Districts Exist For Those Represented

Thu., Dec. 17, 1998

By John Webster johnwe@spokesman.com (509) 459-5421

This has not been a good year for public confidence in our political system. Someday soon, when 1998 has taken its place in history, we all may begin to concentrate on how to establish government that acts with integrity and earns widespread respect.

But why wait? Government begins at the local level and here, close to home, we can expect and demand conduct that builds the public’s weakened trust.

It is with that longing for something better that we direct our attention to the Board of Spokane County Commissioners. The commissioners engaged this week in a manipulation of power that might seem small in the overall scheme of things, but nonetheless is exactly the kind of thing that feeds public cynicism.

This maneuver was all the more disappointing because the commissioners have been good stewards lately, tightening management practices and building a healthy reserve. It also was disappointing that it was John Roskelley, justly admired for his forthrightness, who broke faith.

Tuesday, without notice to the public or even a listing on their regular meeting agenda, commissioners redrew the boundaries of the districts they represent. They did so in a rush, using hastily flung together population data, because Roskelley had signed papers to buy a house and then learned that it was outside his district. After determining no public notice technically was required, commissioners hashed out a secret deal and rammed it through. They moved seven precincts full of voters from one district to another - switching the commissioners who represent those voters and, of course, moving to Roskelley’s turf the house he wanted to buy.

Wednesday, Roskelley announced he won’t buy the house after all - underscoring the foolishness of haste, secrecy and manipulation.

This smells. Districts do not exist for an officeholder’s political benefit. Rather, officeholders serve for the district’s benefit. The voter-commissioner relationship should not be yanked around in this manner or for such selfish reasons. If redistricting is needed, it ought to occur after a process that commands respect.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forum series -- which helps to boost local journalism -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax-deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.