Spokane deserves better

If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck. Mayor Condon’s latest end run is too familiar. Appointing a police chief in an end run around the community and city council is part of the pattern we citizens have experienced over the years. A few examples are: ignoring the PLAC report; appointing McDevitt on his own; the evidence that the Straub report was withheld before the mayoral election; missteps within the administration in areas of processing Humayan’s paperwork for a work visa to accept the police ombudsman position.

Transparency and community involvement suffer at the hands of Mayor Condon, time after time. I am not alone in wondering if some of the applicants who applied for the ombudsman and chief positions did their own investigation and withdrew themselves given the history of Mayor Condon’s administration.

Let us not be distracted from the core issue of Mayor Condon’s decision making by the appointment of Chief Meidl. The appointment does need to be explored. To his credit, he’s apologized for saluting Karl Thompson and wants city council’s confirmation. Still serious questions remain and need answers.

The bottom line: Spokane deserves better.

Elaine Tyrie

Spokane