Focus on public benefits

The talks on urban growth will not go well until those talks start focusing on future public benefit. Wait, aren’t talks like this supposed to start at public benefit? How in the world could adding services for our county residents be a bad thing?

We understand building on undeveloped lands “adds to the cost of providing public services that the public has to finance.” Large portions of the land would meet demands for new schools, septic tank elimination, and a new jail site. Sounds good. Conversation over.

The city of Spokane is the county seat, folks. After these talks, they should make a new joint agreement to determine how to incorporate growth in our downtown area, improve our graduation rates, sustain our city’s energy supply and fix our roads. People who choose to live away from the city get the benefit of using the city’s services. If you’re unhappy about the county services that end up in your area, pack your bags.

The conversation needs to be (dare I say) a little more progressive. I’m sorry, but there are bigger fish to fry. Focus on the public benefits as a whole. Conclude these talks, quickly, and start another conversation.

Geoff Palachuk

Spokane Valley