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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Hession not necessarily good for Spokane

David Bray Special to The Spokesman-Review

W e all know the Jim West story now. Geez, half the country knows the Jim West story by now. As the soon-to-be “former” Mayor West tidies up some unfinished work and prepares to leave office in a few days, we change channels and tune in to the premiere of the Dennis Hession story as the interim mayor of Spokane.

I’m not thinking good thoughts here with what I’ve seen so far.

Without a doubt the most interesting comment that West made in his press conference on Wednesday morning was that there were “several people in Spokane who could do a better job as mayor than anyone on the City Council.”

I also have no doubt that comment was directed at Council President Dennis Hession more than any other City Council member, because according to the City Charter, Dennis is next in line for the job. It could be that the mayor was just upset with Hession’s early stance against him, including a public call for the mayor’s resignation. Or perhaps West was irritated about Hession distancing himself from the Mayor’s Office and, by doing so, enhancing the public perspective that there was a huge gulf between the City Council cubicles and the mayor’s desk. Frankly, I doubt either theory is correct. I think that Jim West made that statement because he believes exactly what he said – and he doesn’t think Dennis Hession would be a good mayor.

Of course, Hession disagrees, but as added insurance Hession stated that the next mayor should come from the City Council and because of circumstances, he’s the only real option on the council. But that’s only his opinion, not a fact.

I believe the mayor’s job should be opened up to anyone in the city who wants it. Let’s have some public participation and look at some alternative choices. We never know exactly what we’ll have in our elected officials when they take office, so why not take some applications? The people’s choice for the next mayor might be the best choice for Spokane.

As for the people Hession chose for the transition team, I have mixed feelings. There were obviously some good choices. An elected representative from each council district was smart and practical. Experience is an asset not to be ignored.

My concern came with some of the other choices: a “neighborhood activist” who lives in the wealthiest neighborhood in Spokane. David Rogers, a former mayor of Spokane who fought vigorously against the initiatives that created the strong mayoral form of government and the election of council members by district. Mr. Rogers may be the last mayor to serve two terms, but since then he’s fought against almost every change in local government that’s been proposed and usually ignores the desires of the voters. Lonnie Mitchell, a great pastor, but with a church that supported Jim West and, like the rest of the Christian community in Spokane, did absolutely nothing to demonstrate any support for the victims of Jim West or take a stand for Christian values when they had the opportunity.

But my favorite (not!) is Rich Hadley, president of the Spokane Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Hadley was very convincing in his opposition to Jim West remaining in office in a public statement of the chamber’s position. But when he was specifically asked to assist in raising funds for the recall committee, he simply and abruptly threw the task back at the recall committee and refused to help in any way. Mr. Hadley and the chamber’s contribution to the effort was just lip service.

There are 18 members on the transition team. Reaching consensus on anything could be an exercise that shouldn’t be watched by children.

What is apparent is a glaring omission. There were 12 people who literally did all the work to get the recall on the ballot and run a campaign to make it succeed. Not one of these true Spokane leaders (demonstrated by their actions) was called or considered to be a part of the transition team by Mr. Hession. People like Tom Keefe, Shaun Cross, Steve Corker and Dr. Jeff Smith are all at least as qualified as the team members selected. Instead we have a social club that demonstrates the elitist mentality and political favoritism of Dennis Hession.

Maybe Council President Hession should rethink some of his decisions and choices, because this is a bad start.