Want the recipe for the local media story du jour? First, place in a saucepan the results from a recent statewide poll conducted by the University of Washington, which shows Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire leading Republican challenger Dino Rossi 51 percent to 45 percent. Add the news that Rossi will be deposed Wednesday about Buildergate, the lawsuit alleging he illegally coordinated with the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) to raise campaign funds. Then simmer for 800 or so words and serve with side dishes about the poll's crosshairs and the candidates' doubled efforts on the campaign trail. Voilà !
Proof is in the pudding: Seattle Post-Intelligencer columnist Robert Jamieson takes issue with Mayor Greg Nickels' contradictory stance on tackling youth violence and crime. On one hand, he writes, Nickels announces a $9 million proposal in September to tackle youth violence. On the other, Nickels axes youth programs like Get Off The Streets and Communities United of Rainier Beach. Why? City Councilman Nick Lacata says it's because Nickels only likes to fund and maintain programs he creates. ...
Let them eat cake: The editorial board at the P-I thinks the University of Washington should rethink its $300 million proposal to renovate Husky Stadium, saying the team and school are better off playing at Quest Field. ...
Cheese with that? Seattle Times columnist Nicole Brodeur says Deputy Mayor Tim Ceis should "set his hoop dreams aside" and make tax moves that help Seattle schools, health clinics, and rising land prices — not discombobulated Sonics fans. ...
Feast: King County Executive Ron Sims has proposed to shut down all of the county' "nonessential services" for 10 days next year in order to save $15 million and "prevent deeper program cuts in the face of a $93 million general-fund shortfall." Members of the several county-employee unions will decide by Nov. 17 whether to ratify the deal. ...
Famine: According to the Better Government Index, a Chicago-based civic group, Washington ranks No. 4 among states for government integrity. ...
His goose is cooked: Oregon pollster Tim Hibbits has the latest numbers on the Beaver state's nail-biter of a senate race. Hibbits says Republican Sen. Gordon Smith trails Democratic challenger Jeff Merkley by five points — and though the race isn't over, the "chances of Smith winning are slim." ...
