle-Up Week occurred the week when nine automakers announced a recall of some 8.4 million cars for defective seat belts.
Direct from that other Washington
Area chambers of commerce have a 2-for-1 deal this week on members of Congress. You can hear both area freshmen Republican representatives at one luncheon this Wednesday. … Washington’s George Nethercutt and Idaho’s Helen Chenoweth will address the regional forum at 11:30 a.m. at the Valley’s Red Lion Inn. Call 624-1393 for ticket information.
Getting involved
Spokane County Library Board has an opening for a trustee from the West Plains area. Additional information is available from director Mike Wirt at 924-4122. Applications, available at the county commissioners office, are due by next Monday.
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This sidebar appeared with the story: HOT TOPICS Wednesday: U.S. Rep. George Nethercutt, R-Wash., will discuss Medicare and its uncertain future at a public forum, 5 p.m., Spokane Valley Senior Center, 11423 E. Mission. Wednesday: State African-American Affairs Commission will discuss the future of black families and children at a community meeting, 7 p.m., East Central Community Center, 500 S. Stone.
The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Compiled by Jim Camden from staff reports