Public Periscope

Parking is so hard to find by City Hall

Add Steve Eugster to the list of Spokane City Council members frustrated by the lack of official parking spaces. … Last month we recounted how Mayor John Talbott had argued he was entitled to park, gratis, at the Opera House for a performance of “Miss Saigon.” Last week, Eugster complained at length about having to argue with an unnamed county commissioner over a parking place in the City Hall lot. … “I had a county commissioner tell me it was first come, first served,” he said. “I don’t want to have to fight with a county commissioner for a parking place.” … Eugster also vented some anger about county employees driving large vehicles: “There are county ecologists that drive rigs that get minus six miles per gallon,” he fumed.

Eugster proposed a resolution to change the parking signs in the City Hall lot, reserving each space for a council member by name. … After a brief debate, it was passed unanimously.

We’re not cheap, just thrifty

Speaking of parking, we’ve received another bit of evidence that out-of-town consultants had overestimated Spokane’s willingness to pay high prices in the River Park Square facility. It came with an announcement of the Spokane Area Economic Development Council’s annual meeting last week. … When the EDC sent out tickets to the meeting, it sent along a notice that the parking facility had “generously donated” discounted parking. Present the yellow ticket to the attendant, and it will cost only $2. … If Spokane’s captains of commerce need that kind of inducement, it’s not surprising that so many shoppers are patrolling the streets looking for an open meter.

Just let him eat cake

Spokane County Commissioner Phil Harris explained last week why he rarely misses an opportunity to represent the county at ground breakings, ceremonies and such: “I don’t say no to a ribbon cutting or anything, usually because they have cake.” … Harris’ appetite for Italian sausage and other culinary delights is nearly legendary around the courthouse.

A primary warning

The jury may be out on the actual merits of the Washington state presidential primary election on Feb. 29. … Political activists can argue that the caucuses the following week are more important for picking convention delegates. But the presidential campaigns may pay more attention to the primary than usual because it could give the winners a boost going into the Super Tuesday primaries in California and New York on March 7. … At any rate, time is running out to register to vote if you are not signed up. The deadline to vote at the polls is gone, but you still can cast an absentee ballot by going to the county elections office and filling out a registration form.

Not for long though. The last deadline for primary registration is next Monday.

Getting involved

Spokane County is looking for volunteers to fill spots on the Boating Advisory Board, Interstate Fair Board, Solid Waste Advisory Board and the Board of Equalization. … Applications are available from Demeris Skaggs at (509) 477-2265 or at the county commissioners office in the courthouse, 1116 W. Broadway. Deadline for all applications is Feb. 18.