Responding to three separate Public Disclosure Commission complaints regarding the use of public funds to influence an election, the City of Olympia provides a defense that any government entity can use taxpayer money to support/oppose any measure or candidate.  The PDC needs to make an example of this flagrant violation of state election laws and impose a harsh enough penalty that other government bodies won’t repeat this illegal act in the future. (ShiftWA)

Governor Jay Inslee sent out a tweet thanking Congressman Dan Newhouse for pushing to have a public hearing in the Tri-Cities regarding the study on the future of the Snake River dams.  Originally Inslee’s office only scheduled hearings in Clarkston and far off Vancouver. Surprising that Inslee needed to be reminded by Rep. Newhouse that many people in the Tri-Cities are concerned about this study.  This initial omission by Inslee only bolsters the belief that the study’s “findings” have already been pre-determined by the governor’s political views and not by the science of NOAA biologists who state tearing down the dams will have very little impact on the salmon population.(Twitter)

Jay Inslee’s campaign sent out a fundraising appeal stating he believes Donald Trump will “start taking swings at me.” Since Governor Zero ended his five-month failed presidential campaign with 0% public support, it is doubtful the president will spend much time worrying about Jay Inslee. (Inslee campaign email)

The Washington State Supreme Court ruled (by a 5-4 margin) that the trucking companies involved in the collapse of the I-5 Skagit River bridge in 2013 are financially responsible for the repairs.  Mullen Trucking and Motorways Trucking were sued by the state to reimburse the $17 million needed to replace the structure. (Seattle Times)

Vice President of the Seattle Police Guild Mike Solan says Councilmember Lisa Herbold has a “bewildering lack of awareness” on public safety issues.  Herbold, along with fellow councilmember Kshama Sawant, have been threatening to cut the funding of “Navigation Teams” that are a joint effort between the Seattle Police Department and social services to help those who are homeless. The Seattle Police Guild is supporting Herbold’s opponent Phil Tavel in next week’s election.  (MyNorthwest)

Candidates in Seattle’s 6^th Council District (Ballard and Phinney Ridge) differ in their support over the Navigation Teams that attempt to assist the homeless.  Heidi Willis is supportive and would like to increase funding.  Dan Strauss fights off allegations he wants to cut funding but does not believe more dollars should be spent on the program (KING-TV)

The liberal Seattle organization, FUSE Washington, caught lying while attempting to influence the Spokane race for mayor.  In the on-going saga of ethics violations, Public Disclosure Commission complaints, and other political shenanigans from the political allies of Ben Stuckart, FUSE was called out by the Spokesman-Review for pushing lies about Nadine Woodward’s political beliefs. (Spokesman-Review)

The Spokane City Council held a special meeting to approve $2 million to fund programs that will help the homeless.  $1.15 will go towards purchasing and operating a “warming center” on South Cannon Street.  The 24-hour facility will help up to 120 people and will be operated by Jewels Helping Hands. (KREM)

State Senator Mark Schoesler (R – Ritzville) received the Perseverance Award from the Columbia Basin Development League.  Executive Director Vicky Scharlau said, “We appreciate the longstanding commitment Senator Schoesler has provided to his district, especially irrigators and communities desperate for a reliable source of water.” (Washington AG Network)

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