Where’s the balance?

As earned sick and safe leave continues to be a newsworthy issue for Spokane, I encourage The Spokesman-Review to report fairly. While the S-R printed two guest editorials in favor of the ESSL policy this year, it required an opposing view be presented.

So why did S-R abandon this policy the day before the vote by putting a guest editorial by the “independent, nonpartisan” Washington Policy Center (which is affiliated with American Legislative Exchange Council and Koch brother money) squarely opposed to the ordinance? Where was the opposing view?

The news report after Council’s 6-1 vote in favor of ESSL mentioned that the majority of testimony was in favor but decided to give a long quote only to an opposing view. The full story of the night should have portrayed the packed chamber: 72 people signed up to testify. Council Member Candace Mumm said, “This is the largest turnout I have seen for any piece of legislation since joining the council.”

Testifying in favor were small-business owners, workers sharing graphic stories of working while sick, educators and health care workers sharing the benefits to the community; a diversity of folks engaged in city government. Where’s that story?

Nikki Lockwood

Spokane