Friends,

 

The August Primary is Tuesday, so time to get your ballots in (if you haven’t voted already). While you’re pondering your choices, as always, we have you covered on what’s going on in your own backyard. Read on…

This week’s Newsmaker Interview featured Spokane Good Government Alliance (SGGA) Executive Director John Estey, discussing the upcoming elections in the city. With the primary election imminent, Spokane faces a crucial choice between moderate/conservative approaches and liberal/extremist proposals. Mayor Nadine Woodward, who has faced obstacles from the five liberal councilmembers who have controlled the seven-person city council since her election in 2019, this year is being challenged by career politician and former Jay Inslee cabinet member Lisa Brown. Four of the seven city council seats (including City Council President) are also up for election. Estey shed light on SGGA's mission, its key concerns for the 2023 elections, and highlighted leading candidates for the Mayor and City Council President positions. Read more.

 

The Seattle Times editorial board actually criticized Attorney General Bob Ferguson for attempting to evade Washington's campaign finance laws and concealing the identities of his campaign donors, potentially exceeding legal contribution limits. The state’s largest paper called on Ferguson to uphold the spirit of open government and transparency, emphasizing that he should reveal the sources of his dark money transfers. Despite previous highlighting of his actions by Shift, Ferguson has shown no remorse for his actions, raising concerns about his commitment to the law and public disclosure. Read this story and more.

 

In case you missed it…
The Capital Press editorial board criticized Governor Jay Inslee for leading a misleading public relations campaign, blaming private industry for high gas prices in Washington, when in fact his own policies, particularly the carbon-emission allowance auctions including in his cap-and-tax law, are causing the surge. They argued that Inslee is trying to divert attention from the very intended consequences of his carbon tax policy, which was meant to increase fossil fuel prices to reduce consumption. Read this story and more.

 

Take a moment to enjoy the beautiful sunset over Fort Casey State Park here in Washington State, courtesy of former U.S. Representative Rod Chandler.