Public Periscope
Ad blitz muted
Supporters of Rep. George Nethercutt began complaining about the latest U.S. Term Limits commercial almost from the moment it began running last Tuesday. Late last week, Nethercutt called television stations and asked that the ad be pulled. … The organization’s commercial suggests that if Nethercutt won’t keep his pledge to step down after three terms, he also might change his mind about other things such as breaching Snake River dams. It’s a claim that has pro-dam Nethercutt supporters fuming and anti-dam environmentalists laughing because both sides consider the Spokane Republican firmly against breaching.
Late last week, an employee of KHQ-TV, which had the largest contract of the three local network affiliates, said it will pull the ads. The other two network affiliates are considering the request.
Off-year election coming
There could be word this week of a Democrat to challenge recently appointed state Rep. Don Cox of Colfax in southeastern Washington’s 9th Legislative District. While that district tilts heavily Republican, Democrats have an ulterior motive for making it a competitive race this year. … A switch of even one seat would mean an end to shared power in the House of Representatives, where the Democrats and Republicans are tied at 49.
You never call; you never write
Several hundred Eastern Washington residents who left messages for state Reps. Cathy McMorris and Bob Sump via the legislative hotline may be wondering why they haven’t heard back. It’s not that the lawmakers don’t care. They just never got the messages. … The computer system lost about 350 messages meant for the legislators’ voice mail boxes. The system was fixed last week and the messages were found. The 7th Legislative District Republican reps promise to get replies out as soon as possible.
It’s really, really tentative. Really
The City Plan Commission obviously doesn’t want anyone to get excited about this agenda item for its April 28 meeting: “Initial review of the draft initial development regulations, specifically the draft critical area regulations …” Our initial impression is: It’s a little drafty in here.
Sure to anger someone
It may have been humbled last month for publishing a fabricated and racist letter, but The Reporter student newspaper at Spokane Community College still rocks with satire. Evidence is found in the April Fools’ edition of “The Distorter.” … Asked a quarter-page ad: “Are you a cross-dressin’ hermaphrodite who likes chocolate cake and long walks on the beach? Then The Distorter staff might be looking for you. We’ve been told we have to expand our diversity and this kind of hermaphrodite is the last person we need on our checklist.”
Remembering Splitsville
As often happens on routine matters, the Spokane City Council voted unanimously on a routine agenda item last Monday. But Mayor John Talbott may have been thinking ahead or back to something more controversial as he announced the vote. … “Five in favor,” he began. Giggles on the council and laughter from the audience cued Talbott to his miscue. “Well, it’s usually 5-2,” he explained.
Taking it to the Net
Spokane attorney Steve Eugster is now on the Internet with a Web site dedicated to his proposed strong-mayor initiative. He can be found at www.strongmayor.com. … We’ll keep you posted if opponents decide to go cyber.
Getting involved
The city of Spokane wants to fill the following vacancies: four seats on the Design Review Committee, four teen positions and one adult position on the Chase Youth Commission and one seat on the Cable Advisory Board. Deadline for applications is 5 p.m. next Monday. Want more info or an application? Call 625-6250.