Letters

Gothmann’s conduct a good model

The reason for this letter is the recent rude remarks made in reference to Spokane Valley City Councilmember Bill Gothmann.

I have watched the council member during council meetings process the issues in a straightforward manner. I have always admired the way he interacts with the public and his fellow council members. He has always been polite, articulate and honest in his dealings with city staff and the public. At no time have I ever seen him otherwise.

I would hope that one of the agenda items for a retreat would include meeting decorum and protocols. One can only hope for a public apology and that the manner of doing business improves for the good of the community.

Monte F. Nesbitt

Spokane Valley

Help council deal with panhandling

The city of Spokane Valley is considering drafting legislation to curb panhandling in the city boundaries. We have looked the other way for too long, and it seems that every major intersection in the Valley has at least one full-time panhandler on site. You will hear the First Amendment batted around every time this issue comes up, and I don’t think anyone really believes that the Founding Fathers had begging in mind when they drafted the Constitution.

Other cities that have faced the same problems have developed code/legislation to curb this activity. Solicitor licenses, signage regulation and no-loitering statutes have all been effective in other areas. Did you know that sandwich boards for businesses are against the law in Spokane Valley? Why are the panhandlers granted more lenient policy than the very business owners who drive the economy?

I have been in touch with the council/mayor, and they are actively seeking commentary from businesses/citizens in the Valley. If you would, please take a moment to write the council directly on your thoughts. We do have a choice, and your input is vital to getting common-sense law on the books so that our police department can curb this activity in the future.

You may e-mail the council directly at: mayor/councilmembers@spokanevalley.org.

Shawn McGuire

Spokane Valley