Campaign ‘95

Candidate Q and A

Do you support the proposed 1/10 of 1 percent increase in the county sales tax to fund expansions to the county jail facilities? - Asked of Spokane County commissioner candidates.

John Roskelley (D): Opposed. “It’s too early for a tax increase. I’d like to get in there and take a look at innovative things…things that can be done that are less expensive.”

Martin Burnette (R): Opposed. “The sales tax has a real negative impact on our economy. We need to look at more innovative solutions for our juvenile crime problem.”

What was that 11th Commandment again?

County commissioner candidate Martin Burnette may have stepped in it last week at the 4th District Republican Action Club. While trying to drum up campaign support, he was asked how he would get along with the two incumbents…No problem with Phil Harris, for whom he campaigned in ‘94. But Steve Hasson, Burnette opined, was too unpredictable. Not that it really mattered, he added. “I just want to remind voters that you only need two out of three commissioners on any issue.”…Wrong answer in that crowd. One rebuke came from Valley Herald publisher Clark Hager: “Steve Hasson has done a lot for this county and a lot for this Valley.” Burnette tried to recover, saying he’d try to work with Hasson…Maybe he should go to his campaign office and write 100 times: Steve is a Republican now.

Changing stripes

Erstwhile commission candidate Chris Anderson’s sudden support for Republican Burnette must be a little confusing to local Democrats. Anderson used to be a regular at the Magnuson Club, a Democratic group, and assured members he was one of them as he waged a successful campaign against councilman Jack Hebner, a longtime Republican…So to hear Anderson throw his weight behind Burnette and trash Democrat John Roskelly as he bailed out of the race could have been a surprise. There was one clue, though: Anderson made the announcement on Richard Clear’s radio talk show…That’s the same one Steve Hasson used to announce his conversion to Republicanism back in January.

Making it tough for the folks at home

With national Democrats wanting President Clinton’s name removed from the CityVote ballot and state Democrats saying the first-ever presidential straw poll is illegal, Spokane County Demos are in a bit of a quandary…Local Democrats endorsed the urban primary months ago. County Chairman Jimmy Sirmans even appeared at an event last March when Spokane was named the site of an Oct. 22 candidates debate and said the concept could spur voter interest…County party leaders will discuss this week whether to pull their endorsement.

Courting candidates

Spokane County has a spot on the Superior Court bench. Wisdom of Solomon and the ability to look good in black is optional, but you must have a law degree. Plus $990 for the filing fee…Judge Harold Clarke is retiring this week, and his appointed successor, Court Commissioner Neal Rielly, must stand for election on Nov. 7. Clarke endorsed Rielly last week on the courthouse steps, where the campaign released an impressive 4-1/2 page list of judges, former judges, attorneys and folks supporting Rielly. Not everyone can garner support from firebrand defense attorney Carl Maxey and former Republican U.S. Attorney Bill Hyslop….Filing period ends Wednesday at 5 p.m.

Making little headway

Supporters of the proposed city-county charter showed they can do a little better when they present their case. But not much…After opponents engaged in an unfettered trashing of the charter at the 4th District Republican Action Club last week, the GOP group unanimously rejected consolidation…The next night, the South Side Republicans heard the pros and cons, then put it to a straw vote. The result: 2 yeas, 19 nays.

Catch the candidates

Friday:City council candidates Roberta Green and Jim Kolva. 8:30 p.m., KSPS Channel 7.

Oct. 13: Breakfast forum on proposed city-county charter. 7:30 a.m., El Katif Shrine Bldg., 1108 W. Riverside. $7 for breakfast by calling 459-4111.

Campaign Calendar

Monday - Wednesday:Special filing period for an opening on the Spokane County Superior Court. Elections Office, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday: Last day to register to vote at the polls in the Nov. 7 election.

, DataTimes MEMO: Campaign ‘95 is published weekly during election season, and is compiled by Jim Camden from staff reports. You can send information about political forums or meetings to us c/o The Spokesman-Review, Box 2160, Spokane 99210. Or call Cityline at 458-8800 on a Touchtone phone, then press 9893 to leave a message. Or send E-mail to jimc@spokesman.com for on-line readers.

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Compiled by Jim Camden from staff reports