Public Periscope

Don’t let go of the wheel

Seems as if Spokane City Manager Roger Crum and his bosses are playing a game of chicken. First, Crum said he wouldn’t decide whether to take the top job in Evanston, Ill., for at least two weeks. That meant that if all had gone as planned, Crum would have been able to make up his mind after the council had decided whether to renew his contract. … But then council members decided not to decide on Crum’s future until June 9, saying they might not have to decide at all if Crum takes the Evanston job. … Back to you, Roger.

Mind your manners

Last week, city Planning Director Charlie Dotson was telling the council about a recent rush on permits for cellular-phone towers. Spokane’s ancient zoning code is silent on the high-tech devices, and Dotson wants the council to declare a halt to granting any more permits until his department can draft some standards. … “Who are we going to piss off if we do this?” asked Councilman Chris Anderson. “You’re going to do that to me if you keep using that kind of language,” shot back Mayor Jack Geraghty.

New livers are still cash-only

Spokane shoppers who were stunned when White Elephant stores began accepting credit cards last year are in for another shock. Some state liquor stores soon will be taking plastic, too. … The 18-month trial, which will begin Oct. 1, won’t become permanent without legislative approval. Although only one other state refuses to sell booze on credit, lawmakers fear the change here will boost consumption. Two Spokane stores will be part of the test, but no Olympia outlet will participate. … Considering the drunken melee that ensued in the House and Senate as the last session wound down, that’s probably just as well.

Paranoid is as paranoid does?

CB “bunny hunter” Bruce Rakowski has bigger worries than Spokane Police Chief Terry Mangan and his shotgun. He recently asked a judge for protection from 30-year-old Kelly Davisson, claiming in court documents that she has threatened to hurt him and repeatedly has lied about him to reporters and police. … Rakowski’s concerns apparently stem - erroneously - from an unflattering report that appeared in The Spokesman-Review shortly after his confrontation with the chief in which Rakowski’s ex-wife said he is paranoid. Anonymous sources echoed that assessment, but Davisson wasn’t one of them. … Rakowski didn’t show up for a court hearing, so the judge rejected his request for the protection order.

More why of the Wye at the Y

Last week, “Public Periscope” mentioned that the North Division “Y” is referred to as the “Wye” on the state’s 20-year traffic plan. An alert reader in Chewelah, Wash., suggests maybe that’s because there was a restaurant named the Wye near the “Y” about 50 years ago. Big bags of french fries were 50 cents, he recalled fondly.

Getting involved

Spokane County is looking for two new members for its Community Development Advisory Committee. The board suggests ways for county commissioners to spend federal funds on housing and community development projects. Applications are due May 20; information is available by calling Kasey Kramer at 456-5722.

Pam Praeger of Spokane was named to the state Asian-Pacific American Commission, which advises the governor and state agencies on topics important to those ethnic groups. Praeger replaces Rob Fukai, also of Spokane.

, DataTimes MEMO: “Public Periscope,” published Mondays, is compiled by Jim Camden from staff reports.

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