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Council Candidates Interviewed for Open Seat

The Spokane City Council interviewed five finalists Wednesday for an open district three seat. The interviews were an indication of the council’s priorities, and that the next council member will be more wary of sprawl and likely more liberal than predecessor Steve Salvatori.
 
Council President Stuckart ran the series of interviews, in which each person was asked five questions. Among them, “what are your views on expansion of the urban growth area?” All five were wary if not downright opposed to new expansion. Stuckart raised another hot topic:
 
Stuckart: “And the next question is how do you feel about this fall’s ballot measures for the street levy and the park bond?”
 
All candidates stated they would support both the park bond and street levy, for a range of reasons. They also were unanimous in their support of keeping the STA plaza in the same location. Four candidates said they would support a sales tax for other transit projects like the central city line, while Julie Griffith said she would want to ask voters.
 
The interviews signify hiring may come down to experience, not viewpoints. Adrian Dominguez is a Spokane Regional Health District epidemiologist and adjunct professor at EWU. Julie Griffith is regional director for a financial education non-profit. Eric “EJ” Iannelli is a freelance writer and neighborhood organizer. Kitty Klitzke is the eastern Washington program director at Futurewise. And candidate Karen Stratton is the city’s clerk and has worked under multiple mayor’s administrations.
 
The council will vote on the hiring Monday, August 25th.
 
Copyright 2014 Spokane Public Radio

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