It’s Time for a New Direction on the Spokane City Council
Spokane, WA - The Spokane Good Government Alliance releases a statement on the Spokane City Council President race.
“Spokane voters want a City Council President who is going to increase public safety, prioritize homelessness, and address the housing shortage,” said John Estey, Executive Director of the Spokane Good Government Alliance. “Over the last four years, the current Council President and veto-proof Council majority have been driving the show. They have used their position for political gain and power grabs, rather than getting results for the people of Spokane”.
The current City Council President and veto-proof majority has doubled their budget, given themselves pay increases, gerrymandered City Council districts, and raised taxes on the backs of hardworking families and small businesses during historic inflation and a very trying time of recovery for our community. They’ve defunded SPD drug enforcement programs and supported the status quo at the crime-ridden Camp Hope.
“It’s time for new leadership on the Spokane City Council. A leader who will bring all voices to the table and get things done. Kim Plese is that leader. Her experience as a small business owner for the last three decades and work with local non-profits from around the region makes her uniquely qualified to be our next City Council President,” Estey continued. “Kim knows what it takes to bring people together. Her vision to make Spokane a more vibrant community to live, work, and play makes her the clear choice for Spokane voters.”
“Councilwoman Betsy Wilkerson is the wrong choice for City Council President. She has been part of the problem, not part of the solution”.
Councilwoman Wilkerson led the effort to oppose the opening of a new police precinct within her own district despite overwhelming requests from residents in the neighborhood; she wasn’t “enthused” to help the Spokane Police solve a murder investigation; and she has overwhelmingly voted with a Council majority that has allowed Camp Hope to continue to operate. And while communities across our state have advocated for increased public safety by passing fixes to the disastrous police pursuit legislation and the Blake decision, Wilkerson has been silent.
“If Spokane wants to know what type of Council President Betsy Wilkerson will be - they need only to look at her record. She is a reliable vote for the radical City Council majority. Spokane wants a Council President that is going to stand up and prioritize public safety, homelessness and housing. They are not going to get that with Betsy Wilkerson.”
The Spokane Good Government Alliance was formed in 2019 and advocates for a balanced local government that best serves the Citizens of Spokane. To learn more, please visit our website here: spokanegoodgovernmentalliance.com.
