Robin’s Roundup 3: Making the mainstream news, ethical defenses, and ballot batches
POSTED 20 July 2023
Making the Mainstream News
Today’s Spokesman-Review features a column by Sue Lani Madsen (for printable, click here) that mentions our popular piece on Lisa Brown’s ethical dilemma as she continues her revolving door carousel ride. Madsen rightfully writes, “The former head of the Department of Commerce [Lisa Brown] could have asked the state Ethics Board for an opinion before filing for office. It’s too late for that. Now citizens have to figure it out.”
Nate Sanford made the cover of this week’s INLANDER with his smart story, “Is Nonpartisanship Dead?” Early in his story, Sanford calls out Spokane Council President candidate Betsy Wilkerson’s “political trifecta” plans. We broke this story (Wilkerson) on June 27 and another trifecta tyrant’s plans (Paul Dillon) on July 6.
We will continue to research and share the news beyond the news and appreciate when our mainstream media picks up our offerings.
Spokane Council Members & Staff Face Ethics Commission
Next Wednesday, July 26 | 2 pm - Spokane Council Members (Betsy Wilkerson, Zack Zappone) and their staff (Mark Carlos, Jeff Gunn) may or may not appear (they are not required to show up) in person before the Spokane Ethics Commission which will determine jurisdiction and if/how to proceed with complaints filed by a community member.
While this first hearing is only to determine jurisdiction, the Council Members and staff are demanding that the Ethics Commission throw out the complaints, arguing that the Superior Court decided on this matter. It appears that these “civil servants” don’t understand the difference between legal and ethical. Hopefully, they will get a lesson soon. Decide for yourself! Here are the complaints and responses:
Complaint against Betsy Wilkerson
Complaint against Zack Zappone
Complaint against Mark Carlos (Wilkerson aide)
Complaint against Jeff Gunn (Zappone aide)
Spokane County Ballot Batches & Other Election Info
You can track Spokane County ballot returns throughout this primary election’s voting period (about 15% of ballots expected are in already). Find the above and all other information about voting including key dates, checking your ballot, the Voters’ Guide and more!