Public Periscope

This just in

Just when we were wondering why the city had decided to spend big bucks on a public relations specialist, City Manager Bill Pupo demonstrated the position might be necessary. Last Wednesday, Pupo faxed us some hot news “for immediate release” … “Spokane City Manager Announces Police Chief’s Retirement,” the headline blared, “Recruitment Process Pending.” We don’t quibble with the facts. It’s just that Terry Mangan’s announcement had been well reported some six days earlier, when the chief had disclosed it … We were, however, relieved to hear that a replacement process was in the works and that Pupo will “seek feedback from the comunity” and has some ideas on what he might do. When he figures out exactly what that is, we trust he’ll let us know - promptly.

What’s the worry? It’s not like they bite

Officials at Geiger Corrections Center must hope a fence that failed to hold elk, cougars and bears performs better with thugs and thieves … The prison is changing to accommodate some medium-security felons. The county is negotiating to buy thousands of feet of chain-link fence from the Inland Empire Zoological Society … In its former life, the fence surrounded Walk in the Wild zoo before it closed in December 1995. Animals repeatedly made getaways in the 23 years the zoo operated in the Spokane Valley.

Reading the tea leaves

U.S. Rep. Jennifer Dunn says she won’t decide until about June 1 whether to enter a campaign that could put Sen. in front of her name. So what are we to make of the release from her congressional press office last week, which sent us unbidden a copy of her new biography? … The two-page missive, sent out on her taxpayer-funded franking privilege, extols the virtues of the third-term congresswoman with such unbiased phrases as “known for taking on substantive projects” and “outspoken advocate of Congressional reform” and “outstanding spokesperson” … Most likely to be off-putting for folks in the other 8/9ths of the state who may ponder their vote for her is the way Dunn’s staff describes her current district as “one of the most beautiful in the country.”

Taking pot-shots.

Drivers have reported more than 200 road craters since the county opened its pothole hotline on Jan. 31. The automated telephone line, 458-2547, can be used through Friday. Starting next Monday, such complaints should go to the county Engineering Department at 456-3600.

We get faxes

The Washington State Good Roads and Transportation Association sent out a press release last week criticizing legislative Republicans for not putting a gas tax hike to a vote in the full Senate. This got us thinking, with the current state of our highways and byways, is there a state Bad Roads and Transportation Association that is lobbying for more potholes? Because if there is, it’s doing a heck of a job.

Getting involved

The city is looking for two people to fill spots on the Sister Cities Association, and one person for a spot on the Housing Advisory and Appeals Board. Applications available at the mayor’s office, fifth floor, City Hall … County commissioners are accepting applications for an opening on the Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board. For information, call 456-2265.

, DataTimes MEMO: Public Periscope, which appears Mondays, is compiled by Jim Camden from staff reports.

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Compiled by Jim Camden from staff reports