Public Periscope

Giving bureaucrats a good name

Some folks are wont to say government workers are inconsiderate and bumbling. But those who spend time around government offices know bureaucrats try as hard as the rest of us … Such was the case Tuesday, when a job-seeker came to Spokane County’s human resources department. Debbie Wilkins led him to the three-ring binders that describe every position in the county, showed him where the new openings are posted, then cheerfully gave him a list of contacts at every major employer in town and offered tips for keeping track of the county’s openings … She finished by wishing him luck.

“When was the last time someone was so helpful in a government office?” asked the surprised job-seeker … Actually, it happens all the time. You just don’t read about it.

This is NOT a short joke

When four high-powered Republicans came to Spokane to help Linda Smith, they also gave her a step up - literally. Smith followed Sen. Slade Gorton to the microphone at an airport rally, but not before other senators slipped a pair of sofa cushions under the podium so she could reach the mike. .. Knowing folks would realize her sudden rise in stature, the 5-foot-2 Smith told everyone someone had put the pillows on the floor. “We’re here to support you,” Majority Leader Trent Lott chimed in.

This is a joke - on the Aryan Nations

Someone should have given the folks at the Aryan Nations compound a little lesson in music history before they sent out that videotaped ad for neo-Nazism. The tape opens with Kate Smith singing “God Bless America,” a song written by Irving Berlin … That may sound like a wonderful last name for a group that thinks so highly of Adolf Hitler. But Berlin was Jewish.

In case you’re wondering

Some who noticed Tom Foley’s name among those endorsing Spokane County Commissioner candidate Kathy Reid wondered whether it isn’t a violation of the Hatch Act … It’s a fair question, as Foley is the U.S. ambassador to Japan; the act restricts federal employees from some politicking. But Foley’s in no trouble because his title isn’t listed in Reid campaign literature, said Karen Dalheim of the Office of Special Council in Washington, D.C., which deals with laws affecting federal employees.

A nonpolitical note

A stamp designed to increase awareness of organ and tissue donation will be unveiled at a 1 p.m. ceremony Thursday at the Spokane Valley Mall’s second floor court. The new 32-cent organ and tissue stamp is self-adhesive, with two intertwined figures reaching inside each other to touch hearts … It does not, as one wag suggested, have a driver’s license on the back.

Getting involved

The county commissioners are looking for a county or small town resident to fill a spot on the Community Development Advisory Committee, a real estate appraiser to join the City/County Landmarks Commission and a Library District resident to sit on that organization’s board. Call 477-2265 for applications … Meanwhile the city needs to fill three spots on the Bicycle Advisory Board, and two vacancies each on the Arts Commission and the Housing Advisory and Appeals Board. Stop by the mayor’s fifth floor office at City Hall to apply.

Catch the candidates

Tuesday: A debate on the minimum wage initiative by economics professors from Gonzaga and Eastern Washington universities. 7:30 p.m., Jepson Center Auditorium, GU.

Wednesday: Luncheon debate featuring candidates for county assessor and county prosecutor, sponsored by the Building Owners and Managers Association. 11:50 a.m., Cavanaugh’s Inn at the Park. $10 for lunch.

Thursday: Televised debate for congressional candidates George Nethercutt, Brad Lyons and John Beal. 7 p.m., KSPS-TV, Channel 7.

Friday: Televised debate on initiative to ban affirmative action. 8:30 p.m., “Spokane This Week,” KSPS-TV, Channel 7.