Can We Trust Betsy Wilkerson To Do The Right Thing for Spokane?

SPOKANE, WA - The Spokane Good Government Alliance released a new advertisement today, highlighting Betsy Wilkerson troubling record on public safety. 

“Can we trust Betsy Wilkerson to do the right thing for Spokane?” asked John Estey, Executive Director of the Spokane Good Government Alliance. “Wilkerson voted to defund Spokane Police Department drug investigations… and it gets worse than that … when given the opportunity to ban homeless camps near where our children go to play, learn, and grow, she voted against it!”

During the City Council meeting on September 26, 2022, Betsy Wilkerson voted to defund police drug investigations. Spokane Police Chief Meidl pleaded with Council to not pass an ordinance removing funds that the department relies on for drug investigations.  He noted “we had a 600% increase in overdose deaths… We’ll have to stop drug investigations” if Council took action to defund their investigations.  Despite hearing this testimony, Councilwoman Wilkerson still voted to pass an ordinance that would bankrupt the fund used for these drug investigations.

Further, on April 24, 2023,  Councilwoman Wilkerson also voted against prohibiting homeless encampments within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, playgrounds, and childcare facilities. 

“Public safety is on the ballot this November,” Estey added. “We’ve seen what happens around encampments - drugs, fires, hazards, prostitution.  If Betsy is at the helm, law enforcement won’t have the support they need, drugs will be even more rampant and our children will be less safe. Voters are entitled to know where Betsy stands on critical issues like public safety. Spokane deserves better.”

The Spokane Good Government Alliance was formed in 2019 to advocate for a balanced local government that best serves the Citizens of Spokane.