Clarifying Douglass flap

I want to clarify facts regarding a meeting I had last February with Lanzce Douglass.

The meeting lasted more than 2 ½ hours and covered several topics. The first topic involved a legal settlement with Spokane County in 2009. The Douglass siblings are suing each other over the distribution of money from that settlement.

At the end of the meeting, I stated “I would like to meet with you again to discuss my campaign.” My intent was to set up a follow-up meeting. But Douglass engaged in the discussion, asking whether I had an opponent. He said I should have no problem, and indicated he would make a contribution.

Now, eight months later, because I am not willing to take Lanzce’s side in his sibling dispute, he is crying foul. I continue to take the advice of county attorneys to protect the interests of county citizens and taxpayers, while still working with investigators to determine whether any of the criminal accusations between the siblings have merit.

Every candidate for public office solicits contributions to pay for increasingly expensive campaigns. I never thought Lanzce expected anything in return for his contribution and am now glad I never received that support.

Todd Mielke

Spokane County commissioner