West: ‘I will continue to work as mayor’

Let me begin by apologizing to the citizens of Spokane. As mayor, citizens expect me to lead by example — in both my public and my private life. At times, I have exercised poor judgment in my private life.

I have said before and I repeat again that the allegations that I molested young boys over 20 years ago are entirely false. These allegations and inferences drawn from them are totally without merit. I categorically deny them. I have never had improper contact with a child.

I have offered no positions to anyone for personal gain or purpose. During my 25 years in public office, I have urged literally hundreds of people, young and old, male and female, to apply for internships, both with my office and others, and have encouraged many persons to apply for city jobs, boards and commissions. I have mentored dozens of young men and women, interns and associates in politics, business and my personal life, without wanting or having sexual contact with them. Many of them have gone on to accomplish terrific things, and I am incredibly proud of them.

I have not used the Internet inappropriately while in City Hall or on city time, and I have not used the city e-mail system inappropriately.

During this first year and a half as mayor, I have suffered from stage four colon cancer. I underwent major surgery to remove half of my liver after previously having a significant portion of my colon removed. I underwent several rounds of chemotherapy. I worked through that entire time and led the city through that entire time.

During that same year and a half, Spokane has made great progress. Many citizens say that more has been accomplished than in the previous 20 years. The River Park Square dispute has been resolved. We have launched a solid plan to repair our streets and I have appointed a citizens committee to ensure accountability in our construction programs. We have worked to have a balanced budget for the first time in over 30 years. We have settled every major labor contract, many of which had been pending for years.

A new customer service attitude prevails in City Hall. A new division for economic development has been created and we are already seeing the benefits of that. We have established a transparency of government so that nothing is hidden from the public. When we make a mistake we admit it, we work to correct it and we move on, keeping our head up and our eyes looking forward. I worked along with other community leaders making several cross-country trips to save Fairchild Air Force Base. There are also many other accomplishments of this first year and a half.

In the past two weeks I have received literally hundreds of messages of encouragement and support, including over 100 from city employees asking me not to resign. I am humbled by this support.

When I returned to City Hall last week, I was incredibly humbled by the reaction and support I received from city employees.

When all investigations are concluded, I expect to be exonerated. I will continue to work as mayor to improve the lives of the citizens of Spokane and run the city’s business efficiently. The people elected me to serve as their mayor and I intend to serve out the remainder of my term.

I ask that you accept my apology. I ask for your understanding. But more than anything, I ask that together we turn our attention back to making Spokane a better place to live.