Richard mum on source in sign-swiping claim

Almost a week after accusing his opponent of attempting to steal a campaign sign, County Commissioner Mark Richard said he still won’t release the name of person who brought the allegation to his attention.

In a candidates’ debate last week sponsored by Greater Spokane Inc., Richard said through a question he wrote aimed at his opponent, Brian Sayrs, that a Spokane County Sheriff’s Office volunteer reported to him that Sayrs and a Sayrs supporter tried to steal a sign from a volunteer’s lawn.

Sayrs, a Liberty Lake city councilman, strongly denied the accusation and this week called Richard’s allegation – made in front of a packed hall of business leaders – “irresponsible.”

“These are rash acts,” Sayrs said. “It’s part of the pattern of his public life.”

Richard said that he wants to get the volunteer’s permission before releasing the person’s name and that he has not been able to reach the volunteer since the debate. He still accuses Sayrs of attempting to steal the sign.

“Clearly, his actions are irresponsible,” Richard said Thursday.

Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich said he’s unaware of any complaints being filed about the incident. He said if his office received a complaint, he would turn the investigation over to the Spokane Police Department to avoid any conflicts of interest. County commissioners control Knezovich’s budget and he has endorsed Richard in the race.