 What a ride! The last two months were the busiest of my life. Really. I didn’t know how much the combination of city elections, city council business and getting up at night with a teething baby was going to wear me out (and I wasn’t even running for election!). I’m finally catching up on lost sleep and I’m determined to pace myself for the rest of the year. Gotta stay focused for 2012!As you’ve probably heard (unless you’re really living under a rock), Spokane will be welcoming a new Mayor and at least 3 new city council members next year, perhaps 4. (Richard Rush and Mike Allen are in a recount situation). I look forward to working with all the newly-elected in 2012 (See photo above of Council President-elect Ben Stuckart and I on election night). We have a lot to do to keep this city moving forward and I welcome those all who are willing to roll up their sleeves and help make the best decisions for the common good.
Important Council actions in Oct/Nov. 2011:City Council stays committed to improved police accountability, despite setbacks
Earlier this year, the Police Guild challenged a June 2010 ordinance passed by Council that created more independent powers for our Police Ombudsman. An arbitrator ordered the City to rescind the ordinance, citing labor laws that require us to bargain these changes with the Police Guild. The Council, after much legal research and deliberation, voted 6-1 (I voted in favor) to rescind the ordinance. I am hopeful we will see a new Police Guild contract in 2012 that includes full oversight for our ombudsman. The citizens of Spokane deserve nothing less. Last week, the Council passed a resolution that denounced the actions of the police who saluted Karl Thompson in the courtroom after he was found guilty on two counts. We also unanimously supported having the DOJ investigate the patterns and practices of our police department.
2012 Sewage, Garbage Utility Rates: The Council voted 4-3 (I voted in favor) of increased sewer and garbage rates for 2012. The sewer rate increase will pay for required Spokane River cleanup infrastructure (upgrades to wastewater plant and building tanks to take raw sewage from entering the river). The Council supported a small increase to garbage rates to cover higher tipping fees at the incinerator and other capital costs. I’m committed to working very hard in 2012 with the new Council to avoid having to make large increases in our utility rates. Ideally, increases should be kept small every year (3-5%), unless we can draw down excess reserves. I am frustrated with the past practices of the city — spending down too much of our utility reserves, not raising rates, and not planning well for the future. I plan on advocating for better financial management strategies in our Utility departments in 2012, as well as lobby the State for additional years to meet our Spokane River clean-up requirements.
Current Topics of Interest2012 Budget: It’s that time of year again. In the next several weeks we will be deliberating on the 2012 budget we received from Mayor Verner. Once again, we are trying to balance a city budget with a shortfall of revenue ($8M), which means potential cuts to the Youth Dept., Arts, and Weights and Measures, as well as across the board cuts and use of reserves to fill the gap. The only new revenue the Council is considering is increasing fines for parking meter violations. One option on the table is to cut the Youth Dept. and have an outside agency that works with youth (like the YMCA) operate the Chase Youth Commission and other activities. What are your thoughts on these proposals?
Public Development Authority for Northeast Hillyard?: After almost two years of working towards an economic development plan for Northeast Spokane (industrial land east of the tracks in Hillyard), the advisory board working on this project is proposing that the City Council establish a PDA (public development authority– private/public economic tool) in this area to help stimulate economic growth, complete the infrastructure, and help grow jobs. I’ve been the liason to this board and I’m very excited about the prospects for Spokane and specifically the Northeast area. Stay tuned for more info about a PDA and when we get closer to the vote.
View from the District
Amber’s Neighborhood Council Road Show - I was pleased to present an update of Council actions and my activities for 2011 at 4 neighborhood council meetings in October (Nevada-Lidgerwood, Chief Garry, Logan and Minnehaha…more to come soon!).
Greater Hillyard Business Association Elected Forum - Thanks to the GHBA for inviting me and current/incoming city elected officials for a discussion on Nov. 10th with Hillyard businesses about vision, needs and priorities. Let’s keep working together in 2012!
Can golf carts provide an alternative form of urban transportation in Spokane? Read on!
Opening of McKinstry Building - An amazing renovation of a historic electric railway building in the University District
Other activities from this past month – Tour of Wastewater Treatment Facility, Hope House Fashion Show, Opening of the new WSU Biomedical Building,
I’m looking forward to accomplishing many things on Council in 2012. What are your top priorities and goals for our city?
Sincerely,
Amber
P.S. Did you get a chance to see my October Council Connection on Channel 5? I discussed using community indicators and performance data to help make better decisions for budgeting and management of our city government. Click here for more details and to watch my show online at any time. |
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