The Spokane City Council race in District 2 pits a stir-the-pot incumbent, a soft-spoken citizen activist, a political gadfly and a novice who declined an endorsement interview request.

Karen Cannon, 39, has few opinions on pressing local issues and cannot be considered a serious candidate. George McGrath, 70, has plenty of opinions and expresses them weekly at City Council meetings. His chief concern is the use of tax dollars for economic development. His views would make promising projects like Kendall Yards all the more difficult to achieve, and that would be bad for the economic future of the city.

When Brad Stark ran for the South Side seat in 2003, he was 24. He called for collaboration and cooperation. He noted that Dennis Hession was one of his role models on the council. He said he would “check his ego at the door.” Since then, he’s become the council member most likely to draw attention to himself, go it alone and personally attack the mayor, though he now seems to regret the falling out between himself and his one-time role model.

The 28-year-old Stark doesn’t seem to have grown significantly in the job. It’s not even clear how badly he wants it. Two years ago, he was so despondent about public service, he considered not running for re-election. Then he jumped into the race for county assessor, helping it become one of the more sophomoric contests. When asked whether he was committed to serving out the next four years on the council, he said he “probably” would.

This instability carries over into his decision-making and political stances. He advocated the sale of Joe Albi Stadium and then apologized. He sought an extension of the temporary property tax to pay for more police, fire and library services, then changed his mind when the mayor announced his plan. At a press conference, he called for a fire station in Latah Valley, which the fire chief hadn’t even requested. He failed to report campaign contributions from a fundraising barbecue.

Richard Rush, 55, is a stay-at-home father who has worked behind the scenes since his family moved to Spokane in 1994. He immediately answered a call for citizen participation in crafting the comprehensive plan. As a member of the Cliff/Cannon Neighborhood Council, he has advocated for the implementation of that growth blueprint, which calls for a more pedestrian-friendly city centered on smart growth. Rush failed to stop the chopping down of trees along Bernard Street, but he made a reasonable argument that the city was ignoring its own plan during that widening project.

The concern about Rush is whether his passion for governing goes beyond environmental and growth issues. A council member must also worry about the budget, public safety and economic development. Still, he appears to have the thoughtfulness, analytical skills and humility to be the effective collaborator Stark set out to be.

Voters in District 2 should set the stage for a change by sending Richard Rush on to the general election ballot.