Monday, October 24, 2011

CITY HALL EYEBALL: City leaders get political

Posted on Mon, Oct 24, 2011 at 10:49 AM

The Spokane City Council will consider resolutions regarding two ballot initiatives at tonight's meeting.

A resolution by Councilman Jon Snyder would express the Council's opposition to Initiative 1125. Promoted by Tim Eyman, the inititaive would prohibit using auto toll revenues for anything other than road construction and maintenance, and would also require that tolls be set by the Legislature, instead of the apolitical mechanism currently used.

While this initiative is expected to mostly impact west side drivers, Snyder's resolution says it would decrease funding for road projects in Spokane. 

Also on deck, Councilwoman Nancy McLaughlin has proposed a resolution opposing Proposition 1, also known as the Community Bill of Rights. This proposition mandates that unions be given the right to collectively bargain, that corporations not be treated as people when involved in disputes, and that developers seek approval from neighborhood residents for zoning changes.

Supporters say the proposition would create a "healthy, sustainable and democratic Spokane," and give locals the power to stand up to corporate powers. McLaughlin's resolution says the proposition could hinder industry and interfere with existing law.

Also on the agenda will be a final reading of an ordinance to allow council members to lower their salaries, an ordinance increasing solid waste rates, and a resolution allowing the fire department to donate two obsolete fire trucks to departments in Guatemala.

Finally, an ordinance amending a recent increase in water rates will have its first reading. 

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. 

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