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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Empty Seat Draws A Crowd So Far, 41 Seeking To Replace Chris Anderson On City Council

Kristina Johnson Dan Hansen Contribut Staff writer

Despite the long hours and low pay, lots of people want Chris Anderson’s Spokane City Council seat.

So far, 41 people are vying for Anderson’s council spot, with 26 applying during the last two days before applications closed Friday.

And the flood may not be over. Applications mailed Friday will be accepted next week.

Council members plan to winnow the list to four or five favored candidates and hold public interviews Jan. 24.

They plan to announce their decision Jan. 27.

Council members have said they would like to replace Anderson with a North Side resident. With Anderson gone, only Councilman Mike Brewer lives north of the Spokane River.

The appointee will serve through December 1997, when Anderson’s term would have expired. At least three council members said they hope to appoint a person willing to run for the seat this fall.

It takes time to get acquainted with the city’s inner workings, said Councilman Jeff Colliton. After a year on the council, he’s “still in the learning mode,” he said.

Anderson resigned his seat Dec. 31 after missing 21 meetings from May 28 to Nov. 4. He moved with his wife and three daughters from Spokane last month and refused to say where he was going.

Here is a list of people who turned in applications for the $18,000-a-year council seat Thursday and Friday, along with information they provided.

From the North Side:

Bob Apple, a tavern owner who ran unsuccessfully for the council in 1989.

Todd April, an account executive for Group Health.

Karen Baker, a former Spokane County freeholder and volunteer at the West Central Community Center.

David Bray, a real estate broker.

George Brower, a consultant who serves on the city’s Community Development Board.

Kelly Corbin, owner of Corsmith Automotive.

Richard Daisley, an insurance salesman and a volunteer at Valley Crest Nursing Care Center.

Bruce Denend, a self-described entrepreneur and a Cub Scout volunteer.

Kevin Dowler, who is unemployed.

Curtis Fackler, co-owner of Payroll Plus and a former U.S. Air Force captain.

Judith Gilmore, the Eastern Washington representative for Gov. Mike Lowry and a member of several boards and committees.

Joyce Harbison, a secretary for the state Department of Social and Health Services who serves on the city’s Community Development Board.

Rob Higgins, executive vice president of the Spokane Association of Realtors and a former City Council member.

David Holter, an administrator for a non-profit youth outreach program who ran for the council in 1995.

Jerry Isaacson, a Spokane County warehouse supervisor.

Andy Johnson, a real estate broker who formerly served as director of the Washington state Public Lands Association.

Michael Kennedy, president of a telecommunications company and a Boy Scout volunteer.

Charle Plumb, former news editor for the Valley News Herald.

Cherie Rodgers, a homemaker who serves on the city’s Plan Commission.

From the South Side

South Side residents who applied Thursday and Friday are:

Charles Greenwood, a maintenance worker who serves on the Peaceful Valley Steering Committee.

Tommy Griffey, a school bus driver.

Dorie Tuck Hobbs, an employee at Olivetti North America.

Robert Queen, a pharmacist.

Jim Ray, a retired IBM sales executive who serves as chairman of the Spokane Public Facilities District.

Edwin Stolp Jr., a retired airport employee.

John Webster, a certified public accountant and arts supporter. , DataTimes The following fields overflowed: BYLINE = Kristina Johnson Staff writer Staff writer Dan Hansen contributed to this report.