Public Periscope

Topping the Christmas list

Santa isn’t the only one checking wish lists. Spokane County commissioners are sorting through requests for new employees and equipment, deciding which are worthy of funding for the year 2000. Among the more quaint requests: Six typewriters for elections workers and four for the clerks who issue auto licenses.

The county has auctioned hundreds of typewriters over the years, as computers revolutionized offices. The remaining typewriters are nearly beyond repair, said Ellen Marsh, supervisor of auto licensing. Yet, some letters and other documents can’t be done with computers programmed for other tasks.

Commissioners have tentatively approved buying five typewriters, at a cost of $751 apiece. That’s the county’s rough estimate for a programmable IBM. The actual cost may be significantly lower; Marsh said she only needs basic typewriters.

Maybe they should try typewriters

Some 18,000 county sewer customers recently received letters of apology for a year’s worth of billing problems. For instance, November bills arrived in homes 10 to 12 days late. And some customers who paid their bills on time received over-due notices.

The problem is a new computer system that simply isn’t working out, said utilities director Bruce Rawls. The county is seeking bids for a replacement and negotiating a possible refund from People Soft, the manufacturer of the current system. It could be six months or longer before the issue is settled. In the meantime, utilities workers are hovering over the computers, trying to limit glitches.

Stats to ponder

With the recount of Spokane’s strong mayor proposal starting today, some people wonder how the ballot measure went from 41 votes behind to 29 votes ahead in the final tally of votes. The answer lies more in the votes that were counted than in any huge shift in voter attitude … Voters who went to the polls tended to support the measure, while those who voted absentee tended to oppose it - by a slim margin in both instances. The final ballots counted on Nov. 17 included more from precincts than from absentees.

A number no traveler should forget

Holiday travelers in Washington can call (800) 695-ROAD for current road conditions. That’s not to be confused with Initiative 695, which gutted the state budget for roadwork.

A worthy request

Even as it grapples with I-695-imposed budget cuts, the Spokane Transit Authority has been asked by a developer to provide service to a building he owns.

Walt Worthy wants assurances that buses will run within two blocks of an abandoned Rosauers in Millwood. Otherwise, he can’t lease the building, at 8517 E. Trent, to the state Department of Health and Social Services as a food-stamp distribution center.

Worthy had an ally at last week’s STA board meeting, where county Commissioner John Roskelley argued the change would help the state and lowincome riders. Other board members were less sympathetic.

“I didn’t get a call from the state. I got a call from a landlord who wants to lease his facility,” said City Councilman Jeff Colliton.

Board members promised only that they’d keep Worthy’s request in mind. Some routes are proposed for elimination after public hearings next year.

Bring your praises, complaints and questions

County Commissioner Kate McCaslin will host a two-hour town hall meeting from 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Rockford City Hall, 20 W. Emma.

Getting involved

County commissioners are looking for volunteers to serve on advisory boards that tackle issues involving cable television, mental health, boating, trash, and health and safety. The application deadline is Nov. 30. Call 477-2265 for more information.