Public Periscope

We’re dying to hear them

Gov. Gary Locke might have some really great reasons why he thinks it’s OK for the Kalispel Indians to build a casino in Airway Heights. But we don’t know what they are because of the way he announced it … We’re sure it’s just a coincidence that Locke announced his decision late on a Friday - by a press release that arrived on the fax machine after 4:30 p.m. No one could be reached for a comment that evening and Locke was out of town last week. Requests to ask him about the decision Monday were turned away by spokeswoman Helen Chung, who explained the governor was not reachable all week … Not reachable, except it seems, to announce the formation of the Youth Safety Summit advisory board last Monday and a $3.8 million grant for unemployed workers in five western counties on Tuesday … Maybe he’ll get around to talking about the casino one of these days. Or maybe someone will get to pose a question on the casino on “Ask the Governor” this Wednesday at 7 p.m. on public television.

Hoping juries are more understanding

Prosecutor Jim Sweetser was not to be deterred when he went before Spokane County Commissioners last week to demand raises for his deputies … Ten minutes into Sweetser’s initial soliloquy about how wonderful his office has been performing, the always-down-to-business Commissioner Kate McCaslin interrupted: “I think they’re doing a great job, but can we get to the point?” … To McCaslin’s obvious dismay, Sweetser said no. “It’s kind of like an opening statement,” he said. “I’m laying the groundwork.” Thirty minutes later, he finally left the room and a frustrated McCaslin promised only that she’d think about his request.

Then could we call him Boss Hog?

Spokane County Commissioner Phil Harris planned to spend the days preceding July Fourth searching for a new personal vehicle. On the 2nd, the Virginia-born Harris was spotted in Coeur d’Alene, where he said he’d been shopping for either a motorcycle or a new truck … “I want a Harley,” he said, “but I can’t afford it.”

Dress down for this event

If Spokane gave an award for the most innovative commemorative event, we’d have to nominate the Naturals Club. The nudist organization is holding a clothing drive, to celebrate National Nude Recreation Week - which is this week, in case you didn’t know … Seems probable the members are going to need a little help to come up with a decent pile of clothes. Those so inclined can drop off their donations at Rope Works, 11616 E. Montgomery, or the Valley Chamber of Commerce Office.

Got any ID?

The state just made it harder to get your name changed on a drivers license or identification card. Once you’re issued a card with one name on it, you’ll need to cough up some official type documents to change the Department of Licensing records … Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, a court order, a divorce decree, an original birth certificate or legal papers registered with the appropriate government agency. You’ll also have to fill out a “Change of Name” affidavit.

This sidebar appeared with the story: Hot Topics Thursday: The County Parks Advisory Committee hears a recommendation on what land the county should acquire for the Conservation Futures program. County commissioners have the final say later. 6:30 p.m., Park Department offices, 404 N. Havana.