Public Periscope
Plenty of dam-foolishness to go around
The folks who want to keep the Snake River dams are blasting the folks who want them gone over an e-mail message that went astray. In a Feb. 13 message to like-minded activists, Spokane environmentalist Sam Mace contended their side had the momentum at federal hearings but warned about possible attempts by Save Our Dams to stack the deck at an upcoming meeting in Pasco … Mace called for a big turnout, too, and urged people to arrive early, sign up to speak and, if uncomfortable with public speaking, sign up for others. An early showing was important so reporters who leave early heard lots of pro-breaching testimony.
The Pulp and Paper Workers Resource Council, which represents Potlatch Corp. employees, posted Mace’s message on its Web site and called her strategy “a deliberate attempt to block hard-working labor people from the process.” But the Web site doesn’t say that pro-dam forces use similar tactics … One Potlatch worker said at the previous meeting in Clarkston he had arrived seven hours before the doors opened, then ceded his spot at the microphone “to someone else I thought would do a better job.”
The group also solicited letters to the editor and mailed them to The Spokesman-Review using Potlatch’s postage meter. With the company’s blessing.
For members who will remain nameless
The Spokane City Council apparently is so sharply divided that members can’t agree on what to do with their own parking spaces … Last month, prompted by a complaint by Councilman Steve Eugster, the council voted to assign the seven parking spaces behind City Hall to its members by name. While the vote was recorded as 6-0 (Phyllis Holmes was absent), Rob Higgins and Roberta Greene were apparently so dismayed with the measure their “no” votes were inaudible … To protest the whole idea, Holmes, Higgins and Greene are boycotting the signs. So the lot has spaces reserved by name for Eugster, Steve Corker, Cherie Rodgers, Mayor John Talbott and three unnamed spaces for any other council members.
Great support while it lasted
Former legislator and Congresswoman Linda Smith is generally known for her political skills, but she may need to reset her political clock. Her timing was really bad earlier this month … On Feb. 7, Smith glowingly endorsed Steve Forbes, the millionaire publisher turned GOP presidential candidate with the highest compliment available: She likened him to Ronald Reagan … A day later, Forbes bombed in the Delaware primary and, the day after, quit the race.
Probably depends on who you’re behind
Never know when you’ll find lighter moments at the county courthouse. Take the discussion regarding a county resolution to support eliminating discrimination against women worldwide … Commissioner Kate McCaslin noted that women in some countries are forced to walk behind their men, something she considers discriminatory … Not in all cases, County Administrator Francine Boxer countered: “I walk behind ‘cause I like the view.”
Getting involved
The city of Spokane has one vacancy each on the Plan Commission, the Bicycle Advisory Board, Historic Landmarks Commission and the Citizens Review Commission. There are three open spots on the Design Review Committee - although each of them is set aside for a particular profession or geographic district. Check with the mayor’s office, fifth floor, City Hall, or call 625-6250 for more information.
The Spokane County Air Pollution Control Authority also has an opening for its at-large member. Familiarity with public health or environmental issues is desirable, although not absolutely required. Interested applicants should write to the board’s director, Eric Skelton, 1101 W. College, Suite 403, Spokane, WA 99201.