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Some things are just clearer than others.
Spokane County voters had no problem continuing to pay a sales tax designed to bolster public safety, but East Valley residents couldn’t produce two clear candidates for school board in the November general election.
After counting more than 71,000 ballots Tuesday night, Proposition 1 – the renewal of the one-tenth of 1 percent criminal justice and public safety sales and use tax – was up 61 percent with 42,550 yes votes to 27,311 voting no.
Since 2004, the tax – which amounts to an extra penny on a $10 purchase – has raised about $7.1 million a year to help fund public safety programs, services and personnel. Sixty percent is collected by the county, while another 40 percent is distributed to cities and towns in Spokane County. The city of Spokane Valley receives about $750,000 each year, all of which is spent on the police contract with the sheriff’s office.
The strong show of support clearly relieved county commissioners, who have been dealing with a tight budget.
“The current economy made renewal of the sales and use tax even more critical than when it was first approved in 2004,” board Chairman Todd Mielke said.
“I want to thank the voters for showing their support for law enforcement and the courts.”
Also happy was Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich, who would have had to face some tough choices – and probably would have had to make some layoffs – if the proposition failed.
“I want to express my deep appreciation to the citizens of Spokane County for supporting their public safety and law enforcement,” he said.
In the East Valley School District race for District 3, Heidi Gillingham commands an over 400-vote lead over her closest challengers. However Bill Powers and Kay Sieck were neck-and-neck for the coveted second spot on the Nov. 3 ballot with 548 and 545 votes, respectively, as of Tuesday. With another 10,000 ballots to count, the result will likely not be certain for several more days.
South of Spokane Valley, it appears that Michael J. VanSlyke, with 101 votes, will face Edward Huber (who got 17) in the general election. Ron Rogers got four votes for third place and likely elimination. In Fairfield’s Town Council race, KayDee Gilkey and Valerie Spurrell led with 60 and 42 votes, respectively, to move on while Devin Fields (22 votes) is done.
In Rockford, Stan Seehorn received the most votes (61) for Town Council, with his challenger to be Howard Brutschy. Larry Van Every has been eliminated.
In Freeman’s school board race, John Zingg (278) trailed Allen Crist (345), but both will on the general election ballot. Hal Ophus (110) will not be.
The primary election results will not be certified until Sept. 2.
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By
Mike Huffman
