Public Periscope
Coming down to the wire
Supporters of the proposed $425 million Seattle football stadium/exhibition center appear to be pulling ahead of opponents in these last days before the election. At least that’s what polling conducted over the weekend and aired on Northwest Cable News suggests. … Mason-Dixon Political/Media Research Inc., which polls for this newspaper as well as the regional news network, has the “yes” voters ahead 46 percent to 45 percent a bit of a reversal from its midweek poll that had the “no” voters leading 47 percent to 41 percent. In both cases, the gap was “within the margin of error,” which is a pollster’s way of saying it’s close enough to go either way. … Brad Coker, president of the firm, sticks by his earlier statements that the outcome hinges on heavy spending by the supporters and the turnout in King County, where support is strong but voters must go to the polls on Tuesday. Opposition is strong outside the Puget Sound region, where many voters are casting ballots by mail and in many cases already have sent them in. … “It comes down to how many mailed in their ballots before the ads started to hit,” said Coker. “The political scientists will be studying this one for years to come.”
Election reminder
Tuesday is election day. But in Spokane, Ferry and Pend Oreille counties, voters won’t go to the polls. They were mailed ballots, which must be postmarked by midnight Tuesday. … In Lincoln, Stevens and Whitman counties, however, it is voting as usual - at the precinct place unless you live in a precinct that always votes by mail.
Clearing the air
Although the courthouse and other Spokane County government buildings are smoke-free, visitors often must cut through haze thicker than Seattle fog to get through the door … No more. County commissioners say they’re going to start enforcing an existing ban on smoking within 15 feet of entrances.
Rumor of the week
The long-predicted announcement that former House Speaker Tom Foley will be named ambassador to Japan may be a step closer to reality. Sources say the FBI is making the contacts with longtime Foley friends and acquaintances that are required before naming a candidate. …Of course, if Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott of Mississippi and President Clinton don’t work out some of their differences, the FBI can take all the time it wants. Lott says non-military nominees aren’t going through the Senate until the two leaders work out their differences.
Getting some new digs
Two state senators recently opened new district offices. Democratic Sen. Lisa Brown of central Spokane’s 3rd Legislative District will be operating out of 315 W. Mission, Room 4; her new phone number is 456-3102. … Republican Sen. Jim West of northwest and south Spokane’s 6th Legislative District has moved in with Republican Reps. Duane Sommers and Brad Benson at 104 S. Freya, Suite 119 in the White Flag Building.
Taking some of the pain out of fender benders
Two-car accidents no longer must be reported in triplicate, the state Department of Transportation has decided. … In the past, accident reports were required from both drivers as well as the investigating officer. Now, the drivers need to file reports only if they disagree with what the officer has written. … Drivers still must file reports if no officer shows up and the damage is more than $500 (roughly the cost of a hubcap). But the deadline has been extended from one to four days.
Getting involved
Spokane County commissioners are accepting applications for one position on the county library district’s board of trustees. Deadline is Wednesday. For information or an application, call 456-2265. , DataTimes MEMO: “Public Periscope,” published Mondays, is compiled by Jim Camden from staff reports. You can write us at The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane 99210, or send e-mail to jimc@spokesman.com, send a fax to (509) 459-5482 or leave a message on Cityline by calling 458-8800 on a Touch-Tone phone, then pressing 9120.