Jimmy Marks Stirs Up Spokane Mayor’s Race

The Gypsy lawsuit is settled, but Jimmy Marks isn’t done with the city of Spokane.

The man whose family once placed a curse on the city is running for mayor.

“The curse has not been lifted,” Marks said. “The curse is me.”

The flamboyant Gypsy leader said Wednesday he’s launching a serious campaign for the city’s top spot, complete with red-and-black campaign signs that show a hand with the words “Jimmy Marks: Gypsy for Mayor” written on the palm. He’s even got a handful of people working on his platform.

While he’s not sure what his issues will be, he’s certain of one thing: He wants to be a fly constantly buzzing City Attorney James Sloane and Assistant City Attorney Rocco Treppiedi.

“How will (they) feel to have to look at this face every day?” Marks said.

Sloane had no comment on Marks’ run for mayor. Treppiedi had only scorn. “Why would anyone waste any time with his candidacy?” he said.

Earlier this month, the city and the Marks family reached a $1.43 million settlement, putting to rest an 11-year-old lawsuit stemming from police raids at two Gypsy homes in 1986.

The day the city announced the agreement, Marks came to City Hall and threw a rock over his shoulder as a sign he was leaving his bad luck behind him. He vowed never to step foot inside the building again.

Marks said Wednesday he wasn’t recanting his promise. He wouldn’t return as a citizen but as an employer.

“I lost my job bothering the City Council three weeks ago,” he said. “I feel bad, confused … I didn’t want to settle.”

Robert Mills is taking Marks seriously, and even plans to work on his campaign. Mills, who owned a Spokane formal wear shop before retiring, said the Marks factor makes the race “interesting.”

“I’m not too fond of politics in this city,” Mills said. “He’ll stir it up.”

Marks, 52, is currently unemployed, but worked previously as a used car broker.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo