In the Running
David Bloom, cochair of the Interfaith Task Force on
Homelessness says he’s “strongly leaning” toward running for one of two
to four council seats coming open in 2009. Council members Richard
McIver and Jan Drago have said they plan to step down next year.
Additionally, there are rumors that Nick Licata may retire instead of
seeking a fourth term, and Richard Conlin is reportedly weighing a
run for mayor. Bloom says that if Licata, his closest ideological
ally on the council, steps down, “clearly, [that seat] would be my
preference. But obviously, I’d rather have him stay on the
council.” ERICA C. BARNETT
In the Wrong
In February, the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL)
received a complaint from a Columbia City resident about the
personalized license plate on her neighbor’s SUV. Next to the plate,
which says, “DEPORT,” is a bumper sticker that reads, “The
Anti-American Gang is Lying—Illegal Aliens are NOT
Immigrants.”
“I was so shocked,” the woman says. “I just don’t believe the state
should be sanctioning something that clearly carries a xenophobic
message.” In the last three months, DOL has twice reviewed and declined
requests to revoke the plate.
In a letter to DOL, the driver (who did not return a call) said he
bought the plate to support the recent crackdowns on illegal
immigration, adding, “I’m sure that the complaints… are coming
from the illegal aliens and their supporters.”
DOL spokesman Brad Benfield says that “as long as the plate is not
deemed offensive by the criteria set in law, we don’t feel like we’re
in a position to regulate someone’s thoughts.” JONAH
SPANGENTHAL-LEE