Schimmels backs Bates for panel seat

Spokane Valley Deputy Mayor Gary Schimmels is recommending that Bill Bates, Mayor Tom Towey’s half-brother, be appointed to one of the two vacant seats on the planning commission. Bates retired from Rosauers Supermarkets as vice president of retail operations for 26 stores.

Schimmels is recommending that the second seat go to Joseph Stoy, a design manager at Baker Construction and Development.

The full City Council is scheduled to vote on Schimmels’ recommendations during the Dec. 14 council meeting.

In interviews this week both Towey and Bates said they did not think it would be a conflict of interest if Bates is selected for the unpaid position.