Plan Would Limit Public Forum

Spokane residents could still take the microphone during City Council meetings, but the TV cameras would be turned off.

A majority of council members favor revamping the public forum, a session that allows audience members to discuss any topics they wish.

The forum would remain at the beginning of council meetings, where it has been since last summer. But it would no longer be televised on cable Channel 5, a step the council hopes will discourage personal threats and discussions that have nothing to do with city business.

“Nobody ever promised anybody on this earth television,” said newly elected council member Roberta Greene.

“The people I represent don’t need to speak on television. They need access to the council.”

The council voted 4-3 Thursday to accept the new rules, which also limit speakers to five minutes apiece. They agreed to reconsider the changes after three months.

The vote was unofficial, since it occurred during a council work session. The rules will be adopted only if five council members vote “yes” during their Jan. 22 meeting.

The “supermajority” is required because rules for the forum were set by voters, not the council.

Mayor Jack Geraghty opposed the changes, along with council members Chris Anderson and Jeff Colliton. All three objected to pulling the plug on TV coverage.

Anderson warned of a backlash if the council stops broadcasting the forum. Already, he said, some residents are threatening to circulate a petition to put the matter to a public vote.

, DataTimes