Public Periscope

Even in politics, truth is best answer

Give first-time congressional candidate John Beal credit for honesty. Although some folks trying to win votes will try to bluff their way through an answer to a complicated question, the American Heritage Party candidate took the more truthful approach last week during a televised debate on KSPS-TV … The question involved utility deregulation, a subject that can tax even the most dedicated policy wonks. Democratic challenger Brad Lyons expressed concern over rising power costs, which is a real possibility. Republican Rep. George Nethercutt warned of a rush to judgment on the final structure of deregulation. Valid answers, both.

But Beal may have won more points with viewers when he looked straight into the camera, apologized and said, “I’m not familiar with the issue.”

Catch the candidates

In previous weeks we’ve listed places to listen to candidates debate. With the campaigns drawing to a close, there are no more debates this year, but there still are a few chances to see and hear candidates … Many of them will be on street corners today and Tuesday, waving hands and signs. Even if you disagree with their stands, try not to hit them … Republican Senate candidate Linda Smith will be at a campaign rally at 1:15 this afternoon at the Spokane Airways terminal … After election returns start showing up on election night, most Democrats will be at the Ridpath Hotel. Most Republicans will be at the Bayou Brewing Company. Republican Rep. George Nethercutt’s campaign will be at the Hotel Lusso.

Makes us cold already

Forget the woolly worms and the fat squirrel tails and all those other traditional harbingers of a hard winter. Here’s the real thing: The City of Spokane ordered more than $336,000 worth of liquid de-icer last week to handle the streets this winter. That’s 4,125 tons … Consider yourself warned.

Speaking of winter

It is now legal to have studded tires on your motor vehicle. Studded snows, as they are generally called, qualify as approved “traction devices” when highway signs are warning of snow in the mountain passes … But if you’re not planning on crossing the mountains any time soon, you could hold off putting them on. Some of our groovier streets will thank you.

This sidebar appeared with the story: HOT TOPIC Wednesday: New Police Chief Alan Chertok will talk about caring people and vibrant communities at a luncheon sponsored by The Spokane City Forum, 11:45 a.m., First Presbyterian Church, 4th and Cedar. Cost is $7.50 for lunch. Call 747-1058, Ext. 610, for information and reservations.