Candidates Quiet About “Bill of Frights”

July 30, 2009Contrarian 3 Comments »

Other than the two incumbents in the City Council primary races and Steve Eugster, the candidates have been curiously silent regarding their positions on the “Bill of Frights” Charter Amendment proposal which will appear on the November ballot. I found no mention of that proposal during a quick tour of the web sites of candidates who have them (except Eugster’s). Nor have any questions asked at the two forums I sat through (via the Web) addressed the issue.

I’m sure some of the candidates would prefer to avoid taking a position, lest they alienate some fraction of voters. Always safer for politicians, of course, to keep silent on as many concrete issues as possible, so that voters can fill in the blanks with their own preferences.

If asked, some of them may decline to answer on the ground that the issue is before the voters and that their role as a City Councilperson will be to carry out the voters’ wishes, whatever those prove to be.

But they should be pressed. The question is good probe of the candidates’ views regarding the role and scope of city government.

So, John Waite, Jon Snyder, Kristina Sabestinas, Karen Kearney, Victor Noder — what are your positions on that issue?

3 Responses to this entry

  • John Waite, city council candidate Says:

    Hey Contrarian,

    Congratulations on joining the ranks of those that care about Spokane and provide forums for people to have a running discussion.
    As to Envision Spokane, every candidate has discussed this ENDLESSLY at the forums (thanks KYRS, LOWV and CforL), and with the local media in the few interviews done. And I think every candidate including myself has NOT SUPPORTED Envision. I like what they are trying to say, but the legal and economic costs are more than we can afford. And as a business and commercial property owner in Spokane, I am not for more taxes or increased costs. I DO support the voters inititive process we have in Washington state, and expect the voters of Spokane to vote down Envision.

    John Waite, City Council candidate, 3rd district
    http://www.votejohnwaite.com

  • Jon Snyder Says:

    I agree with John. In addition to the forum questions I have stated my position against Envision Spokane on KYRS radio, to my facebook group, the twitter feed on my website, and in two interviews with the Spokesman Review and one with the Inlander (neither publication chose to run my response.)

  • Jeff Mitchum Says:

    Jon, I do have a question: I do see that you have publicly stated that you are against Envision Spokane. Thank You! I had a few hours on hand the other day and was looking at the PDCs, I know, I was really bored. Since you are against it, why have you accepted money from many of the supporters of Envision Spokane? This worries me…