Yes on regionalism

I’m encouraged by your opinion column regarding your position on regionalization between our public entities. As a partner in a local business, and the current chair of Greater Spokane Inc., I am also encouraged by cooperative approaches which are beginning to be exhibited between our public officials and their numerous overlapping departments.

This has been one of the goals of GSI for the last several years. I applaud those elected officials with the political will to promote this concept, instigating greater effectiveness and efficiency in those areas that can provide better value to taxpayers.

Our river is an example of a regional asset where the demands of wastewater management are best served through a collaborative effort. To some degree I am reminded of the concepts and reasoning behind our own merging of the chamber with the Economic Development Council several years ago. I was in favor of the effort in order to provide better coordination of activities along with more efficient use of limited resources.

The goal is to better serve our stakeholders. Our public entities should be expected to consider similar advantages for their stakeholders. On behalf of the taxpayers of this region, please continue this worthwhile effort.

Tom Quigley

Chairman, Greater Spokane Inc.