Simply amazing! The city’s budget problems are worsening; the potholes are neverending; drugs remain a serious issue; due to a very, very few, the image of the Police Department is taking a beating (no fault of Chief Kirkpatrick, who I think is doing a good job); and what issue does the mayor choose to tackle? Advertising on the benches for the STA riders.

One City Council member said this was “… courageous.” You have to be kidding me. Does no one other than columnist Doug Clark see the stupidity and humor in this?

If the mayor wishes to tackle some nonissue to “brighten the visual environment,” then remove the abandoned vehicles or something else that at least some people care about.

Please, please, please, would someone in the inner circle please tell Mayor Verner that the era of the ’60s has ended?

Yes, Janis, Jimi and even Elvis have left the building. Peace and love.

John Hentze

Spokane Valley