Council supports light rail

Thu., March 23, 2006

Christopher Rodkey Staff writer

Though construction is still years off, the Liberty Lake City Council threw its support behind the proposed light rail project Tuesday night.

Councilman Brian Sayrs, a member of the light rail steering committee, said enough time and thought had gone into the project and the city’s support, at least on paper, was needed.

“Transit is not a liberal or conservative thing anymore,” Sayrs said.

The council unanimously voted to support the rail line, which would stretch from downtown Spokane to Liberty Lake.

“It will be a big benefit for communities,” said councilman Dennis Paul.

Also during Tuesday night’s meeting, held in the basement of the Trailhead Golf Course clubhouse again due to repairs at City Hall, council members heard from Police Chief Brian Asmus about his seeking of a new job in Lakewood, Wash.

Several council members told Asmus they wished he would stay.

“I am absolutely devastated,” said Councilwoman Judi Owens. “We would very much like you to stay.”

Asmus also reported the hiring of Taj Wilkerson in the department. He will bring public relations experience to the department, Asmus said, as Wilkerson has been a media spokesman many times in his previous position with the Idaho State Police.

Also during the meeting:

• Doug Smith, director of planning and community development for the city, said the council chambers in City Hall are on track to re-open April 4. The building has been under renovation since a mid-February cold snap broke a sprinkler pipe and sent gallons of water pouring through the building.

Smith also said that current population estimates indicate that in 20 years the city’s population should reach 22,000 people.

•Asmus and Mayor Steve Peterson gave awards at the beginning of the meeting, with one going to police officer Erin Lance for her work in catching a car prowling suspect by retrieving a fingerprint.

Another award went to officer Mark Van Hyning for his work in rescuing several expensive items from the rising floodwaters in City Hall last month. Hyning was the first person to catch the damage, and his quick actions helped save the building from further damage, Asmus said.

Peterson also gave a bronze eagle sculpture to Councilman David Crump in recognition of his two years of serving as mayor pro-tem on the council.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.