Campaign Notebook

Figures don’t lie, but …

City Council challengers have raised the refrain in recent appearances that the public is “obviously” upset with City Hall because there are so many candidates running this year. But a little history may be in order … It is clear there are a plethora of candidates and the 18 people on the ballot is more than any council election in the last 20 years. But the number of candidates fluctuates pretty widely from election to election, and the eight candidates vying for Position 2 is not a record … Spokane has averaged 11 candidates spread over three seats over the last 10 election cycles. The average is reduced, however, by three elections in the mid-1980s, when incumbents drew token opposition. During the 1987 election, for example, an open seat drew a record 10 candidates, but the two incumbents had only a single challenger each. For much of that period, incumbents rarely lost.

So this year, with eight candidates for the open seat and four challengers for each incumbent, it may be safer to conclude that people are more willing to take on a sitting council member. And that may be a result of several recent elections, in which incumbent mayors and council members were ousted at the polls.

Maybe they could campaign online

If the public is upset, one can’t always discern it from the candidate forums. During one “meet the candidate” appearance last week, citizen attendance was so low as to be nonexistent and candidates were left to talk among themselves … So Jean Wells, with the League of Women Voters, had their full attention to describe DNet WA, a Web site they can plug into with their views, links to their own Internet pages, and to check e-mail … So far, none of the candidates has taken advantage of the forum. “They seemed excited about it, I hope they follow through,” said Wells.

But even if they don’t, the Web site offers voting information, links to state and federal elected officials, and information on the presidential election in 2000. Find it at www.dnet.org/wa/.

Civic duty?

Spokane City Council candidate Steve Corker served as moderator during a recent debate over Initiative 695, which would roll back motor vehicle license tabs to $30. As he introduced the debate, Corker urged the audience to vote in the September primary … We’re sure he was just being helpful, but it is interesting that I-695 is on the November ballot. The September ballot, on the other hand, is the one with Corker’s name on it.

Proud papa

During the debate over I-695, sponsor Tim Eyman wasn’t shy about praising the measure or his role in its creation: “I believe 695 is perfect because I was part of the team that helped make the thing.”

It’s a rainbow

If politics leaves you feeling blue, maybe you’d like to hear about the Green Party … One of several minor parties in Washington state, the Greens are trying to organize a Spokane chapter. They’re having a meeting 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Center for Justice In Spokane, 423 W. 1st Ave., Suite 240.

Catch the candidates

Tuesday: Spokane Council Position 3 candidates, at a forum sponsored by the community centers. 7 p.m., East Central Community Center, 500 S. Stone.

Wednesday: Spokane Council Position 1 candidates, at a forum sponsored by the community centers. 7 p.m., Northeast Community Center, 4001 N. Cook.

Wednesday: Spokane Council Position 2 candidates, at a forum sponsored by the community centers. 7 p.m., West Central Community Center, 1603 N. Belt.

Thursday: City Council candidates at a forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters. 7 p.m., City Hall.