Vote against Measure 1

Call me a curmudgeon, but I am voting against Measure 1. I can no longer support ballot measures that do little to improve the lives of our everyday residents of Spokane. While Disability Lifeline and other services for those in need are being cut to the bone; we are asked to support a $65 million bond. The Convention Center operates at a loss, but is boosted by the Veterans Memorial Arena and INB Center to make up the difference.

Let’s spend the $5 million to upgrade the Centennial Trail, Arena, (the profit makers) and forget the rest.

Ironic that we are willing to spend $65 million for visitors to our fair city, yet will not pass a bond for $5 million for kids, or even house our homeless until it is 5 degrees. And the reality is, we will have good-paying construction jobs for a few years, but are really supporting long-term dead-end service jobs.

The Convention Center also gets a $2 million rebate. Let’s use that rebate to support our most vulnerable citizens and the over 50 percent of children in Spokane who receive free and reduced lunches. It’s time to help those in need, not visitors.

Louise Chadez

Spokane