Campaign ‘99

Candidate Q&A

This week’s question: If city voters don’t approve a strong mayor form of government in November, what’s the most important quality you’d seek in a new city manager?

The background: Spokane has had a city manager form of government since 1960, and voters will have a chance to change that system in the general election. If not, the City Council must hire a new city manager to fill the job that has been held by acting city manager Pete Fortin since Bill Pupo resigned.

Position 1

David Bray: “I’d want someone with a broad-based background in community management and in business, with experience in Spokane, as well as other cities. And I would prefer a woman for the job.”

Roberta Greene: “A broad range of experience. I’m looking for someone who has held many different positions in city government, in different size communities.”

Position 2

Steve Corker: Leadership skills as well as management skills. “A manager is more concerned about doing things right, but a leader does the right things.”

Al French: “I’m looking for someone who’s experienced in dealing with the open government process and citizen engagement.”

Position 3

Jeff Colliton: “It will be a person who can balance the traits of leadership with the finesse and professionalism of a manager. A leader deals with people, a manager deals with assets. There will be a strong emphasis on that person’s previous positions and actions on diversity.”

Steve Eugster: “I would look for a person who would plan on bringing new leadership, meaning new people, to most of the top management positions in the city, for example, the office of city attorney.”

Identifying factor

Absentee voters who received their first mail-in ballot this year may have noticed the envelope looked a little different. It carried the new Official Election Mail trademark which has been approved by the U.S. Postal Service … The logo went into use earlier this year, thanks to changes in the federal elections laws. The government wanted to give absentee voters an extra clue that this envelope is not just another piece of junk mail or a campaign flier.

Campaign trivia

Given the general low esteem accorded to candidates’ yard signs, we were shocked that no one tried to claim the trivia prize by reporting a sign left over from a past campaign … No, no one mentioned that Bernie Nelson sign up near the South Hill Safeway. Or that Linda Smith sign off Country Homes … So it’s time for a new trivia question, and we’ll make it an easy one:

Who was the last Spokane City Council member to be elected to three straight terms? The council member in question is not eligible to claim the prize.

Catch the candidates

Monday: The North Spokane Rotary has invited Spokane City Council candidates Steve Eugster and Jeff Colliton to debate at 12:30 p.m., Inn at the Park.

Wednesday: City Council candidates in all three races, plus candidates for the 9th District House of Representatives race, at a Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce forum. 4 p.m., Spokane Regional Business Center, 801 W. Riverside.