Ballots have been sent, votes are being cast, and it’s important for citizens to take a close look at the City Council president’s race. This is a significant race for Spokane, as we choose who will lead the council with the citizens’ best interests in mind.

A quick look through Ben Stuckart’s campaign finance records makes it clear where his interests lie. Many unions appear as contributors, including the largest union in the city of Spokane (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees), and others that have no connection to city issues.

As elected officials, the mayor and council members have an important responsibility to the citizens. They represent the citizens as the employer of city employees. This means that when it’s time to negotiate fair contracts with the unions, these elected officials must first be objective and must also secure the most value for taxpayers.

They must ensure that the compensation and benefits of public employees are commensurate with the benefits received by those same taxpayers.

It’s hard to think that Ben Stuckart will maintain any objectivity when he’s accepting so much union money for his campaign. I’m voting Dennis Hession for council president to represent the citizens’ interests.

Greg Depue

Spokane