Letters

Thu., Sept. 11, 2008

Action disrespectful toward Knezovich

I felt actions taken during Spokane Valley’s City Council meeting last Tuesday (Sept. 4) were very disrespectful toward Sheriff Knezovich.

An exhaustive presentation by retired deputy city manager Stan McNutt was allowed to consume the council meeting, blocking out Sheriff Knezovich’s PowerPoint presentation. I gained a lot of respect for Sheriff Knezovich’s patience as he quietly sat and watched these theatrics.

Councilman Taylor considers costs for all his requested police studies as being insignificant. Mr. Taylor feels this data will allow the city to negotiate from a “strong position.” I believe he wants to strong-arm the county into the terms he wants or hire a “yes-man” city police chief. I’m afraid the sheriff is facing a future inquisition, not a negotiation.

When allowed to briefly speak, Sheriff Knezovich stated the county is already reviewing many of the issues brought up by the city. Councilman Gothman made several recommendations and wisely encouraged the city to sit down and discuss this before spending money on more studies.

Citizens of Spokane Valley have a right to be concerned about an “unelected” city manager hiring and directing a city police force. This city manager, unaccountable to the citizens, already directs the council’s positions on policy and rules over our city staff. Control over a city police force would insure this “Boss Hawg” mentality over our new city would continue.

Our founding fathers believed that men were inherently corrupt. They believed that where power concentrates, so does tyranny.

James Pollard

Greenacres

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.