Public Periscope
Conceding the vegetarian vote?
Jeff Colliton is more than a Spokane city councilman, he’s also a steak expert. Colliton can be heard on the morning radio touting the steaks, fine atmosphere and friendly service at a restaurant in a local hotel … “Obviously I’m a meat and potato guy, so I’m a steak person,” Colliton says over a background of light jazz. Before agreeing to the ad-lib testimonial, Colliton first received the blessing of the city’s legal department.
Chances for a conflict of interest are considered remote, because even the council’s meatiest issues don’t usually involve steakhouses. But Colliton might be asked to recuse himself from anything involving this particular restaurant (we won’t name it, there’s no free lunches here.) … Even if he runs for re-election this year, the radio spot can keep playing. Melissa Warheit, executive director of the Public Disclosure Commission says there’s no problem “unless he was actually campaigning in the commercial.”
Colliton’s commercial is one in a series. Other steak-touters included Spokane Chiefs owner Bobby Brett.
Bowing out
Concerned readers have been calling about a petition aimed at striking the phrase “sexual orientation” from Spokane’s new human rights ordinance. Some want to know where they can sign; some want to know how they can stop it … We want to get out from being the middle, so here’s how to dial direct: The group circulating the petition, “Equal Rights, Not Special Rights” can be reached at 623-4116. The group that plans to defend the ordinance as it’s written, “No! On Discrimination,” is at 532-9803.
Divided attention
Spokane City Manager Bill Pupo suggested last week that the City Council might want to cancel the March 29 meeting if Gonzaga makes it into the NCAA Final Four. Councilman Orville Barnes countered with another idea. “We could just watch it on TV,” he said with a chuckle … During a meeting four years ago, Barnes and then-Councilman Joel Crosby watched the championship game between UCLA and University of Arkansas. Their divided attention displeased several residents there to testify who thought the council should be focused on their concerns. At the time, Crosby said he was just “one of those people who can do two things at once.” Had Gonzaga upset Connecticut, the council would have considered canceling the meeting.
Zags a good bet
Speaking of GU basketball, add Sen. Slade Gorton to the list of folks who knew how to make good on the Bulldogs’ success. He bet Sen. Connie Mack of Florida that Gonzaga would beat the Gators. Mack now owes Gorton a crate of oranges.
We’re sure the date’s just a coincidence
Rick Miller, KXLY radio’s morning talk show host turns guest for Mayor John Talbott’s call-in television show, “Access Spokane” on April 1. For those of you who opted for the Bulldog basketball game last week, the mayor’s guest was public watchdog Steve Eugster. The show with the Spokane attorney will rerun at 6:30 p.m., Thursday on TCI Channel 25.
Won’t find it in Webster’s
As if there weren’t enough terms about endangered salmon species and runs to consider, The Pacific Northwest Grain & Feed Association has come up with a new one. This group of farmers, ranchers, bargers and buyers has designated a group of folks to go back to Washington, D.C. and lobby against big changes in the dams … They’re called “dambassadors.” Don’t say that fast, three times.