Spokane’s mayor system dysfunctional

After supporting David Condon in 2011, I was contacted to meet the new mayor. I was working for Kootenai County as a deputy prosecutor and suggested Condon consider former Coeur d’ Alene Chief Wayne Longo and Post Falls Chief Scott Haug for police chief. Both were experienced and well-liked by their subordinates.

I was dismayed with the ultimate circus-like search, with Condon and his administrator paying to fly Straub supporters from Indiana to help lobby for his selection.

Condon has taken the path President Nixon did during the Watergate investigation, using deceit and manipulation in a cover-up to ensure his re-election. He is a poor role model for children to believe in and be proud of. Condon should immediately resign or face either impeachment or a recall effort by the people of Spokane. He should not be allowed to make any further appointments.

Spokane’s old system of an experienced city manager with a “figurehead” mayor worked well for almost 100 years. The current strong mayor system has become as dysfunctional as what is happening with the president and Congress in Washington, D.C. Spokane must do better.

James Reierson

Spokane