Envisioning lawsuits

Envision Spokane’s amendment could soon come before the City Council. It is a legal nightmare, with intentionally unspecific terms like “affordable,” concepts of communitarian “rights” usurping individual rights, and the absurdity of ecosystem “rights” (i.e., carbon dioxide reductions advocated by the mayor could constitute a tort against trees).

The most egregious flaw is its lack of internal consistency. The first “right” which envisionspokane.org states preventing Spokane from “establishing conditions through contracting, bidding, or tax incentives that favor non-locally owned businesses” is completely opposed to the rest of the amendment, whose effect would increase regulations, tort risk and taxation on Spokane businesses.

The short ballot summary is woefully inadequate to convey the horrors of this Marxist fantasy, which could pass if voters are unaware of details.

Spokane Municipal Code 02.02.080(C) indicates the City Council can with five votes keep it off the ballot if unlawful. This provision exists for just such an initiative. It will save Spokane massive costs litigating each individual “right” upon passage – it can be litigated in a manner that is likely to be swift and inexpensive since the ruling must come before the election.

I urge people to contact their representatives. Otherwise, Spokane could be envisioning lawsuits.

Christopher Bass

Liberty Lake