Public Periscope

When Irish ayes are riling

The Spokane Regional International Trade Alliance got a call from its contact in the British consulate in Seattle, warning it could be bad for local businesses if the Legislature passes the MacBride Principles.

The what? wondered the alliance’s Karen Marshall. … Chamber of commerce legislative contact Dan Kirschner called the staff of Spokane Valley Republican Rep. Mark Sterk, a bill co-sponsor, and learned that the MacBride Principles call on companies in Northern Ireland not to discriminate against Catholics or Protestants in hiring.

The legislation would keep the state from investing its money in any company that doesn’t comply.

Michael Upton, British consul for Washington and Oregon, argues the principles are redundant because British law already forbids discrimination and the state really shouldn’t be getting involved in an internal dispute in the United Kingdom.

“Any restriction on fair trading is to be discouraged,” Upton said. … Before you could say “Erin go bragh,” word spread through Spokane’s Irish community that the British were meddling in local politics and getting their friends at the chamber to pressure Sterk into taking his name off the bill.

The British may even be breaking the law by lobbying without registering, suggested Paul McGuigan, a Tacoma attorney championing the principles. “I’m not a lobbyist; I’m a representative of Her Majesty’s government,” replied Upton.

Both sides should have a Guinness and chill. Neither the alliance nor the chamber has a position on the bill - they just wondered what it is. Sterk says he was asked for information, not to take his name off the bill. He takes no sides in the centuries-old fight in Belfast - he just signed on because he opposes discrimination of any type. The bill probably isn’t going anywhere this session, anyway, Sterk added.

A new tax? What a gas

Spokane city and county voters may be asked this fall to approve paying an extra 2.3 cents per gallon of gasoline. Barring the unlikely prospect of legislators coughing up more money for road repairs, county engineer Bill Johns said he’ll ask county commissioners to let voters decide whether to tax themselves.

Last time this came up in 1993, only 30 percent of voters supported a tax hike for road maintenance. … Although Johns, a conservative who twice ran for Congress, is no fan of taxes, he said voters may support this hike if there’s a list of specific road projects to be done and a date when the higher tax would end.

Call this number to vent until tow truck arrives

Roads are chock-full of chuckholes. But crews can’t patch what they can’t find, so local officials are asking for drivers’ help. To report holes outside Spokane city limits, call the pothole hotline at 458-2547. For citified potholes, call 625-7733.

Getting involved

Commissioners filled some board vacancies recently: Clyde Haase, who owns a landscape company, and Tom Hargreaves, a North Side neighborhood organizer, to the Planning Commission. Irv Reed, retired city director of planning and engineering services, to the Airport Board. John Hawkins to the county Board of Equalization. Phyllis Everest to the Agency on Aging. Tim Connors to the Orchard Avenue Irrigation District.

Commissioners still are looking for applications for four openings on the Community Development Advisory Committee and two on the Mental Health Advisory Board, plus someone from Commissioner District 2 to serve on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. If interested, call 456-2265.

, DataTimes MEMO: “Public Periscope,” published Mondays, is compiled by Jim Camden from staff reports. You can write us c/o The Spokesman-Review, Box 2160, Spokane 99210. Or send e-mail to jimc@spokesman.com. Or send a fax to (509) 459-5482. Or call Cityline at 458-8800 on a Touch-Tone phone, then press 9120 to leave a message.

This sidebar appeared with the story: Hot topics Tuesday: Spokane County commissioners are expected to decide where urban growth boundaries should be drawn. 5 p.m., 1026 W. Broadway.

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