Letters To The Editor

SPOKANE MATTERS

Stall-and-stymie artists at it again

I just watched the televised City Council proceedings regarding a businessman following the process necessary to develop a mini-storage facility in our city. Nine months earlier, the council had amended an ordinance that would now permit this process to proceed and even instructed the businessman of necessary steps to follow that would provide him the best likelihood of success.

The businessman complied. He met with all the appropriate groups of government and community. Approving this project was the appropriate decision because not once was a higher and better use for the property in question suggested.

Instead of approval and movement to the next order of business, our two newest public obstructionists, Councilmen Steve Eugster and Steve Corker, first asked to rescind the amendment that would allow the businessman to proceed. Then, after failing on that motion, delayed any action for two weeks while a legal opinion is obtained.

This businessman is to be complimented on his patience. I lost my tolerance with just one episode of this self-centered, egotistical behavior from the two councilmen. These public obstructionists are like the trees in the forest, not standing tall enough as individuals to see the beauty and success of growing and working together.

And we who love Spokane wonder why businesses big and small do not come to Spokane?

These same obstructionists seem to be preoccupied with fixing our streets. Why bother? They might as well just put up detour signs at each end of town. Ron Ross Spokane

Let’s show these people the door

Aug. 21 was another fiasco in process at the City Council meeting. Another off-the-cuff proposal by Councilman Steve Eugster to reverse another of last year’s council decisions, this one to approve a commercial zoning in an agricultural area for a mini-storage warehouse.

The businessman was given certain requirements to meet last September. Reversing this decision would’ve cost months of work. It might have given the developer grounds to sue the city.

This was another personal vendetta by Eugster to overrule the City Council. He has already cost the city over a million dollars. He has seen fit to overturn previous council decisions on River Park Square, increase outside attorney fees and hire outside consultants.

His antics caused a wholesale early retirement by long-experienced staff members. No doubt, this contributed to a missed date for dealing with the defeated Monroe Street bridge project.

Eugster’s personal agenda, backed by Councilman Steve Corker, another verbal cowboy, and two other newer council members, has caused a serious devaluation in the city’s credit rating. This will cause another huge taxpayer expense.

We can’t afford him any longer. Hal Dixon (Letters, Aug. 9) gave us the solution: recall Eugster. How much more has he cost the city with his many lawsuits against the city? Spokane can’t afford him in any capacity.

I will volunteer to get signatures for his recall. Hopefully, this disrespect for Spokane by the unholy foursome will see them all defeated in coming elections. We can’t get rid of them soon enough. Marshall B. Shore Spokane

Fluoridation a copout

The end doesn’t necessarily justify the means. Saving children from tooth decay does not justify medicating the water for the entire population. There are plenty of other solutions.

For some reason, people don’t want to bother doing anything themselves. They want it done by the government.. It’s a dangerous practice to allow such a thing to happen.

This time it’s fluoride. What’s next? Jane J. Teller Newman Lake

5th CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

No-response claim is not true

Re: George Thomas’ Aug. 22 letter, “Campaign finance reform needed.” Thomas claims that, “over the past six years I’ve contacted Rep. George Nethercutt numerous times. received not one word from his office.”

This is untrue.

After checking my records, I find that we have responded by letter to Thomas eight different times on issues ranging from River Park Square to the School of the Americas. My office has also received numerous phone calls from Thomas. My staff informs me that on certain occasions he has been less than polite.

I received his last letter just four days ago and I have signed the response to him today. This letter dealt with the credit card issue he speaks of in his letter to the editor.

I take great pride in reviewing correspondence I receive (an average of 200 to 4,000 per day) and I have personally signed over 200,000 letters to constituents over the past five and one half years.

The Spokesman-Review should not print letters like this without asking me or my office if the allegations therein are true. The paper does a disservice to readers and public officials alike when it allows criticisms which are untrue to stand as fact. Thank you for the opportunity to set the record straight. U.S. Rep. George R. Nethercutt Jr. Spokane

Nethercutt corresponds well

Letter writer George Thomas (Aug. 22) complained about having his letters ignored by Rep. George Nethercutt, my own experiences were most pleasant. I’ve written him several times recently. I’ve asked questions, made suggestions, criticized and sought advice.

Rarely did I receive what could be called a form letter. Most replies dealt directly with my request. Each response was signed by what appeared to be a handwritten signature, plus a note saying, “Thank you, Charles.” Most recently, I wrote him about a bill which probably would be considered by Congress soon after the August recess. Was he in favor of this bill? Yes. He even signed on as a co-sponsor. Not only that, but he sent me a copy of all 31 pages of the bill itself! Charles F. Dayley Spokane

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS Gorton, his `goons,’ rough to seniors

I took part in a protest held in front of Sen. Slade Gorton’s headquarters. I joined a group of seniors who are upset over Gorton’s repeated votes against Medicare and Social Security. The senator came out of his headquarters and talked with a couple of our spokespersons.

Unfortunately, a couple of dozen of his well-dressed goons also appeared with their big signs and pushed the little old ladies and us old geezers out of the way of the TV camera. They held their expensive signs up where our homemade ones could not be seen. I don’t know what Gorton said because he couldn’t be heard above the chanting. I assume it couldn’t have been important or they would have let him be heard. I do know he didn’t care or he would have stepped in.

The boorish behavior of the `suits’ turned out to be for naught because Jim Camden of your newspaper and the young reporter from Fox TV made a point of interviewing some of our people. The lady who was selected to talk to the reporter could not do so because she was too upset by the rude behavior of Gorton’s people.

This was a new experience for these seniors, who merely wanted to be heard by their senator. The manhandling of these women in housedresses by the business people was a spectacle that had to be seen to be believed.

I saw it and I believe it. Ed Meadows Spokane

Flynn principled, eminently electable

Re: “Candidates show their true colors” (Letters, Aug. 23). It’s disheartening that Eric Slind has come to the realization “Tom Flynn has prostituted his principles in order to make himself look electable.” I can tell you Flynn is sincere, ethical, caring, dedicated, respectful and honest. I pity anyone who can be so judgmental without getting to know the real person and his beliefs.

Don’t attack someone, anyone, until you yourself have the opportunity to get to know that person and can make a determination for yourself. Flynn would never compromise his principles in order to win an election. His spirit, enthusiasm and willingness to represent the people of this district will win the election. Roxanne Holbrook Spokane

IDAHO VIEWPOINTS

Dog owners often irresponsible

Re: “Animal control office changing its spots” (Handle, Aug. 23).

What is Rocky Watson thinking about, suggesting that the leash law be loosened in the county?

It seems like everyone who moves to the country or county thinks that their neighbors’ acreage is theirs also, for they all seem to let their dogs roam wherever they feel like. We have had neighbor dogs chase our horses, chase our cat, use our pond for a wading pool, eat our chickens, run under our fence while the owners watch, and chase and kill wildlife.

We have a dog that stays on our property because we watch him to make sure he does. It is very annoying when neighbors walk their dogs and we have to worry about them in our yard.

An unleashed dog cannot be controlled! Pam and Russ Woodworth Coeur d’Alene

Diversity fans should move away

I am curious about how many non-white racist organizations Morris Dees has targeted in the past. Racism comes in many shades and colors but it seems prejudice is attributed only to the white race.

Many people and families have moved to this area to escape so-called diversity such as they experienced in places like Los Angeles and other major cities. If people want diversity they can move to Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco or just watch `Top Cops’ on television. David A. Carrick Naples, Idaho

THE JUDICIARY

Elect Savage to Whitman bench

Twelve years ago, during the last contested Superior Court election in Whitman County, we had the opportunity to co-chair a campaign. Again, we have come together in support of a candidate because we believe a Superior Court judgeship is a public office of vital importance to the citizens of this county. It deserves the most skilled and experienced individual the legal profession has to offer, David Savage.

Savage has practiced law for over 27 years in Whitman County. He has extensive experience in all aspects of Superior Court practice. Lawyers he has worked with and judges he has appeared before hold him in high esteem. His professional rating for both legal skills and integrity are excellent. His peers have given him high evaluations as a fair, impartial and effective decision maker.

Savage’s understanding of the legal system and experience with a broad array of complex issues make him the best qualified candidate for judge.

Join us in electing Savage Whitman County Superior Court judge. Bea Nagel and Ken Casavant Pullman

Editor’s note: This letter appeared in last Sunday’s Roundtable page but contained a serious typographical error, for which we apologize. The text that appears above correctly states the number of years Savage has been practicing law in Whitman County.