Spokane to hire own economic adviser

The Spokane City Council passed an emergency budget ordinance Monday that will enable the city to hire a full-time economic development adviser.

Amy Cannata
Staff writer Spokesman Review

Councilwoman Cherie Rodgers was the only council member to vote against the measure to fund the position by reallocating $54,000 from other economic development functions.

The mayor and a select committee already have interviewed candidates to replace the city’s loaned economic development adviser, Kim Pearman-Gillman who soon will be returning to the Avista Corporation.

Pearman-Gillman urged the council to approve the measure rather than try to find another loaned executive.

"I would find it very difficult for someone to come in and perform this job on a short-term basis," she said.

The position has a salary range of $62,000 to $77,000 a year, so if the council wants to keep the person next year, it will have to appropriate more money for the position in the 2004 budget.

Since part of 2003 already has passed, the full amount is not necessary this year.

Councilman Steve Corker said he has been impressed with the inroads Pearman-Gillman has made, but added that he doesn’t want to see the new economic development adviser hampered with too many administrative duties.

"Our commitment tonight is not to fund a department or office," he said.

But Rodgers said the money would be better spent on the city’s infrastructure or public safety.

"We could hire another police officer for this $54,000," she said.

Several people stepped up to the public microphone to speak against the emergency budget ordinance.

"I am just a little bit curious. With all the economic development taking place in this city, why isn’t anything happening?" George McGrath asked.

He said he hasn’t seen much success from local economic development efforts.

"To approve this position, I think, is a waste of taxpayers’ money," Philip Grub said.

But Pearman-Gillman said the city’s efforts are paying off.

She cited a federal grant and revolving loan fund to help property owners clean up and develop slightly contaminated sites as proof.

•Amy Cannata can be reached at (509) 459-5497 or [email protected].

http://www.spokesmanreview.com/news-story.asp?date=040803&ID=s1332638&cat=section.business