Marlene Feist, 509.625.6505
Monday, September 16, 2019 at 9:09 a.m.
Spokane Mayor David Condon has vetoed an ordinance passed by the Spokane City Council on Aug. 26 that would limit the ability of the City to “loan” an employee to another governmental agency for projects and other work.
“Our joint Council-Administration Strategic Plan, One Spokane, prioritizes regional collaboration and partnerships to advance the goals of the City and the community. This ordinance is in direct conflict with these initiatives,” says Mayor David Condon. “I find it unfortunate that the Council doesn’t recognize the importance of regional cooperation and collaboration and that the Council already is planning to override my veto. Integration of projects and programs across governmental lines has led to better, more affordable outcomes for our citizens.”
Collaboration across the governmental jurisdictions is critically important in the areas of criminal justice reform, economic development in the community’s public development authorities, and in development of the community’s river trail systems, the Mayor says. He also cites the collaboration between the City and Spokane Public Schools that is bringing the community new middle schools, new libraries, and enhanced neighborhoods and the long-term need for regional solutions to assist those experiencing homelessness.
The veto letter from the Mayor is attached.
