After seven years in office in office, Spokane Valley voters rejected the re-election bids of Mayor Rich Munson and former Mayor Diana Wilhite. Instead, they opted for Bob McCaslin and Brenda Grassel, respectively, along with a slate of other candidates promising “Positive Change.”
While it’s likely there will certainly be some changes – McCaslin and Grassel have both said they will want to look closely at overhauling the Sprague-Appleway Revitalization Plan and trimming the city budget – Munson and
Wilhite were asked to weigh in on what they hope to see from the council, what they will do next and offer some advice for their successors.
They also have a question for you, the readers of the Spokane Valley News Herald.
SVNH: So, Nov. 3: What happened?
Munson: I lost, it’s that simple. There was a coalition, who was unhappy with what the city was doing, and their campaign played to those fears and we were unable to counter those claims. Communication was probably the biggest problem.
Wilhite: I think the public felt there was something going on because of some of the ads that were in the newspaper, and they felt something was happening. I guess when people hear things, they think something’s going on.
SVNH: What, in your opinion, is the worst thing the new council could do in 2010?
Munson: Replace (City Manager) David Mercier. Especially with the lack of experience of that council. That’s the worst action they could take.
Wilhite: Undo all the work we did in trying to come up with a plan to revitalize the Sprague corridor. We spent almost three years with staff time and public meetings and hearings to try to figure out what to do. I’d hate to think they’d throw that all out the window.
SVNH: Is it possible to step back and say this council might be able to do something that you, for whatever reason, could not while you were on it? Acquiring the right-of-way for the extension of Appleway, for example, or having better relations with the county commissioners in general?
Munson: Frankly, I don’t think so. The county has patently taken a position that it’s “our way or the highway.” I don’t think they’ll back down from it.
Wilhite: Nope. There’s some positives and negatives, but the new council doesn’t know the commissioners like we do. The commissioners have a particular stance that they’ve taken.
SVNH: What was your greatest accomplishment while in office?
Munson: There’s been a lot. The completion of the comprehensive plan is the major legacy of this council. I think the SARP was a major accomplishment, but it may turn out to be a major disappointment. We’ll see.
Wilhite: I think starting up a new city and being able to have not only a balanced budget but also a reserve is quite an accomplishment. I think we did a fine job considering how much we had to learn.
SVNH: What was your worst day as mayor?
Munson: When I received a phone call from the county commissioners that they were going to cancel the snow-removal contract. Not that they did it, but the way that they did it. There was no respect. That was my worst day as mayor.
Wilhite: I don’t think I had a bad day – I may have had a few cranky phone messages, but that’s about it.
SVNH: Do you have any regrets? Is there something that you couldn’t get done that you wish you could have?
Munson: I don’t regret a single thing. Everything was motivated by making this city a better place to live. And if I think that (the new council members) are not doing the right thing, they’re going to hear about it. But I wish we could have gotten (the extension of) Appleway resolved. And I would have liked to have gotten our meetings televised.
Wilhite: Little things. I’m not the most organized person. If I’d been a little more organized I might have gotten more done.
SVNH: The city now does its own snow-removal. Let’s say there’s a foot of snow on the ground, and it’s been three days and your street still hasn’t been plowed. Do you call and complain?
Munson: I’ve got a four-wheel drive vehicle. I’m not going to complain. I’m not going to call Bob (McCaslin). I’m not going to call Dave (Mercier). I’m not going to call anybody.
Wilhite: Not me. I understand there are priorities how these things are done.
SVNH: Any advice for your successor?
Munson: Come to the meetings. Every vote is important. Realize that he must fulfill his mission. If it means he has to fly home every Tuesday, then that’s what it means.
Wilhite: I wish her the best of luck. Be prepared to do a lot of reading. Don’t hesitate to go in and talk to the city manager or staff. They welcome your input, and they want to hear your concerns. Their goal is to provide what’s best for Spokane Valley.
SVNH: What happens for you next? Are you going to follow the new council closely?
Munson: I want to give them a chance. But if they start doing things that I think are out of meanness, I’ll be (at the meetings). Right now, I need a rest. I'm tired.
Wilhite: Yes, I’m going to be there for the first meeting of the year. I probably won’t be there every week. You can’t not spend seven years and not want to see what’s happening. I’ll let them know when they’re doing things great, and when they’re not I’ll let them know.
SVNH: I hear there are some openings coming up on the Planning Commission. Interested?
Munson: It actually crossed my mind. I probably shouldn’t appoint myself, though. Maybe in a couple a years, I might consider it.
Wilhite: No. I need to take some time off and let the new people put their stamp on it.
SVNH: Your question for readers?
Munson: Those of you who didn’t vote, why didn’t you?
Wilhite: Do you think a public/private partnership to develop University City is something we need?
Want to respond to Munson and Wilhite’s questions? E-mail us at vnh@onemain.com and put “Answer” in the subject line.
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By
Mike Huffman
