Hession seeking job again

Spokane Mayor Dennis Hession announced Wednesday that he is running for mayor this fall, a move that had been widely expected after Hession was appointed to the post more than a year ago.

Hession cited a list of accomplishments since the City Council elevated him to mayor in December 2005 after the recall of then-Mayor Jim West.

“The city is here to be an instrument of change and progress, and we think we’re doing that,” Hession said.

Economic growth, public health and the safety and financial stability of city government will be the key points of the upcoming campaign. Hession said he expects several candidates to seek the mayor’s job, but so far only he has announced his intention to run.

City Councilman Al French has acknowledged in the past that he is considering challenging Hession, 57, for the $146,900-a-year job.

French and Hession ran against each other in 2003 for the job of council president. Hession won that race, which will be on the ballot again this fall. French won re-election to his northeast Spokane council seat two years ago.

Three district City Council races will also be on the ballot, including seats held by Brad Stark on the south side, Rob Crow from northwest Spokane and Bob Apple from northeast Spokane. Crow was appointed last year to the council seat held by Council President Joe Shogan, who was elevated to the council president’s job as part of the post-recall shuffle.

State public disclosure reports filed last month show Hession has raised $5,900 in his campaign and has about $3,900 on hand after paying expenses.

Among his contributors are Chris and Marcia Carlson, who donated $125 each. Chris Carlson is a principal member of the Gallatin Group public affairs firm, which Hession has hired on behalf of the city to provide consultation on controversial matters, including the unexplained medical absence of Deputy Mayor Jack Lynch last September and the release Wednesday of a sweeping report on improving city government efficiency.

Hession said Carlson’s personal support is separate from his work at Gallatin.

Lynch and his wife, Paula, are listed as contributors at $250 each.

Hession said the planning work for the large commercial and residential development known as Kendall Yards is among his economic accomplishments. A new building permit system will make it easier for contractors and developers to get their projects under way, he said.

He said the hiring of a new police chief, city attorney and other top appointees are other examples of his leadership, as well as an agreement with the state for a costly cleanup of effluent coming from the region’s sewer system.

The $260,000 efficiency study, made public on Wednesday, will help the city cut costs and improve services to residents, he said.

“I believe I have some leadership skills and experience that will work well in this job,” Hession said. “I feel good about what I’ve accomplished.”

Hession was elected to the City Council in 2001 and served in that post for two years before winning election to council president. Prior to joining the council, Hession served for 11 years on the Park Board.