Science Center Lost A Squeaker

In the end, 350 votes kept the Pacific Science Center from moving into Riverfront Park’s Pavilion.

The Spokane County Elections Office announced Friday the final tally of absentee ballots from last week’s election.

Slightly more than one percent divided science center supporters from opponents - 49.38 percent said “yes,” 50.62 said “no.”

“We worked on this for four years,” said Kevin Hughes, public affairs director for the Seattle-based center. “Right now, I’m real sad for the children of Spokane.”

The vote count brings to a close the passionate debate waged for months over whether the center belonged in the Pavilion - often considered the heart of Riverfront Park.

Steve Corker, who led the opponents’ campaign, could not be reached for comment.

Last week, science center officials said they wouldn’t consider trying again if the final vote count showed them on the losing side.

But a written statement released by the Spokane public relations company representing the center leaves the window open for a second try.

“Pacific Science Center supporters will work in the coming weeks to determine whether Spokane wants a year-round, permanent facility in the community,” the statement said.

Hughes admits the statement is vague.

“We finally found out today we lost,” he said. “Vague is how we’re feeling right now.”

Hughes added that center officials are “open to talking” with the community about ways to make the science center proposal work in Spokane.

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: FINAL TALLY The final count on the Pacific Science Center vote: No 14,311 50.6% Yes 13,961 49.4%