What’s wrong with transparency?

So, Tom Keefe disapproves of Spokane City Council President Ben Stuckart’s wanting full cooperation with the investigation into Mayor David Condon’s handling of sexual harassment in his police department.

That Keefe, a friend and supporter of Condon, would “bristle” at Stuckart’s advocacy for openness over silence, and for honesty over deception isn’t surprising. It’s laughable that he thinks the rest of us agree with him. As a “taxpaying citizen of Spokane,” I agree with Stuckart’s attempts to pierce the veil of silence and intimidation shrouding City Hall.

In a classic case of “gaslighting” — distorting reality — Keefe quotes Stuckart out of context in attempt to villainize him. Keefe omitted these sentences: “Council is very committed to getting to the bottom of everything and making it as transparent as we can make it. Trust is the most important thing at this time.” (The Spokesman-Review, Tuesday, Feb. 9)

What, exactly, is wrong with this? The pursuit of justice is not something to “bristle” at. Contrary to Keefe’s assertions, truth-telling is a quality Spokane citizens want in our elected officials. We should thank Ben for standing up and demanding transparency and honest, open leadership from our mayor.

Annie Szotkowski

Spokane