Letters

Sat., July 25, 2009

Disincorporation looking better

How refreshing to read Commissioner Mark Richard’s article (Vocal Point, July 4) about the “dealings” and contracts with the Spokane Valley City Council and the city manager, Dave Mercier. The council has long been thought to deal in half-truths and distorted information in what it lets the citizens know; how refreshing to finally hear the truth from Mr. Richard.

I was a huge proponent of incorporation, but after dealing with the council in its present embodiment, with their history of asking for citizen input only to completely disregard or ignore it; constant expenditure of dollars for consultations to support their pipe-dreams for a legacy to themselves (Sprague-Appleway, a castle of a city hall and the ability to say, “Look what I’ve built for my subjects”); and the raising of taxes and spending money on “vision,” lawsuits and frivolity rather than taking care of business (law enforcement, paying for contract services and wise spending), I’ve changed my mind and am open to disincorporation at the most and assuredly not voting for any incumbent. Do us citizens a favor and follow Steve Taylor in resigning for the good of the city.

Gary Wheeldon

Spokane Valley

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.