Fight Through Reputation, Talbott Says Mayor Pleads For Business Community To Lead The Way In Elimination Of Perception Of Intolerance And To Build A Growing Community

The area’s reputation for discrimination is one of the biggest problems facing area economic development, Spokane Mayor John Talbott told a business gathering of about 200 Friday.

The meeting was a Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce breakfast at the downtown DoubleTree.

Spokane’s national reputation as an area inhabited by racist groups, its small minority population and an indifference by many residents to these issues discourages companies from locating here, Talbott said.

“If we want economic development to grow and thrive in Spokane,” he said, “we must do something about this. I need your help. I don’t know how to do this.”

After Talbott’s comments, Chamber President Rich Hadley said dealing with discrimination is a top priority. “The chamber is committed, has been, and will continue to be committed to combating discrimination,” he said.

Talbott said later that one good way for people to start improving race relations is for them to get to know their neighbors.

The mayor also said the City Council’s top priorities this year include reforming government to prepare for the change to a strong mayor system, streamlining the permitting process for developers and completing the city’s comprehensive plan, under the requirements of the state Growth Management Act, by year end.

Also at the meeting, U.S. Rep. George Nethercutt, R-Wash., told the business group not to worry about how the national business community perceives Spokane.

“We ought not be perturbed by outside interest groups, like Forbes magazine, telling us who we are and where we are on some list,” said Nethercutt. He was referring to Forbes’ ranking last spring that placed Spokane’s business climate next to last among 162 areas rated.

“We ought to tell people that we’re here because it’s a great place to live and work,” Nethercutt said.