Public Periscope

Jumpin’ Jack

Al Gore wasn’t the only raucous applause-getter during last week’s Democratic rally at Spokane Falls Community College … Mayor Jack Geraghty also made a splash. The usually mild, mumbling mayor shouted his support for Democratic candidates and humored students with impromptu lines. The crowd - anxious for the vice president - groaned when Geraghty first was introduced … “I know, I know,” the mayor said. “It’s like going to a concert and having to listen to the warm-up band.” All the applause and laughter made Geraghty blush … After he sat down, a pack of students chanted for an encore. “We want Jack! We want Jack! We want Jack!”

Time consuming

Later that day, a perturbed Geraghty chastised city workers for failing to set the clocks back in the council’s downstairs conference room … “It seems to me, around here, we would know when Daylight Savings happens,” Geraghty said … “So noted,” said Acting City Manager Bill Pupo. Planning Services Director Phil Williams told the mayor that, at one time, a computer reset City Hall clocks automatically … The program doesn’t work anymore, and it’s too expensive to fix, Williams said. “Now, we go around to every clock in City Hall by hand.”

Un-Conventional Kudos

Facilities magazine - the self-described “Bible for Convention, Exposition and Event Management” - lists Spokane as one of the top 50 convention cities in the nation in its October issue … The “Top Destination” designation is given to cities based on reader ballots … A city must receive at least 100 nominations to make the list. Among other things, the magazine praised Spokane for the convention center complex, downtown shopping and nearby recreational opportunities.

Gone but not forgotten

Hartly Krueger, president of the Spokane Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, was rightfully gleeful when he told the City Council about the “Top Destination” award last week … “It makes me want to come here,” said Councilwoman Phyllis Holmes, thanking Krueger for his dedication. “We get so bogged down with what’s wrong here … It’s wonderful.” Holmes’ comments must have reminded Mayor Geraghty of the many criticisms leveled against Spokane by missing Councilman Chris Anderson - gone from his post since May 28. “We should pass that information along to our absent member,” deadpanned Geraghty.

Free safety tip

Before venturing through any of the state’s 11 mountain passes this winter, check road conditions, warns the Washington state Department of Transportation in a recent written statement … Residents can call toll free, 1-888-SNO-INFO (766-4636), for updated weather information. Those with hearing impairments can call 1-800-833-6388, extension 206-440-4040 … And, for those who’d rather play on their computers than dial a telephone, mountain pass reports also are available on the Internet: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/. Weather conditions are updated at least six times a day.

, DataTimes MEMO: Public Periscope, published Mondays, is compiled by Kristina Johnson from staff reports.

This sidebar appeared with the story: HOT TOPICS The Growth Management Act steering committee will hold the last in a series of meetings to take comment about proposed urban growth boundaries. The meeting takes place Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers of Spokane City Hall, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Compiled by Kristina Johnson from staff reports.