Honesty, ethics valued in elected officials

Thu., Nov. 3, 2005

The Spokesman-Review

In Saturday’s Valley Voice (Oct. 29), Mr. Chan articulates what many have complained of for some time. I consider honesty and ethics two important attributes for an elected official.

Council candidates that arrogantly take contributions and then refuse to recuse on votes that serve their contributors don’t pass the stink test. They are simply wrong. The citizens of Ponderosa and Greenacres had best be aware that they are in the bull’s-eye and contributions made to two council candidates will not serve them well.

Furthermore, I believe the endorsement of The Spokesman-Review for the developers’ candidates is very wrong and self-serving. I for one don’t see who it serves, other than developers, to have council members beholden to these very special interests. It should come as no surprise when these candidates vote to benefit their benefactors. When they refuse in council to recuse from voting on their financier’s proposals, they are acting in a discredited way. I think this is contrary to good government.

Terry Lynch

Spokane Valley

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