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Zehm settlement seems high
It is impossible to put a dollar value on a human life. I applaud that the settlement reached between the city of Spokane and the family of Otto Zehm will address issues that contributed to his death.
Still, when I contrast the $1.67 million Zehm settlement with the $375,000 settlement reached between the University of Idaho and the family of Katy Benoit, I can’t help but feel that the Zehm settlement is punitive and opportunistic.
Remember, we the people of Spokane have to pay this money. It doesn’t come out of the salaries of the police officers involved. This money won’t bring Otto Zehm back and it won’t hurt the parties responsible for his death. Should the people of Spokane be further penalized to this extent?
But, as I say, there is no way to put a dollar value on a human life.
Suzanne Harris
Spokane
(Editor’s note: The city will pay $720,000 as part of the settlement. An insurance company will pay the rest.)