Top City Planner Refuses To Draft Hasson Proposal

Spokane’s top city planner told elected officials Friday he would “refuse to participate” if ordered to write a land-use plan he considered a violation of state law.

“My professional ethics would preclude that,” Charlie Dotson, city planning director, told members of the Growth Management Act steering committee.

Dotson’s comments came as the regional steering committee was considering where to put urban growth boundaries in the Spokane Valley.

Some members, including County Commissioner Steve Hasson, wanted to expand the size of the boundaries greatly, allowing development over a larger area.

Dotson said any major expansion would defeat the purpose of the law, which is designed to rein in urban sprawl. It requires that new development be confined to areas where urban services are available.

Hasson was angered by Dotson’s statement.

“Why do we have you as a planning director if you’re not going to follow directions?” he asked.

“You don’t, (the City Council) does,” Dotson shot back.

“I would hope we’re all here for each other,” Hasson said later.

In an interview after the meeting, Dotson said he was sure the City Council would not want urban growth boundaries expanded.

Councilwoman Phyllis Holmes, who sat next to Dotson during the meeting, agreed. “I don’t blame him” for making the comment, she said. “I understand his response.”

But Councilman Orville Barnes said the comment was inappropriate, especially since Hasson’s proposal was dying for lack of support anyway.

, DataTimes