Spokane Mayor Mary Verner doesn't shy away from tough issues. In fact, even her adventures in ice skating have allowed her to incorporate a bit of her own "get up and keep going"  philosophy.

Q. When was the last time you went ice skating?

A. "I went ice skating at the Riverfront Park Ice Palace in late November with my son, Daniel.  We will probably go again this week, too."

Q. Any favorite skating memories?

A. "For me, ice skating always includes falling.  What springs to mind are those times when you fall hard, get up, and keep going.  I guess, for me, it means I have survived."

Q. Do you have a favorite figure skater?

A. "Dorothy Hamill still is my favorite figure skater.  She was one of my childhood heroes."

Q. What are you most looking forward to about the 2010 U.S. Figure Skating Championships?

A. "I am looking forward to the positive impact the event will have on the community.  We will see enhanced economic activity for our local businesses and benefit from media attention that will showcase our community to the nation."

Q. What do you want guests and/or the television audience to remember about Spokane?

A. "I want people to remember Spokane for our enthusiastic hospitality."

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