Council Member Michael Cathcart has issued the following statement in response to the adoption of the 2024 Legislative Priorities by the City Council:
“While the current three-tier system included in our Legislative Agenda process is designed to simplify decision-making, I believe it falls short in terms of transparency, both for the four Council Members who are not assigned nor involved in the Legislative Team and for the public. A particular concern is how lobbying efforts could potentially target items listed in those alternative tiers without clear City Council endorsement or public awareness which I cannot support. For these same reasons, I have elected to vote in opposition to the City Council’s previous Legislative Agendas. Despite these challenges, I do want to express my gratitude to the City Council Legislative Team, including Council Members and staff, for including certain agenda items that hold great significance for me and my district. I have significant reservations about the third item on the Legislative Agenda; however, I also want to make my support for other items clear to state lawmakers.
I strongly support these items:
$2.5 million capital investment in a childcare center in northeast Spokane: “As Chair of the NEPDA, I am deeply committed to this proposal for a dedicated childcare center in northeast Spokane. This investment is a clear demonstration of unwavering support for the hardworking families in our community. By providing a reliable childcare solution for those with nontraditional working hours, we transform a barrier into a lifeline, leading to sustainable and meaningful employment. The collaborative efforts of the Northeast Community Center/The ZoNE and NEPDA, supported by both state and local lawmakers, along with our local employers, represent a monumental opportunity for Northeast Spokane and it exemplifies our ability to wisely pool resources to foster economic development, enhance job supports, and improve housing opportunities.”
$1 million Investment in Minnehaha Park: “The allocation towards Minnehaha Park is not just an investment in infrastructure; it's a profound commitment to a neighborhood that has long deserved our attention and support. As a passionate advocate for Minnehaha’s development into a major park within our recently approved park plan, I am confident that these dollars will help transform Minnehaha Park into a vibrant, safe, and welcoming space further enhancing the quality of life for all residents.”
I do not support this item:
Authorizing an increase in the annual local property tax from 1 to 3 percent: “This proposed policy is flawed as it fails to address the core issue of creating a sustainable budget. Instead, it relies heavily on councilmatic-created taxes, which bypasses voter approval. This approach risks creating a cycle of dependency on tax revenues rather than fostering fiscal discipline. The voters should have an opportunity to approve such an increase.”
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