No lightning rods, please

Sun., July 8, 2012

When I read in the July 3 Spokesman-Review that the mayor encouraged the public safety director from Indianapolis to apply for our job here in Spokane, I was reminded of my school district in Toppenish in the early 1970s.

It was looking for a superintendent that would be tough, one that was wrangling with the community and teachers. Well, that’s exactly what it got. After two years of total disruption, he was on his way out and the district was actually looking for someone who could work with people.

The same scenario has been played over and over again in school districts and police forces. Please, mayor, do us a favor and find someone who commands respect rather than one who is described as a “lightning rod.”

Bruce Embrey

Spokane

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