Bloglander

Spokane City Councilman Jon Snyder will resign mid-term to take a job advising to Gov. Jay Inslee on ways to increase jobs and participation in outdoor recreational activities.

Snyder was first elected to the council in 2009 and was reelected four years later. Representing District 2, which encompasses the South Hill and surrounding areas, he’s been an advocate of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and chaired the council’s Public Safety Committee. Previously, he was owner and publisher of Out There Monthly, a magazine about outdoor recreation in the Inland Northwest that won industry awards.

On the council, Snyder is considered part of a liberal voting bloc that’s grown to 6-1 after November’s election.

“I love Spokane,” said Snyder in a prepared statement. “It will be really hard to leave, but I look forward to serving the entire state in Olympia and to also bring an Eastern Washington perspective there as well.”

Mayor David Condon, who at times has been at odds with Snyder, had this to say about him:

“This is a tremendous opportunity for Councilmember Snyder to combine his passions for recreation and policy in Olympia. It speaks well for Spokane that the governor looked here for his next advisor. Councilmember Snyder has been an advocate for outdoor recreation in Spokane and we wish him continued success.”

Snyder’s last day will be Jan. 12. Under the city charter, the council will vote on Snyder’s replacement. Applications are available on the city’s website, the city council offices and MySpokane service desk on the first floor of City Hall and are due Jan. 19 at 5 p.m. Applicants have to have lived in the district since Feb. 8, 2015.

So far, potential replacements include Blaine Stum, Snyder’s legislative aide, as well as Derrick Skaug, a former Pullman city councilman, and civil rights attorney Breean Beggs.