mayoral debate, councilwoman mary verner, councilman al french and mayor dennis hession, cliff-cannon neighborhood council

Let the promises begin.

Although there’s still another month for more people to enter the race, the three declared candidates for Spokane mayor tried out their campaign themes Thursday night at the season’s first debate.

Councilwoman Mary Verner, Councilman Al French and Mayor Dennis Hession talked for an hour and a half at the forum held at Roosevelt Elementary School.

Hession said there’s been “a quiet revolution in Spokane” since he took office that has included key personnel changes, including the hiring of a new police chief. He pointed to “conservative budget principles” that he said led to his decision not to ask voters to renew a property tax increase approved in 2005.

French stressed the need for the city to fully implement the comprehensive plan or long-term growth proposal to “fulfill the promises made to the citizens.” He also said he would “restore services that have been taken away” without new taxes and said more action is needed to combat gang activity, car theft and graffiti.

Verner said she would “make timely decisions” and be inclusive. She said the strong mayor should have a vision and work closely with the City Council to achieve it. Verner listed her top priorities as public safety and the implementation of the comprehensive plan.

Ballots for this year’s primary election will be mailed to voters by Aug. 3. They must be postmarked by Aug. 21 to be counted.

Mayoral hopefuls were asked if they would back a resolution supporting troops but requesting they be withdrawn from Iraq.

Hession said he would be open to such a resolution but added it may be against council rules.

“We need to find a solution to get our troops to come home,” he said.

French and Verner said council rules wouldn’t allow a vote on pulling troops from Iraq.

“That’s not what you elected me to do either as a councilman or as a mayor,” French said.

Candidates said they support efforts to fight global warming.

Hession said it might be difficult, however, to meet carbon reduction goals because there isn’t a large single source of carbon in the area such as a coal power plant.

Verner said she believes that reducing carbon production in Spokane by 9 percent is “a tangible target” even without a large single source. She said development rules should promote less driving, and she would continue to support light rail.

French said he leads by example and pointed to a building he plans to construct in north Spokane that he said will be environmentally friendly.

The candidates were asked if they supported hiring an employee to advocate for pedestrian and bicycle travel.

French said: “Yes.”

Verner said: “I will support it.”

Hession said: “I am in favor of that.”

They responded similarly when asked if they would fill the city’s vacant urban forestry position. There was more discrepancy on the topic of city pools.

French said he supports building a multipool, indoor aquatics center in each of the city’s three City Council districts.

Verner and Hession said they want to focus first on saving or rebuilding the city’s aging outdoor neighborhood pools like those at Comstock and Cannon parks.

The forum was sponsored by the Cliff-Cannon Neighborhood Council.

Talking under a school banner reading, “If it is to be … it is up to me!” (multicolored and fully capitalized), the candidates addressed a crowd of more than 75 people.

A second mayoral debate, which will be sponsored by the Manito Neighborhood Council, is scheduled for 7 p.m. May 24 at Wilson School.