Public Periscope

What’s in a name?

Spokane Community College President Jim Williams says he’s “having an identity crisis” around town with people confusing him with the candidate of the same name who’s running for 4th Legislative District state representative. Candidate Jim Williams is older and a Republican … “I don’t want to be accused of accepting campaign contributions illegally,” President Williams told the Community Colleges of Spokane board of directors last week. “Please tell people that’s not me.” … Around his office, however, there’s no such confusion. Williams’ name is the easy one to remember at the community colleges, where he shares duties with four other top executives whose first names are Ron, Ron, Ron and Don.

Could this be a trend?

Barbara Lampert, perennial candidate for something, lists something novel in her campaign brochure this year. In listing her qualifications for the job of Spokane County auditor, Lampert notes that she’s had her shots and reproduces the card that says she’s been vaccinated against hepatitis B … If she doesn’t win, at least she can get a job at a restaurant.

Priorities

The Center for Media and Public Affairs, a Washington, D.C., think tank, estimates the network TV evening news shows have broadcast, as of the middle of last week, some 1,155 minutes on the Monica Lewinsky scandal this year. … The center says that’s more than the coverage of the Asian economic crisis, the Auto Workers strike, nuclear testing in India and Pakistan, the president’s trip to China, the pope’s visit to Cuba, the Winter Olympics and the drug Viagra combined.

Getting involved

Interested in landscape - the real landscape, not the political landscape, that is? The Spokane County Planning Commission could use your help. … The commission is reviewing and revising landscaping regulations, and it needs people willing to serve on a committee that will meet at least eight times over the next four months. Applications are available at the Division of Building and Planning. … Questions? Call Francine Shaw at 456-3675.

On the campaign trail

If “Public Periscope” seems a little more political during the next few months, it’s not an accident … Candidate appearances and election year reminders, as well as little tidbits from the campaigns, will be regular features. It’s an experiment in combining the newspaper’s campaign column, which runs only part of the year, with a feature that’s here year-round … Let us know what you think.

Catch the candidates

Sept. 2: A forum for candidates for legislative and county offices with the Soroptimists as hosts. 7 p.m., Shilo Inn, 923 E. Third.