In Spokane 100 years ago: The curse of the one-term mayor goes back aways

From our archives,

100 years ago

Apparently, the reelection of a Spokane mayor was already considered a rare event in 1915.

In a cliffhanger election, Mayor Charles Fassett became “the first mayor to be reelected in Spokane during the last 20 years.”

After days of uncertainty, he was declared the victor in his city commissioner race by a mere 50 votes. It was still not official that Fassett would continue as mayor. Under the commission form of government, the newly elected commission would have to meet and select one of its members as mayor. However, the smart money around city hall was that Fassett would, in fact, be selected again.

In any case, he was the “first of five city commissioners who sought reelection to be able to hold his seat.”

Fassett said mayors and commissioners had a tough time seeking reelection in Spokane because of the “antagonisms made in the honest performance of duty.”

“People remember antagonisms longer than they do the good one does,” he said.

He said that it was only a matter of time before “antagonisms swamp an official.”

“My time has not yet come, but it will,” he said.

Fassett said he was surprised he won, considering the “strong opposition waged.” He said he waged no campaign and spent a total of 60 cents – all on a stenographer, to fill out the application.