Where is Nadine?

On Oct. 10, the Spokane Alliance, a nonpartisan group of local churches, unions, community groups and members of the medical community, held a Candidates Forum on Housing and Homelessness. All candidates running for mayor and city council were invited to attend.

We were told at this forum that those not present either did not respond to the invitation or declined to attend. The noticeable absence of Nadine Woodward — who is running for mayor of Spokane against Ben Stuckart — was noted.

Homelessness and lack of affordable housing are a nationwide problem that most major cities are dealing with. The absence of Nadine Woodward at this important meeting concerns me, as does the source of the funding for her campaign. It’s no secret that the Washington state Realtors PAC has been pouring money into her campaign.

My concern is that our city’s future growth will take place outside the city limits and look like the urban sprawl seen on the West Side of the state. Outside special interest groups who stand to profit from unregulated growth of our city will leave the bill for the necessary infrastructure (schools, roads, traffic congestion, police and firefighter services) to us, the taxpayers.

Ben Stuckart and Breean Beggs have years of experience and community connections to continue working to make our city a better place to live for all of us. They are not beholden to outside special interest groups who are looking to make a profit. They’ll have my vote this coming election.

Diane Belyea

Spokane