No break for violation

The editorial board of The Spokesman-Review appears to be waffling about Greenstone Corp.’s deliberate and willful unilateral decision to break the rules in the tax increment agreement regarding Kendall Yards (Editorial, April 30).

They admit this was intentional on their part and now are seeking relief from the consequences of these actions. I have no idea what the mitigating factors would be that would allow for suspending the penalties, but I see none. They appear to be making money on the project, and if they can break the rules and still make it, more power to them, but live with the loss of the tax benefits. Rules are rules, and I don’t care how they twist the facts to make them appear acceptable.

Maybe the Review is so forgiving of Greenstone because of the Liberty Lake partnership of Centennial Properties (a Cowles-owned business) and Greenstone Corp. I think this fact should have been divulged before they wrote the weak-kneed attempt to mildly criticize but tacitly approve what happened. This is a classic example of situational ethics of both Greenstone and the Review. The City Council should not cave in to this kind of underhanded concern.

Pat O’Leary

Spokane