Jim West :: A Spokesman-Review Investigative Report

Readers shared their opinions and observations on the Jim West stories between May 5 and May 10, when we closed this forum to new comments.

The Jimmy Marks "Gypsy Curse" on the city of Spokane is alive and well!

Pat Forster

I don't care that West might be gay or bisexual. I do care that he's a hypocrite.

I am sickened by this story, but glad that the paper had the guts to expose Jim West for what he is. I don't care about someones sexuality, the thing that gets to me is when children are involved. I really do think that he needs to be removed from office and hope that the people will do just that. Being in the valley, we of course have no vote, but the people within the city limits need to speak up and do the right thing.

How sad for the gay community that a prominent figure has done his part in perpetuating the myth that gay men are often sexual predators. Let's not focus on his sexual orientation, but rather the allegation that he has sexually abused children.

Beware the politician who fervently tries to inject government regulations into consenting adult's private lives like Jim West did for so long. Too often they are projecting their own demons. West should go, and hypocritical elected officials who foist their own morality should be very concerned today.

HOW SORDID.....DIRT LAUNDRY, DEVIATE BEHAVIOR, UNNATURAL ACTS, YOUNG BOYS, WHAT A ROLE MODEL! WHATS HE THINKING?
DONT WORRY MR. WEST...YOU HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO THE ABOVE UNDER OUR CONSTUTUTION....BUT YOU STINK.

BOB

West has abused the office of the Mayor...promising jobs with the quid pro quo of sex...taking gifts...using taxpayers equipment for private purposes...resign or be recalled!

Straight, gay, bi-sexual who cares. Pedophile we care. Am I to believe the Spokesman Review didn't have any idea about this little tidbit when they endorsed this guy for mayor. PLEASE.

Mayor West needs to resign along with his deputy, Lynch. Bragdon and Odenthal should go, too. Maybe they are not all guilty of malfeasance or cover-up, but I think the lovely city of Spokane needs a fresh start, and that can only be achieved by removing the top leaders in the mayor's office and the police department.

I am completely outraged by these reports. We have to listen constantly to the Religious Right Republicans claiming that they represent "family values" and the Bible and here is one of their own poster boys living a despicable secret life. Republicans are hypocrites. I don't ever want to hear another word about liberals being immoral. Mayor West has already cut millions of dollars from City services and people say what a great job he is doing. Good kids can't do their homework in the library because he has shut them down with budget cuts but he can run around town with high school boys to have his fun. I am sickened by this. He should be removed from office immediately.

I commend the Spokesman-Review for the apparently careful investigation they have done on Mr. West and the courage they displayed in bringing his abuses to light. His sexual orientation is of no concern. His abuse of children is of major concern. His abuse of power for personal favors certainly is. His hypocrisy in blatantly spearheading ridiculous legislation to deny rights to gay people is abominable. It's time to leave office, Mr. West. I hope that you will be replaced with someone whose personal life and public policies are congruent.

Jim West should resign immediately. Brad Benson, John Ahern and every other right wing Republican politician who perpetuated the lie of Jim West as a protector of family values by supporting and praising the policies of this dangerous man should also resign. Who else are these hypocritical moralists protecting?

Isn't it amazing how these allegations surfaced just days after the last of the parking garage lawsuits settled. I guess the paper needs something else to beat the city with.

The sad thing is that we have been duped by Mr. West's duplicity and that his projection of a false image is probably not unique among politicians. I am far to the left of the Rebublican agenda, but it is pathetic that people lie to make themselves appear attractive to that ilk and that someone, including his supporters, did not question his integrity sooner. Finally, on a personal level, this man must not know what he is, what he believes or what his principals are. He's clearly lived and told so many lies, he's totally without meaningful substance. I wish people could be honest and still get elected.

What an unbelievable turn of events--the S-R apparently has essentially found out what so many have known about West apparently being gay or bi- or whatever sells papers. Since the S-R endorsed him to be elected, and they seem to have been investigating for a long time, what is the significance of this surfacing now that the settlement has been made with Betsy Cowles about her playpen downtown? Think the S-R would have preferred the suits to go on and on and on. CAn not agree with any pedophile, but also can't believe felons as we are hearing today. West has done a good job politically and I don't care who he is with as long as they are consenting adults and that is what the last 3 years at least seems to have been. Where does this place the Executive Director of Boy Scouts and fellow city council member Brad Stark since he was endorsed by West for election?

Just because he's a Republican doesn't mean that he represents all of that party. Just like Michael Moore doesn't represent the view of every member of the Democratic party. To believe otherwise is emotional overreaction.

It is all a big misunderstanding. He typed one letter wrong and now they are after him. He thought he was logged onto "haysex.com" not "gaysex.com". He thought he was corresponding with lonely farming women.

Dear Spokane,
In the height of ironic timing, I would like to tell you of my meeting of 7 April with Mayor West. The topic: Convincing State Legislature to pass a law requiring all current and future employees/volunteers of all organizations (regardless of size) that cater to minor children get a Criminal Background Check (including finger prints) submitted thru the WSP to the FBI. Cost: $18.00 Turnaround time 2-3 business days.
In short, his response was "What we've got now is good enough. I dont't have time for this, I've got a city to run." And, "I won't give you a letter endorsing the concept (that you/I could take to all the Spokane area legislators".
I knew going in he was a former Scoutmaster and fundraiser for the Boy Scouts. In person, I felt truly in the presence of evil.
Resign, Mr West.

The most troubling issue surrounding these allegations has to do with the statute of limitations. Priests, sheriffs deputies, and now a mayor have been accused of sexual molestation that occurred years ago and legally the victim has no recourse other than financial as the statute of limitations seems to have run out on most of these cases. Our lawmakers need to address this issue and make sex crimes equivalent to that of murder in that there can be no statute of limitations imposed on sex offenses. We need to encourage our elected officials to start now in making laws addressing this issue. Whether it be a state law or federal, people like Lisa Brown or Maria Cantwell need to take the lead and remove any restrictions on the prosecution of sex offenders no matter how long ago the offenses occurred. If Mayor West is guilty of molestation, he can't be brought to trial as those crimes took place too long ago. Please encourage your lawmakers to address this issue so we can properly prosecute those who are guilty of a most heinous crime.

So much for Spokane as the "All-American City". For the first time I am ashamed to say I live in Spokane. West finally has to act like a man and resign immediately.

Why are gay conservatives so tragic? Where are the positive role models for young libertarian-leaning gays like me?

Another self-righteous ring-wing hypocrite is exposed. Let there be light!

How disgusting! This man is a total creep. Do as I say, not as I do unto your children. West is a pig.

What a sick monkey. West tries to use his cancer as a sympathy getter in his email to the city staff. This guy is pathological. Resign or recall now!

A couple of drug addicts accuse him of abuse, and he's a pedophile? Liberals seem to want to believe everything drug addicts have to say.

There is no reason to care who or what he does--he was evaluated on his merits when he was elected--and that hasn't changed.

I came out as a gay man in the mid 70's in Spokane. Often times in the gay bars if there were altercations or harrassment, the COPS wouldn't even respond. Now I know what some fo them were doing and awho they were doing! Shame Mayor West, RESIGN!

Wow. It's true, a person's private life is their own, but not when their private life is brought to work with them. Access gay porn on your own time Mayor West. It's a crying shame if you did molest children. You need to resign and you need serious mental help. Aren't you married? Leave town and never come back.

Anonymous is just another word for coward. I don't feel this is a liberal or whatever issue. It is an issue of someone who has no integrity or morals and abuses his power as "your" public servant. I believe much is changed including the preconception of his merits.

I belive that the public should ask for a full background check on Mr. West. Private or Public, makes no difference, we need to prove or disprove what he may have done. If he is guilty, set a trial date. I would be pleased if justice was served either way. Ousting him from office shopld be an entirely seperate issue.

Jim West claims he has taken to prayer since his cancer and asks that he be prayed for. Well Jim I am praying for you that you have the guts to resign and save our city from anymore humliation and what taxpayer dollars this will or has already cost us.

I am not from Spokane. I just came across this story by accident while searching the internet for a place to stay during a summer visit. I hope he resigns or gets run out of town. I understand it's none of my business, but allowing him to stay in office appears to the outside world as condoning his actions. We think our child may be good enough to skate in the 2007 USFS Championships. I don't know how long his term is, but I certainly don't him hanging around the arena looking for dates during our event. I am going to make sure the USFS knows about him so they can decide what to do also. It's a shame because it looks like a nice area.

This makes me ill. Jim West should resign immediately. Being gay is one thing raping is another. If this was out, no one would have voted for him. Spokane people need to get him to step down, the sooner the better.

There's nothing wrong with being gay, but being an utter hypocrite, that's something else again. But the child molestation charges are worst of all. I hope Jim West resigns or is kicked out.

Some readers don't like the credibility of drug addicts and convicted felons. Maybe they were set on that path as young boys when an adult male role model molested them. Where there is smoke there is fire and Jim West is/was a likely pedophile. This is NOTHING against being gay or lesbian. It is all about the abuse of power and using
the guise of being an adult to manipulate children. What he does or doesn';t do with consenting adults of any sex or orientation in none of our business. I commend the S/R for taking 3 years to investigate this.

For the good of the City of Spokane and the entire area, Mr West should step down and cooperate fully with any additional investigations. It is sad that someone can be a fairly good leader in some ways and still be a probably pedophile. Frankly, it makes me wonder about many people now that "seem" respectful...

We must protect our children and the weakest among us. I for one believe the 2 men and their allegations. It takes courage to come out as it has to be very humiliating. I encourage others who have been abused by Mr West or anyone else to make it public and start with the healing.

God Bless Spokane. Boy, do we need it

After reading this I first thought of Dino Rossi who stood by then Senator West as he went through cancer treatment at Fred Hutchinson in Seattle. (Catholic) Senator Rossi put him up in his home and helped check him into the facility without knowing(we assume) of the disgusting secret life of this falsely moral legislator. I have often heard that those that spout the most hatred towards gays are those that fear they themselves are gay but are fighting it. Therego the secret double life and abuse of the powerless. Targeting troubled kids as easy marks that had no one watching them enough is dispicable beyond words. And we had this guy write our state budget and run the senate?

Hey, these allegations are only about sex. It's time to MOVE ON. Isn't that what Democrats said when Clinton was revealed to be a harasser, perjurer, obstructor of justice, and rapist? Seriously, I think it's an abuse of office in both cases. And if Mr. West does has a history of rape, he should be prosecuted if it's not too late.

Once again the City of Spokane has been embarrassed!! This story is indeed disturbing to read. I wont be a bit superised to see this on the national news circuit Friday morning. Mayor Jim West should resign.

The allegations of sexual molestation--and the accusers' crediblity--aside, isn't this the man who thought Lowry should be impeached for a sexual liasion? Isn't this the man who has been virulently anti-gay, anti-Aids education, and pro-marriage? The hypocrisy shames West, and it shames Spokane. Please resign Mr. West.

Everyone is so quick to pass judgement on a man who has served his community for most of his life, believing two "career criminals" and a rag of a newspaper who is all about selling papers more than it is to reporting solid facts. If Mr. West did do the things he is accused of doing than shame on him and he should step down but if a couple of drug addicts are looking for their 15 minutes of fame and a newspaper decided to destroy a respected mans professional and personal reputation without focusing on facts but fiction than shame on them!!!!!

In an email to city employees—which reads more like like a “whoops I made a mistake!” than a sincere apology—Mayor West uses the predictable “attack the victim” defense, referring to the sexual molestation victims as “convicted felons.”

It is important that everyone remember that these men were once young boys who were emotionally and physically violated, events that very likely set them on the path that has led them to where they are.

Then, in an attempt to mitigate his egregious behavior and distort the truth, Mayor West said the following: “I have always considered a person’s private life private and have respected others in this way.” The facts belie that statement. During his long and ignominious tenure in the legislature, West “the homophobe” invaded and denigrated the private lives of tens of thousands of gay Washingtonians, painting them as second-class citizens and criminals.

Finally, in what can only be described as a pathetic play for pity, West writes, “Since my cancer I’ve taken to prayer and believe it has healing power. Please pray for me...”

My prayer is that West resign, that he be brought to justice, and that the citizens of Spokane—indeed all America—be spared from any further shame.

Come on everyone! I see so many here jumping to conclusions on this! How do we even know this is totally true? And even if it is, lets look at all the good Mayor West has done for this city.

We could have a mayor like Vera Katz from Portland who has done a great job of destroying that city.

Lets all sit back and relax and let the man do his job (which he is doing an AWESOME job).

Lets all grow up and get out of this high school mindset everyone seems to have.

I thought our constitution states we are all innocent until proven guilty. Dont you think Mayor West deserves the same?

Tom Grant is either laughing right now, or angered he didn't investigate the story...

I hadn't realized that my city was destroyed by former Mayor Katz! I don't see a lot of Portlanders moving to Spokane. However, I am a young and ambitious man, and I would love to get to know Mayor West. I am not gay, mind you, but I can give your fine mayor what he wants. It is good to see Spokane in the news.

I have no political opinion one way or another about West, but I have a few things to say about the SR's fast-and-loose approach to journalism. By using a surrogate to post as an 18-year-old on the Internet, the SR has violated a sacred canon of journalism: You NEVER lie or misrepresent yourself to get a story. Never. What's even more galling is that they didn't need to: They already had bona fide sex surfers confirming the mayor was on gay.com and engaged in homosexuality. In the journalism world, misrepresenting yourself is every bit as bad as plagiarism, accepting money from the government and simply making stuff up. I've been a reporter myself for nearly two decades, and I've never seen or heard of a mainstream newspaper do something like this with the full knowledge of top editors. It makes life that much more difficult for honest reporters who already have a tough time convincing readers and sources that they're on the up and up. That was my first reaction when I read this. Then I read it again--every last word in every last sidebar and transcript, and I think the SR should be crossing their fingers that this doesn't blow up in their faces. The pedophilia angle is far, far from proven, and there's no indication that the SR checked out some pretty incredible assertions from Galliher, not the least of which is this tale about trying to stop the killing of an informant. Also troubled that the SR didn't post an unedited transcript of the Galliher interview, as they did with the mayor. Makes me wonder what ended up on the cutting room floor. In short, this package gets thin at critical junctures and isn't nearly powerful enough to support the lede, which states unequivocally that West has used his position to cultivate sexual relations with boys for 25 years. That's a he-said-she-said proposition, and the tone of this piece leaves me with the impression that the SR was more interested in getting a pelt than they were in practicing good, responsible journalism.

I see "disgustedjournalist"'s point. Journalism should be more like what we see on CNN. 24/7 coverage of the Runaway Bride or Where is Shandra Levi or Terri Schiavo: How Can We Revive a Dead Woman and Smear Her Husband. Now that is real journalism. No, SR just didn't go far enough in cinching this Jim West story. It doesn't really matter anyway. All Jim needs to do is say he's found Jesus, repent, and all those good Christians who voted for him will fall all over themselves to vote for him again. They will pray and have vigils and quite possibly he could be recommended for sainthood. We could then have another 25 years of molestation, hypocritical laws passed to ban anything and everything gay, and everything will be back to normal.

Come on everyone! I see so many here jumping to conclusions on this! How do we even know this is totally true?

There are more layers to this story than in a Greek pastry.

Even if only what he has confessed to is true, he needs to step down.

No amount of good works excuses or exonerates a 50-something year-old man who uses all of his political muscle in public to marginalize, criminalize and demonize gays, only to turn around and use the same muscle to cultivate for sex impressionable boys of the youngest possible legal age for consent.

This man's M.O., his preocupation with 18 year-olds, the totality of his actions, are typical sexual predator behavior.

Michael,

West may be doing an AWESOME job, but the transcripts of his on-line chats with "moto-broak" is enough justification for resignation or recall. That is pitiful!

Just a reminder that even liberal Portland (and Oregon) will deal with liberal sexual predation -- Neil Goldschmidt's despicable behavior the case in point. Of course, Neil couldn't turn to Jesus or Republican false-piety. He did have the good grace to disappear from public life.

I have a difficult time believing the allegations of molestation. After all, the timing is a bit, shall we say, fishy. If this allegeded molestation DID occur, why was it not disclosed in 1981, when Hahn committed suicide? Why wait 24 years, until a man is in a powerful position, to come forward?

Additionally, I agree with West's assertation that his private life is private, and I fully applaud his coming out of the closet, albeit forced, after all this time. However, what I cannot and will not tolerate is the hypocrisy that he is flaunting in our faces.

West has not been convicted of any crime, and we need to remember that. However, he DID cross the line when he offered public jobs for private favors. When he did that, he made his private life fair game. And his stance over the years on sex in general and homosexuality in particular makes everything he says, does, or stands for questionable now.

Mr. West, although I feel for you, you need to step down. You say you have Spokane's best interests in mind. Then let us have a leader we can trust when it comes to the issues in which he purports to believe.

Did anyone else notice the coincidence in the online chat transcript and West's interview, in which he asserted that he had met more than 1,300 boys at the Boy Scouts camp and had taught many of them to swim. In the chat transcript, he talks about how best to approach other young men to see if they might be "interested" in sexual contact and advises Moto-Brock that "horsing around" in a pool is a great way to cop a feel, then pretend it was an accident if he protests. That's classic pedophile behavior. It's easy to dismiss complaints that are 20 to 30 years old, but the fact is that most pedophiles do not confine their activities to one or two victims. If these activities did indeed occur, my guess is victims are going to start coming out of the woodwork.

I think it's a sad day for Jim West. Coming to terms with being gay is the most difficult thing in a person's life. I went through that myself during my college years in Spokane. With all the pressure from the community to conform to the straight life, it's not wonder that Jim West kept his private life so private. I don't condone the actions that he allegedly molested minors, but his sexual orientation should not be used against him in this case.

As for the Spokesman-Review: Shame on you for entrapping Mr. West. Gay.com is one of the only places for gays coming to terms with their sexuality to have an outlet to express themselves and meet others who may be working through the same feelings. I think it's absolutely disgusting that you pose as a gay man for the sole purpose of entrapment and a way to sell more newspapers. Your actions further homophobia in Spokane and give me just another reason to be happy to now be living in Seattle.

Scott,

Either you are delusional, are straight pretending to be gay, or haven’t come to terms with what it means to be gay.

West is the most dangerous and reprehensible form of homosexual. His whole life has been a lie, and he has lashed out against gays in order to conceal his sexuality. The issue here is hypocrisy, his attempts to bash, criminalize, marginalize and demonize gays to protect himself, his political career, his access to power, and all the while doing everything he railed against.

This is not a tortured man who could not come to terms with his true self. It’s a selfish man who wanted everything life had to offer, and was willing to lie, deceive, manipulate, step on other people’s rights, point fingers, accuse, abuse and very likely molest young boys along the way.

His online activity, his interest in 18 year-olds exclusively, the YOUNGEST age able to legally give consent, his adopting a persona, courting, cultivating, all point to a sexual predator.

His claim that he respects people’s private lives is the biggest crock I have ever heard. He spit all over every gay in Washington’s private life, and was vocal and public about it.

He cannot have it both ways, try to destroy gays publicly, and be one privately.

Your sympathy for him is as troubling as his behavior.

George:

Had Jim West been a typical gay-bashing conservative, I would have no sympathy for him whatsoever. I know firsthand that coming to terms with being gay causes some very self-destructive and hateful behavior. When I was in college, I lashed out against gays on campus and spouted the most hateful speech against other gays to cover up and deny the feelings I have for other men. It was a horrible way to live, and in that sense I feel sympathy for Mr. West.

I don't deny that his actions in the past have hurt the gay community. I do realize that his actions come from deep-seated internal homophobia which has been further reinforced by the conservative community around him.

I am shocked and do not know what to say. I am truly sickened and I am sure that Many other of his former employees are as shocked and dismayed as I am. I was a very addimate supporter of Mr. West's for a very long time and had enjoyed working for him during the summers. I never expected this. Things have definately changed.

Scott,

I am a gay man, 44, who had the courage, dignity, self-respect and conviction to come out at 18, in 1979. I endured harrassment, heckling, even violence.

I have known thousands of Jim Wests, men whose cowardice, and, yes, self-hate, but more than anything egotism, drive them to be homophobic bigots, but the sefl-hate is low on the list. His behavior is typical of the kind of spineless, calculating gay man who knows very well he wants to have gay sex, but isn't man enough to be public about it.

Again, I have no sympathy and nothing but contempt for him. If he were a self-hating, repressed gay man who anguished over his sexuality, fought the urges, repressed it, that would be a different story, but this man knew what he liked, prayed on people to achieve it, and attacked gays to deflect attention, not out of a sense of anguish, but because that's what cowards do.

And if you think West wouldn't act, vote, move, or advocate to continue to repress, marginalize, criminalize and demonize you, you're naive. I'm just waiting for the conversion, and the new, born-again Jim West to come out attacking the "depraved, immoral, and godless homosexual lifestyle that Jesus saved him from."

George:

I admire that you had the courage to come out at 18. When I was 18, I came to Spokane from a small town to go to college. I went through counseling to try to get over my feelings for my male friends, but the only thing I needed to get over was my own internalized homophobia. It wasn't until I was 27 and had moved to Portland was I comfortable enough to come out.

You and I did not choose to be gay, but we did choose to come out. Jim West is still wrestling with his own internal demons (and hurting the rest of us in the process). The difference is that I chose to stop telling myself that being gay is wrong, and Mr. West has not.

My hope would be that Mr. West will just finally come to terms and make ammends with the gay community. Unfortunately, I'm afraid, the damage that he's already done is too great.

I have also started a thread in a forum to further discussion from the Spokane gay community. The forum can be found at http://www.outspokane.com

Resign Mr. West! How many days until you cave in or will you just continue your bullish ways and try and 'fix' this? pfftttt!

OUT WITH THE MAYOR!

Does Mayor West and John Morrison have somethings in common? First Morrison is forced out then Mayor West investigation. Something is up!

On the surface, this is bad news. Bad for Mr. West, Bad for Spokane, Bad for its Residents. Especially after Metropolian Mortgage.

In the long-run, hopefully some good may come of this. Perhaps we will become more tolerant of persons with different sexuality than the majority (even if some people personally disapprove of their lifestyle). Perhaps we will be more alert to potential sexual misconduct with children. Perhaps we will question the jounalistic practices of our hometown newspaper. Perhaps we will question extreme xenophobia among our elected officials.

Bottom-line, it is better that we know than don't know. Let's use this as an experience to learn and grow as a community.

Anyone consider that what is coming to light is a seriously organized pedophelia ring? Is it just coincidence that these men were allegedly buggering boys at the same time that Bishop Skylstad was turning a blind eye and deaf ear to the screams of young men in the hands of O'Donnell in his basement at Assumption?

Aren't we innocent until proven guilty? I think the reaction is astounding to allegations. Anybody can allege this conduct. It seems a lot of people are still under the impression that gay men must be pedophiles. There are a number of reasons for these men to make such allegations; any judgment premature to a full investigation is inappropriate. Fundamentalists seem to think they are the only ones with moral righteousness. Please save your judgment until you have proof. Judgment among people of different backgrounds is all too common in America today.

Innocent until proven guilty. Absolutely right. But, that does not mean we shouldn't explore connections.

There are allegations that he's a child molester. I dont care if he is gay or bisexual. By labeling him gay or bisexual at the same time throwing the allegations that he's a child molestor makes it sound like child molestors are gay or bisexual. The important issue that was addressed was that he was interested in 'younger' folks. I think that it's a great thing that the spokesman review did take 2 years to uncover this story. From reading all the articles and knowing about statistics the accusations of molestation is absolutly 98 percent true. A none survivor of this terrible type of abuse would never want to claim that it happened to them....thats why it takes time to be able to talk about it. I thank the two guys that did speak up about their horrible experiences. Jim West is a disgrace to Spokane. THere is no reason why he deserves to be in office as mayor of spokane. He tore apart the name of spokane by his actions 24 years ago. Of course he's going to deny that he did that 24 years ago. if there are two that are speaking now..there are probabably ten thousand others.............you can count on that.
thank you spokesman review for revealing the truth of our mayor and to be very precise and descriptive about this abuse. It gives this type of abuse a voice and recognition that it happens often too much and people put a shame/quiet label around it because nobody wants to hear or talk about it. thats life. this type of abuse NEEDS To stop.

sick

angela

Explore, yes. Most readers seem ready to hang this man based on these allegations. I do not live in Spokane anymore, but I grew up there and am really fond of areas around Spokane. However, the conservative attitude of the city has driven me to larger cities with a more diverse population. I would really like to see the people of Spokane react in a mature constitutional manner about the situation. If Mr. West is proven to be a pedophile, then he should be removed and prosecuted. Gay does not mean pedophile. I just want to wait and let the evidence weigh in before the mayor gets hung.

The allegations are allegations only at this time.

West admits using taxpayer equipment, offering interships, and other enticements in his chats with the false young man (Spokesman Review).

Using taxpayer equipment, jobs for sex, and abusing a position of power are crimes in this state. West has admitted to committing these crimes.

The Mayor of a City should not need a parental warning attached to their conversations or them personally.

West needs to do the right thing, or the people of Spokane should do it for him.

Resign or Recall Now!

This is only the beginning. I have a feeling that this will slowly become a national item both politically and locally. I think that Mayor West's troubles have only begun. I won't be surprised if he resigns in a quick fashion, because the longer he stays, the more problems arise.

Unfortunately, I agree that Mayor West's problems have just begun. I think the mere acknowledgment of his sexual orientation will insure that he will be removed from office.

If the city of Spokane lets this slide under the carpet, shame on us.
The spokesman-review has done a outstanding job of reporting and now I want to see how our city council and the city attorney perform under this pressure to do what is right for Spokane, otherwise many more changes must be made in the next election.

Interesting how if something is spoken then people believe it must be so. People are so ready to believe anything they hear. Some advice my mother gave me a long time ago: Believe nothing you hear and only half of what you see.
Please hold your judgments until he has actually been proven guilty.

The Spokesman Review is a media source. Pedophilia is a crime. There needs to be a criminal investigation. More often than not, there is a lot of bias in media coverage.

Spokane has been disgraced by Jim West. The allegations from the 70's are likely difficult to prove - so we can leave those until lawsuits either implicate or exonerate West.
The current pursuing of 17 & 18 year olds, regardless of gender, by a 54 year old man is truly disturbing. I don’t believe that West has any children of his own so he can not comprehend what a parent of a 17 or 18 year old would think about a 54 year old man seeking a sexual relationship with their precious child. West goes back and forth in referring to the 17 and 18 year olds as either adults, kids, boys, or consenting adult. Which is it Mr. Mayor? Are they boys, adults, kids, or consenting adults? (the various references to the 17 and 18 year olds is from the online chat, the SR interview transcript, and the Mayor’s statement) This is enough that the Mayor should resign immediately.
Then comes the promise of paid internships in his office, gifts, sporting tickets, and linking to the cities website to show off just what a big man he is. How big is he now? Using his position and office to entice children to have sex with him, that definitely is enough for him to resign! If he won’t resign the citizens need to initiate a recall to throw him out of office!
Last thought, do you think that these two documented “chat” relationships were the only two that West has had? Not a chance. He indicates in the online chats that he has hooked up with other boys as well. He is a predator of Spokane’s kids and he is our Mayor!?! How sick is that?

Don't you love this "shoot the messenger" attitude some people have adopted? The S-R did its job ... to report the truth about a matter of PUBLIC interest. Just because some of you would like to keep your heads buried in the sand and not know the awful truth doesn't mean it shouldn't be reported. Now that the allegations are there, they need to be dealt with, not shrouded in a smokescreen of a yellow journalism rant.

Linda,
He has admitted to the conversations on gay.com. Have you read his "chats" with moto-brook or dannyboy? They speak for themselves of the Mayors improper use of his position and office to seduce you kids for sex! There is already a lot of evidence that is available that West has validated in his interview with the SR and in his public statement. The 20 year old allegations definetly need more investigation to confirm West's involvement.

"you kids" was meant to be "young kids". Sorry - typing too fast.

I can't believe that people dont want to believe that he's a pedophile. And i know that its reached to other states in the united states because my friend has been at a conference in D.C. all week and someone came up to him (knowing he was from Spokane) and said , "hey i heard about your mayor, that's f'd up". people already know. People people people people of course you dont want to believe its true. Yes the allegations happened along time ago. MORE PEOPLE NEED TO SUPPORT the survivors that came out and spoke about this.

angela

It's called objectivity, not a "shoot the messenger" attitude. Obviously, this is a very important story and it is serving its purpose to ignite discussion and hopefully spark a real investigation, which is what the media does and is a good thing. I just do not want to bury an innocent person who has done great work in office without definite proof.

Gay.com is a forum for homosexual men, its not an admission to pedophilia. Many may not approve it, but its use is not illegal nor is it necessarily improper. Certain conversations may be improper by a mayor during mayoral duties. However, what the mayor does on his own time is not really my business so long as it is not illegal.

There evidence shows that the Mayor has patterns of having sex with young men and then denying that he is gay. This denial of reality is a characteristic of addicts. I don't trust the word of a mayor that denys the reality that he likes sex with young men. I think a full investigation of the allegations should proceed and if Jim West is guilty of sexually abusing young boys he should be held accountable.
He sounds like Clinton saying I did not have sex with that woman. His own words show that he is not afraid to use his position of power to help him attract young men for sex.
He should face reality and resign his position as mayor.

This is disgusting news about Jim West. The hypocrisy is appalling. The "convicted felons" West refers to, are victims of abuse. It could very well be West's FAULT that they are "convicted felons", as children who are abused frequently turn to drugs and alcohol for self-medication. Sounds like West blames the victims. (Typical of pedophiles and abusers). I would believe the words of the "convicted felons" before I would believe West's denial. Inmates have MUCH to lose when coming forth with accusations such as these. Guards and fellow inmates alike will harass and discriminate against the victims, especially when the abuser is a former Law Enforcement officer.
Add one more name to the growing list of rogue cops, boy scout leaders, priests, politicians, et al, for Spokane, Washington. This city is rife with corruption, (along with Seattle), so nothing is surprising anymore.
Good job, Spokesman-Review, for exposing this corruption.

As the C.A.I., I am amazed that you’re so quick to jump on the "guilty" bandwagon when there are simply allegations on the table. I think it is ignorant to suggest that the mayor has less to lose than the convicted felons in such allegations. Again, I find it sad that people are so quick to hang the mayor before there is concrete proof. It sounds like the coalition for injustice not against injustice.

Every sick SOB in the world is probably headed to Spokane as we speak as they assume everyone here has their head in the sand when it comes to perversion of this nature. The business community here has no balls whatsoever if they continue to gloss over this. Absolutely despicable behavior, not to mention the abuse of power involved. God have mercy on us all. Please.

Sounds like JMM may be one of my "acquaintances" who continually harasses me for opposing and exposing corruption. As a long time citizen of the Spokane area, and a former citizen of Seattle, I find that if the "accused" is "an ordinary citizen", they are automatically presumed guilty, and often "FOUND" guilty via corruption, false testimony, judicial and prosecutorial misconduct and malfeasance. But if a politician or Law Enforcement is accused, "they are innocent until proven guilty".
Say JMM... are you one of the people that reports me for opposing and exposing corruption? Or one of the guys who helped get the Spokesman-Review forum shut down because I posted news articles about corruptLE?

The historical allegations do need further evidence and investigation to hang the guilty label on the Mayor. Guilt by association is OK for the tabloids but not a court room.
As for the gay.com chatting/dating, that shows that West likes and seeks out young "men". While that too is legal it is not something many of his constituents would approve of. Especially if it were their son or daughter that the mayor was pursuing.
Finally, the issue of using his job, office, and the perks that come with the job to entice young men. At one point the Mayor assures motobrook "don't worry, you'll get it" regarding a paid internship position in the Mayors office. That is gross abuse of the office of Mayor.
West was careful in apparently seeking only legal age boys. The allegations from the 70's are virtually impossible to proof with many possible witnesses dead and much evidence no longer available. The abuse of his office is what needs to be investigated to verify the allegations that West himself documented in his gay.com and AOL AIM conversations.

Dear C.A.I.

I have never come to the forum before. I live and practice law in Denver, Colorado and grew up in Spokane. I heard about the story on CNN this morning. I'm not saying that he didn't do it; I’m only suggesting that there needs to be an investigation before we automatically resolve to the decision that he committed these acts of atrocity. If he did, then hell yes, he needs to go. At this point its allegations, why does everyone want to jump to a conclusion. It sounds like you have no faith in the justice system, a system many people do not understand. Like all branches of our government, it is not perfect, but its our system, and like our constitution, I think we are better off to follow protocol and wait until the evidence is all in before we make a conclusion. I recall being told we won the Iraq war a few years ago, look where that stands. Personally attacking me for my opinion and discussion in this room will only serve to discredit you in your discussion. An open forum is a pool of ideas and opinions; I am as free to voice my opinion much in the same way that you’re free to voice yours.

Respectfully,

JMM

And Dear JMM,
You are absolutely correct, I "have no faith in the justice system", as I have witnessed, documented, and reported more corruption and violations of Constitutional Law than you could ever believe. I frequently see corruption rewarded and exalted, rather than corrected or redressed. I hope someday my "faith in the justice system" will be restored, but I doubt it. You "personally attacked" ME, when I stated I would believe the victim's before I would believe West. I have valid reasons to feel that way.
A few years ago, a law was passed that allowed victims of abuse to sue the perpetrator if they filed within 3 years of "memory recall". I'm almost certain "9/11" changed that law (along with other laws that protect victims).
I hope you utilize your skills and knowledge to protect The Constitution, (that is rapidly being destroyed). Good luck with your career.

I hope you folks applauding the SR realize that the SR didn't merely report the news here: they CREATED it. They hired a guy to lie to an individual. Eventually they set a trap for the mayor and he walked into it.

From what I see, the only thing proved so far is that the mayor likes young men (not children). There is no proof whatsoever that the 25-year-old allegations by convicted felons is true.

But we know for sure that the mayor likes 'em young.

Is this really public service journalism? Or is it just sexualized sensationalism?

Either way, it makes Spokane look bad. And not only can you thank Jim west for that. You can than the SR, too.

I'm not sure if it's a more sad commentary on our culture or the homophobic hypocrites in the GOP, but, as any psychologist can tell you, those that protest the most about homosexuality are also the most likely to be latent homosexuals themselves, and sometimes not even latent as in this case. It's sad on our culture because we foster a society whereby people cannot be who they are without hiding it. It's sad on the GOP for beng the loudest cheerleaders in our society for this type of hateful and dishonest culture. We have homophobic homosexuals and where do they find a home? In the GOP, of course.

Unfortunately, I agree that Mayor West's problems have just begun. I think the mere acknowledgment of his sexual orientation will insure that he will be removed from office. - JMM

JMM, I hate to be the first to break the news to you that you're an idiot. This has nothing to do with sexual orientation. It has to do with abuse of young people and the hypocrisy that Jim West represents when he has spent his whole life dreaming up legislation to discriminate against gays and lesbians while at the same time he's having same-sex relations. Mr. West say's he wants to keep his private life "private" while at the same time supporting legislation against gay and lesbians private lives. I suspect the "Inland Empire" is chocked full of hypocritical homophobic right wing Republican Christians, who focus on gays and lesbians because they are self loathing about themselves. Jim West is nothing but a pedophile, not to mention a bully. His whole career has been based on bullying other people. But don't worry JMM, all Jim needs to do is pray for forgiveness and your ilk will be defending everything he does to the very end.

I highly doubt The Spokesman-Review "created" this news, I applaud them for reporting it.
It is perfectly legal for police to lie and "entrap" suspects, why shouldn't investigative reporters be allowed to do the same?
How can ANYONE prove sexual allegations from 25 years prior? In cases like this, it would have to be dependent upon witness testimony. Certainly witnesses lie, but rarely do witnesses humiliate themselves with embarassing testimony as these witnesses are, unless it is the truth.
I just now read of the beating one witness endured at the hands of prison guards. This happens frequently, is reported continuously, but is usually denied and covered-up.
Especially in washington State.
But that is a whole 'nother story...
IMO, West should step down from his position as Mayor, and seek help for pedophilia.

Those that are proclaiming that the SR created this story and they aren't doing a good job would much rather have the news as reported by the majority of the main stream media which absolutely sucks. I applaud the SR for doing what journalists should be doing, investigative journalism and reporting of significant news. Americans have become pea brains, all they apparently want is stories about RunAway Brides, Terry Schiavo, Where is Shandra Levi, etc. I know the right wingers in here don't want anyone reporting real news so they are trying desperately to discredit anything that might expose their hate and hypocrisy. They are even coming in here from out of state. Look at JMM coming from James Dobson Focus on the Family, Colorado.

Tammy - you go girl!

I'm glad that I live on the RIGHT coast. Sounds like there are tooooooo many lefties and gays on the LEFT coast for me to feel comfortable raising my Children there. Every Society will prosper or fall based upon its level of morality and values!

East Coast Scott

Spokane is a great city to live and raise your children. Come on bring them on out!

I think that this is really two stories, not one. There is the story of West's possible criminal behavior in the 1970's. And, completely separate from that, there is the story of his alleged misuse of his position to impress adult young men over the internet, and the hypocritical nature of this behavior given his policy positions.

The problem with combining the two stories, which the Spokesman has for all intents and purposes done by packaging them together under the general title of "sexual misconduct" and releasing them on the same day, is that the first story (the abuse) is about a serious crime, and the second -- while hypocritical and distasteful -- is much less serious. Going on gay.com and chatting with young men is NOT illegal -- even if you're chatting with a so-called computer forensic expert (and how, other than being a very good actor, did his forensic "expertise" come into play here? How is this not just plain old entrapment?) The bottom line is that the public will not make a distinction between the two stories. The Spokesman Review should have anticipated this and taken greater care in the distinctions it drew and the methods it used.

Don't get me wrong ... I'm a gay man and a large part of me is delighted as heck that West's hypocritical behavior is out there for all to see. However, presenting these stories as a package implicitly ties West's current monkey business to the sketchy, horrible, allegations against him dating back 25+ years. In reality, there is no connection between his current behavior and any possible crimes of his past, except in the imagination of a homophobic public. Gay men -- even closeted, hypocritical ones who like younger men -- are not criminals.

It is for the public to make an overall evaluation of Jim West, the man -- I don't think there's much mystery about what that judgment will be, at least for most of us. I know what mine is -- I say throw the bum out. But when I hear half the people in this forum join the editors of the paper in proclaiming loudly that "this is not about his sexual orientation" ... I call BS. The homophobic notion that all gay men are predators is in play here. That's why the Spokesman Review failed to draw clear distinctions between serious crimes and Lewinski-esque internet dalliances and employed deception and entrapment as a means of procuring its story. It is a shame that the paper didn't muster up some actual journalistic restraint so that these two separate, important and disurbing stories might have emerged uncolored by each other and free from the messy splatter of sensationalism and questionable journalistic practice.

Spokane IS a great city to raise your children. Just beware of hidden terrorists in high places.

Spokane is a great city to raise your children

Well if you don't like dirt, good luck finding somewhere to live that doesn't have it, wanting to not have this information published is having your hand stuck in the same sick cookie jar, it's investigative journalism that is our greatest hope of holding public servants accountable, since the vast majority of them do not feel this sense of obligation. As for Mayor West...you better stop hiding behind a wall of privacy, you lost that right when you offered a government job inappropriately and trying to cover up the mess of a lie only makes it bigger, I only hope you drag down all the other culprits who also perpetuate the misuse of their office and/or supported you knowing what you did.

Matt, well said. And I agree that the SR is appealing to the kneejerk homophobia of the public. I think they purposely packaged these stories together to make their own scoop seem more important. In the end, the average guiy on the street will come away with this: the mayor of Spokane is a hypocritical homosexual who molests children. Hypocrite, yes. None of the rest have been proven or even strongly supported.

What is sad is to see gay folks throwing their own principles out the window because the target(this time) happens to be a closeted Republican who has an anti-gay agenda. If the target were a liberal, pro-gay Democrat, I think they';d be singing a different tune.

If the SR's tactics here are acceptable, then they will be duplicated. Next time the target may not be so unlikeable.

It's no wonder many of the business leaders of Spokane support Jim West, he likes hang out with rich people, and if someone likes you because your rich, maybe you get special favors? I think the slim goes beyond the mayors office.

How quick would West be "outed" and viciously attacked if he were a Democrat? Just wondering, after seeing most Democrats fall under immediate attack over the smallest accusations.
I have a son that was a boy scout, we lived in the Spokane valley, and I have valid concerns over this news. I admire S-R for reporting it, I feel it is their DUTY to keep the public informed.
I do not care about anyone's "sexual affairs", until it involves children.
I do care about the corruption and decay of our Law Enforcement and Politicians, those we pay to "protect and serve", and "lead our great city".
My hopes are that the Spokesman-Review will continue reporting corruption and abuse of powers.
"Better late than never".

Assuming Jim West were tried and found guilty of preying on minor children wouldn't that make him a Level 111 sex offender? Level 111 being the ones most likely to reoffend. Why should position protect such a threat to the community?

Good point, Clare! If West were tried and convicted, he would become a "convicted felon", as he refers (judgementally and hatefully) to his alleged victims, (in attempts to discredit them). What if he had found a minor on the internet that was lying about his age?
West is a threat to this community, IMO, and should resign or be removed IMMEDIATELY.

I am a mental health professional and have provided treatment to juvenile boys and girls for years. I have also heard their stories of personal sexual maltreatment. I have read hundreds of files of gruesome depiction of sexual abuse of children. After reading Robert Galliher's letter describing his sexual, emotional terrorization at the hands of the late Mr. Hahn and apparently Jim West, I am left with a sadness for these men, who as boys, had to endure this torment. The actions Mr. Galliher describes are textbook grooming and emotional/physical abuse which an adult sexual abuser uses to engage victims. The truth is, many, many children, especially boys, DO NOT TELL ANYONE! The strategy of the offender is to insure they don't. Little children really must believe grownups to survive. To use your role as law enforcement officer, boy scout leader etc., adds an element of fear and cruelty hard to imagine. The credibility of the men coming forward should not be a focus. Experts will tell you who doubt, that all sexual abusers carefully select vulnerable vicitms. Sexual orientation is a non-issue here...hideous sexual maltreatment of innocent boys is! To Mr. Galliher and all those harmed by these men, my heart goes out to you and your families. I hope you find hope and renewal in your life as you step out in courage and face those who robbed you of your innocence. I beg our community to rally and insist Mr. West resign immediatly! These allegations and his engagement of other teen boys, is appalling. Get out of my town Mr. West!

So. Allegations from 20+ years ago in a deposition (not a criminal complaint or suit against Mr. West), and an ethically questionable sting operation that raise mild quasi-nepotism issues.
Mighty thin stuff.

hey,
Coalition Against Injustice. I really thank you for comming and saying your comments on here. everything that you said needed to be said.

good for you

angela

That is what Mr. West gets!!!

All ye who indulge in homosexual behavior shall befall this fate. Masquerading as a man of high moral character is sad.

You cannot run, and ye cannot hide from the mighty hand of YAWEH!!!

I am very glad I do not live in Spokane anymore. HOWEVER, I read Al French's statement in support of Mayor West and I have to wonder what he is thinking. Al French has his own ethical and potentially criminal problems (arising from giving advice to dredge the Spokane River for one of his clients in Post Falls) -- maybe that is why he is backing another ethically/criminally challenged individual. I guess like people do run with each other.

My RIGHT coast is the same side as WEST'S side. So is on the LEFT side?
The EAST?

Thank you, Angela! Unfortunately, I meet lots of resistance when I oppose corruption and misconduct. What America needs is more genuinely concerned citizens like yourself, who prefer the truth over "sugar-coated lies", even when the truth hurts.
Mayor West owes Spokane, the Sheriff's Office, the Boy Scouts, and everyone else, an apology for his hypocrisy and abuse, before he steps down. And he should step down while he can. I have a "gut-feeling" that more abuse will come to light in the near future.
Meanwhile, the guards that beat one of the witnesses, should also be thoroughly investigated before being removed.

Wow - first you guys have WTO riots and now this.

Next thing you know Howard Shultz will be announcing layoffs. But you have a beautiful city nonetheless. Space Needle is awesome.

The fact that West, a 54-year-old man, is into 18 year-old boys tells me he likely committed the molestation that these two men claim. What on earth does West have in common with an 18-year-old, other than wanting sex? He was also close friends with another man (Hahn) accused of molestation. Cooincidence? I agree a man is innocent until proven guilty so let's investigate his activites until we all remove reasonable doubts from our minds. I personally know of three women West dated so that he could cover up his sexual orientation. The things he said to Moto-Brock are humiliating for our city and come at a time when Spokane was just beginning to be recognized as the fine city we are so proud of. West - your political career is over and Spokane is ready for you to take up residence elsewhere.

A recall needs to be initiated immediately. I am not familiar with the process on a mayoral level here in Spokane so if someone knows, let's hear about it so we can move forward. That's the very least that needs to be done. This sicko is most likely a pedophile from all that has been reported so criminal proceedings need to take place ASAP. I sincerely hope that his political power and influence don't get him out of this mess. He's already been caught threatening someone and prosecuted for it. He's abused power for many many years. Offering internships for sex... Let's rally together Spokane and let justice prevail!

We had a mayor down here who sat outside a woman's house repeatedly and claimed he was delivering newspapers. Then he charged a trip to New York on the City expense. And all from a Mormon Republican.

The good end to this unfortunate spectacle was that we elected an honest, unassuming forward-thinking person to lead our city after Mayor Coles was recalled.

Spokane can move on from this. But you've got to get that guy out of there

The time has come to get a recall petition started since Mayor West has declared he doesn't intend to step down. People who compare him to Clinton are mistaken in that Bill Clinton did not recruit Monica from some website. Anyone who fails to understand why Galliher and Grant did not come forward sooner has never been up against a dishonest cop who is willing to lie about you to earn brownie points or cover his own behind. I have been, so I understand why they might have hesitated to accuse him or defend themselves. They probably thought they would never be believed since West was a cop and a Boy Scout leader besides. Anybody who knows the rules on getting a recall petition started or has already started the process, please e-mail me at cashme327@comcast.net.

I agree that the Mayor is to be presumed innocent of criminal charges unless he is found guilty in a court of law, but all the same, it is well-known that many gay men prefer young boys. Maybe the Mayor can be a board member of NAMBLA, now that he has resigned from other boards.

I was shocked to see the head lines. I still have not beena ble to bring myself to read the paper. I just stack them in a corner until I can. I don't know that Jim West did anything wrong with the boys. On the other hand, I don't know that he didn't. I am an avid supporter of Jim West and he has helped me with legal issues in the pass no matter if he was here in town or at the state capitol. I do know that he has done a great deal for the common good of the people of Washington and Spokane in particular. I am not a supporter of same sex relationships or abusing children/youths. For me, it is religiously and morally wrong. And for whatever reason this might go to a court situation, I pray that I am not called to be part of the jury. The call is too great for someone like myself.

West may have some personal issues to sort out,(don't we all) but the guy has been working hard for this state and this city for a long time. As for the criminal accusations 1)Prove it. West may be bi and entirely innocent of all these things. If so Who cares if he's bi. 2)Consider the source... these guys may (perhaps probably) could have some alterior motives. Please consider that some people would do anything for a)a buck b)for payback c)or just simply to garner some favor from other parties.
One other thought to consider:who has West made mad? All this could have come out long ago..... Senates Races, Mayors races, Many previous opportunities why now? No big story needed just a blip on the radar screen would have taken off all on it's own. Why now??/ Whose mad? For whom is the timing of this information the most convenient?
Last but not least a pessimistic note must must be included: If West can be proved to have been abusive to kids. No punishment will be harsh enough as far as I am concerned. I have two little ones and I cannot express the lengths I would go to............

But a story does not prove anything other ones ability to think and write. Lots of holes in this one boys and girls. Prayers for all.

To Mayor Jim West, The Spokesman-Review, and the residents of the City of Spokane:
For those of you who are not personally acquainted with me, my name is Ken Zigler. I am a senior at Gonzaga University. I share much in common with Mayor West. I, too, attended Grant Elementary school. This school is the most ethnically diverse school in Spokane and I have fond memories of my time there. While I was there, I wrote former Spokane Mayor Sheri Bernard advocating the use of seat belts in buses and on a separate occasion advocated for the crossing light which now hangs over the intersection of 8th and Perry. The Community Colleges of Spokane and Criminal Justice Program at Gonzaga University are also the sources of education for both me and Mr. West. I have been politically involved at all stages of life. I was class president at Grant Elementary, a representative of Lakeside High School at the Chase Youth Commission’s Teen Advisory Counsel, and the Men’s President of Spokane Falls Community College. Mayor West is also a natural leader. The first time I heard his name, I was in sixth grade at Bryant Elementary School, which I attended once-a-week for the “gifted” program. Jeff West was a classmate of mine and was proud of his Uncle Jim, who was running for the U.S. House of Representatives during that same year (1992).
Perhaps it is this similar background that led me into the Mayor’s Office late in the fall of 2004. I was given the opportunity to be an intern in the Mayor’s Office. The Spokesman-Review quoted Mr. West, “Any kid could be an intern in my office…” This is true. I was not offered the position because I met the Mayor on gay.com. I am not a homosexual. I wore my wedding ring during my interview and displayed a photo of my wife and my son on my desk. I was treated fairly. I was never treated in any manner which would suggest that the position came with stipulations and I was never approached by Mr. West. I simply dressed properly, with a $7 suit from Goodwill, and had much pride instilled in me from that position. It made me feel important to sit with the leaders of the City of Spokane while they discussed the business of the various city departments and it was certainly a valuable educational experience. I heard Mayor West joke with his Cabinet. I heard him brace them from the troubles of the budget shortfall. Although I disagreed with a number of his decisions, and I would not choose his lifestyle, I do admire Mr. West because he is a strong, competent mayor. He put the needs of our city before his own medical needs. He promptly returned to the office following major surgery, not taking the justification of cancer to be a lame duck. He is not concerned for his own well being and happiness. He boldly took the blame of years of Spokane’s mishandling of funds, knowing that someday, someone would have to do it.
He also spoke highly of The Spokesman-Review. “We want to keep them on our side,” he advised to his cabinet during one of my sit-ins, referring to the local media. While I was at Spokane Falls Community College, I took a Journalism course and was told that our local paper is respectable. I took that statement at face value and am re-evaluating my position following the May 5th 2005 “Investigative Report” alleging sexual misconduct in the Mayor’s Office. In this report, The Spokesman-Review, reported their 2-year investigation and findings. They posed as a 17-year old gay male who was about to turn 18. The transcripts of this conversation reveal that Mr. West offered a happy birthday and a gift, pending his 18th, and ended the conversation. Spokane’s only newspaper should not have pursued, instigated, or printed this story. It is entrapped gossip and should be reserved for tabloid magazines, not the pages of an otherwise respectable media source. Perhaps most disturbing, this newspaper’s editor endorsed Mr. West publicly while other staff member’s concurrently conducted this investigation. In my opinion, this “investigation” is more of an imitation of tabloid-style reporting
As I previously stated, I was an intern in the Mayor’s Office during the winter of 2004-05. I transferred my energy from the Mayor’s Office to the Spokane Municipal Court Ad-Hoc meetings in February. I was never given the impression that I was expected fit into any category of sexuality, nor given any indication that, as a young male, the Mayor was sexually attracted to me. His public life has overlapped into his private life as a result of an insignificant investigation which sought to create a disturbance in our community. We as a community should support our elected leadership and discourage The Spokesman-Review to continue this style of investigations which lead only to distrust and controversy. I believe an apology would be appropriate. We need to stand together as a community, not divided into an ethical battle of homosexual rights v. traditional family values

I agree that it is entirely possible that Jim West may be innocent. I think that if he were not looking for man-love on the internet and entrapped my the Spokesman then people would be reserving judgement. ... The fact that these men are convicted felons should at least say something.

Why believe West is Gay? And what is with this word "hypocrit"? We know he dislikes Gays. We know he has liver cancer. Liver cancer is often caused by hepatitis, which is common to people engageing in the behaviours the boys now men accuse West of commiting against them. We know West pursues young people over people his own age which also tends to uphold the opinion of his victems that he is a pedophile. So stop calling him a hypocrit, he hates Gay people but he isn't one.

Get out of town Mr. West, and take the pedophile priests with you.

M, I have no idea what point you are trying to make other than proving you are an idiot.

and to Ken Zigler, we are sorry that Mr. West didn't find you sexually attractive and maybe that proves he is totally innocent, but let's wait and see. It's noble that you've come here on your own free will and have written several pages in your defense of Mr. West. You've covered your bases so well that, well we here don't have anything more to discuss on this topic I guess. You've got it covered. You say: " We need to stand together as a community, not divided into an ethical battle of homosexual rights v. traditional family values". Now why would we not want to talk about this ethical battle? Mr. West spent his whole public career in an ethical battle of homosexual rights vs traditional family values. All his legislation centered around criminalizing sex. Both for heterosexuals and homosexuals. This is his legacy to society. Ken, you are protesting a little to much, you need to rethink your strategy here.

So he stomps on the freedom of gay people & tows the right wing line of family values. Who is this guy & what is happening to the grand old party I grew up in? If we're not careful, there will be nothing left of the true Republican Party. It's being highjacked by the radical right & "christian" zealots. My father is probably spinning in his grave over these Westonian developments. I join others who agree it is time to boot the rascal out of office.

There are lots of stories in this "package" the Spokesman-Review newspaper put together- everything but a look inward at the controversial and unethical entrapment practice they used. But other newspapers are talking about it if the Spokesman won't - both Seattle papers and others. West is a hypocrite and so is the Spokesman-Review. See this link to an ethics-in-journalism take you won't find in the local newspaper.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002265185_westethics06m.html

I read in one of the reports that a victim DID report the abuse in the 70's but the police denied it, ignored it, and basically covered it up. Most abused children never tell anyone, ever, for fear of retaliation and shame. Most pedophiles go to their graves in denial. Many pedophiles were abused themselves as children.
I'm relieved to hear West has resigned from the Boy Scouts and Morning Star Boys Ranch.
I'm certain with over 20,000 innocent Americans wrongfully convicted each year in The U.S., West will get a fair trial, IF he is charged with crimes.
"Innocent until proven guilty" is a privelege only the wealthy and influential share. Lucky for West.

Terry, I see your point, you've noted that "it is well-known that many gay men prefer young boys". Those darn gays, they like those young boys JUST like how those darn heterosexuals like those young girls! How coincidental. Have you noticed how there are always those young girls in all the main stream magazines, television commercials, and bill boards? Those heterosexuals just really get off on those young girls. It's so darn prevalent, most of us hardly notice that those heterosexuals like young girls. Thanks for pointing out how much gays are like heterosexuals in that way. Do you have any other enlightening observations that you'd like to share from your pea brain?

"Journalism?", here, I'll discuss entrapment... if it's good enough for law enforcement, why wouldn't it be good enough for investigative reporters? It's not like the reporters threatened, coerced, or "made deals" with witnesses. The public has every right to know the truth, our children are vulnerable.
Those inmates, whose stories corroborate, were children when they were abused. That's outrageous.
They have never even begun the healing process UNTIL they came out with the truth. (However many years it took, since the abuse).
Meanwhile, while victims attempt to heal in prison or wherever, West will get proper medical treatment, love and prayers from all of his supporters, every legal protection available, preferential treatment, and continue his happy life. If he is innocent, that's wonderful, but it must mean mistaken identity. I wonder who the abusers were? Or were there any? Such confusion...
IF West is charged, let's be sure he gets a FAIR and JUST trial.
(Hopefully, like the victims always had throughout their broken, "criminal" lives).

As a recovering molested child, I am tired of hearing these two victims labeled as "convicted felons" because of their drug use. Did anyone not read the accounts that West gave the boys marijuana and beer to lossen them up before he molested them? Therapy will tell you that 99% of molested children use and/or abuse alcohol and drugs. These kids are not felons - they are grown men trying to come to grips with the atrocities posed upon them at a young age. I am not saying West did molest them because he deserves a fair trial, however, if he did, that would explain the "convicted felons" story of drug abuse following the agony of molestation. If we are going to pray as a community, let's pray for all parties involved.

bshm, I'm sorry to hear you are in so much anguish over your beloved friend Jim West's "troubles". These are trying times for right wing homophobic Republicans such as you. I see that your religious and moral values don't allow you to support abuse of children. I would guess that if you weren't religious and moral you would support child abuse, am I correct in that understanding? So many religions such as Focus On The Family support child abuse as a form of child rearing. Glad to hear you aren't a follower of James Dobson. It's also wonderful to hear you say "I am not a supporter of same sex relationships". Your religion and morals again help you determine your stand on that. Should we then put your religious views into law? What if someone else had a different religious view? Would we need to put their view into law also? Or would your religious view be the one chosen? I'm glad to hear your friend Jim West provided you with all his assistance "in town and at the state capitol". Jim is indeed a homophobe's dream. He has spent his entire public life working for you to have yours and his religious views codified into law. Lots of his initiatives have been about sex, criminalizing sex, you know private stuff. I can see why you'd be in anguish now. Who will do your dirty work for you now?

My father was the former city editor of the Spokeman Review during the time of the South Hills Rapist. At the tie The Chronicle did not want to print stories about the rapes because (he) was the rapist's father and Managing Editor of The Chronicle. I applaud the SR for bringing this story to our attention. The Spokane Community should be proud that our paper wants to keep us informed. I am not saying that West is guilty of all charges reported but it begs for a thorough invesitagtion into the political career of West - we deserve the facts. SR - please keep investigating and bring us the facts!

Yes... please keep investigating and bringing us the facts... and if you need to hang out in gay chat rooms and masquerade as a handsome young gay stud then so be it!!!

I live in Everett, but from 1996-2002, I proudly called Spokane my home. Just wanted to say, "Thank you" for printing this story, and taking the time to investigate the facts to make sure it wasn't a smear campaign. It disgusts me to hear Mr. West refer to the 2 victims as, "two known felons" in the news over here. How the press and the public don't just say, "Well, duh, you monster, you don't molest a child and expect them to grow up to their full potential!" is beyond me.
The unspoken vicitms in this whole tragedy are the honest and law abiding citizens who are law enforcement and Boy Scout leaders. My husband is a den leader, and he makes sure that every event has 2-deep leadership to avoid anything horrific happening to the boys. It is now Scout law, but I am afraid it came too little, too late for the victims of Mr. West.
Being a survivor of sexual abuse myself, I admire the courage of the 2 men who spoke out against the 'threats' of a souless man, Mr, West. I hope and pray they now find peace. Whether or not Mr. West admits to it, they can now rest knowing they spoke out, and they have been heard. They are believed. It is what I will pray for them, for it is the greatest freedom in knowing the truth has been heard.
God bless them, and may God have mercy on Jim West.
Helen Ann Olsen
Everett, WA

Know what a 54 year old gay man that go's after 18 year old guys for pure sex is called? "A sexual predator" Now, if you are anyone of the above and a regular Joe on the street, no one takes notice. Give this Joe a title like governor, mayor, police chief, politician, then Joe is gonna have a real problem trying to shake this off and say "hey, it's just my thing...I like em young..this is my private life..back off"...Only trouble is, sex news travels fast and Joe is gonna make it all over the country on talk shows, and the national media. When they are done with him, Joe is gonna resign from office.

MY COMMENTS ABOVE WERE NOT ALL SUBMITTED CORRECTLY BY THIS WEB PAGE-BELOW IS THE ACTUAL....

Know what a 54 year old straight man that go's after 18 year old chicks for pure sex is called? " A sexual predator"

I'm just really in shock. I'm greatful for this forum, as I am just learning why my dad's friend, David Hahn, killed himself. David taught Red Cross with him. For so many years, we didn't know why the suicide happened. I'm glad my dad didn't live to see this! So glad. Now that that mystery is solved, let's bring a close to this horrible chapter in Spokane's history. Let's show our citizens that we won't tolerate people using their "power" to manipulate and abuse people. Mr. West isn't dealing with a full deck.

Spokane's government leaders, business leaders, and citizens are an embarassment to Washington State and the United States. "Lets Sweep It Under The Rug" is apparently Spokane's new city motto.

Thelatest revelation that Jim West propositioned a 15-year-old LC student who was also the son of the people who produced the Local Planet shows how reckless West was in his pursuit of young males. That sort of behavior is not only reprehensible, it could have left him wide open to blackmail, or exposure in the media a lot sooner had the Planet had the money to investigate him. This didn't happen over 20 years ago, either. That chickenhawk should be recalled. He has already given grounds to do so from having violated the city ethics code, and possibly state law as well.

I am a recent resident to Spokane (and Washington state) and have no allegiance to any politician here so I think can look at this in a fairly independent way. The new allegations in today's paper are especially disturbing. I think it's going to become increasingly hard for West and his supporters to dismiss charges of his being a sexual predator in the 70s, as well as more recently. Moreover, what he has actually admitted to seems more than enough to remove him from office. As a mother, the thought of my high school senior being wooed by the mayor with promises of gifts and an internship is sickening, whether the boy is 18 or not. And the admitted use of the city computer for these activities is unconscionable. Mayor West, for the good of the city you profess to love, resign.

Mayor West and The Republican Party have been acting like an Organized Criminal Syndicate. These rumor and allegations have been around for decades
but the Republicans have always circled their wagons and protected their turf at the expensive of some of their youngest and most vulnerable constituents.

The Republican Party needs to be investigated under the RICO laws because they knew and allowed this criminal behavior to continue for decades all for political gain. This is not a political party but another cult of greed and corruption.

The Roman Catholic Church used the same tactics to protect their priest from the same abuse charges and it took some very aggressive county prosecutors that finally said enough is enough and exposed the entire cabal of abuse.

I thought Journalism was dead in America, Kudos to the Statesman-Review.

The Chief of Police peddles his influence in an attempt to get a lighter sentence for a drug dealer and there is total silence by the media and politicians. Now West is in trouble and his opponents and Spokesman Review come out of the woodwork. West's private life is his own. If he broke the law or played around on our nickel then fire his ass. Just quit kicking him when he is down.

HELLO! To those in public office who are supporting Jim West. Are you missing one very obvious point? If we had found out a public official, or any other 54 year old man was trolling the internet in order to lure a high school girl for sex....would you still feel they were both "consenting adults" just because she was 18? As the parent of high school age boys, I am appalled by Jim West's obvious attempt to barely stay "under the radar", by having sex with the youngest age group he can legally have sex with, without being legally labeled a rapist. An 18 year old is still very young and impressionable. And, I think it is an affront to Gay people, that he still won't consider himself gay. He doesn't argue with the title "Bisexual", which basically just means he really has no boundaries to who he is willing to be with. If this was just about a man in office coming out as gay, and looking for relationship with other mature men, I believe the citizens of Spokane would stand behind him, but this is much more complicated than that. It's time for him to step down. We need to show our young people that we value them more than he does.

Maybe the S.R. should investigate all our city leaders this way....Oh yeah, there wouldn't be anybody left to guard the hen house full of lies. Thank S.R. for the great reporting!!

I second the thought Journalism was dead in America, Kudos to the Statesman-Review.2

Some argue that it is his private life and that the pedophilia allegations have not been proved.

Remove the pedophilia allegations. With everything else he admits: trolling gay chat rooms for dates, having sex with 18-year-old "men," and offering as enticements the trappings of the Office of the Mayor, I am sorry, that is enough for me. He needs to resign.

A man his age, with the power and authority that he wields has NO business stalking teenagers for sex. Is it legal activity? Yes. But "leagality" only instructs us as to what the outside edge of extreme behavior is permissable. For most common-sense people, the limits of legality are beyond their personal limit of tolerance.

The "Private life" argument is Hog Wash, too! There is no such thing! Especially for a prominent politician who has set himself up as the Grand Poobah of Virtuosity. As a society, if we had delved deeper into the private lives of the Church leader in Kansas and the aspiring Republican staffer in Seattle, we possibly could have prevented some of the carnage by the BTK Killer and Ted Bundy.

As for the argument that West has been good for the City so just leave him alone. Garbage! No one man is bigger than the city. And some predatory behavior is beyond the pale and should not be mitigated by other commendable activity.

Now we have two more accusations by credible sources. (Apparently if you are a felon, nothing you say can be believed.) But how do you respond to two men who have no seedy backgrounds? Do West proponents trash everyone who comes forward to tell their story?

In another prominent case, proponents of Michael Jackson would have us believe that boys sleeping with a 40ish-year-old man is acceptable. I am sorry, but I do not agree. And in this case with West, it is the same. Yes. It is legal for a 55-year-old man to have sex with 18-year-old boys, but I will not tolerate it. The Mayor should resign FOR THE GOOD OF THE CITY. He has breached the trust and tolerance of the good citizens of this community. It is time to step aside and let another qualified person with better judgement assume the office.

As I stated earlier, (yesterday), "I have a gut-feeling more abuse will come to light in the near future". I didn't realize the "future" was this near. How sad!
Imagine the healing that could begin, if only West would apologize to his (alleged) victims. West himself could begin healing, for he is a sick man. I feel sorry for him, but more sorry for his (alleged) victims. I suspect West was abused as a child, possibly David Hahn, as well.
False accusations are devastating, but when two or more witnesses come forward, that counts as truth or fact in a court of law. Many prisoners have been convicted on less damning testimony. In fact, many innocent prisoners have been convicted by testimony of one or two false witnesses, in spite of exculpatory evidence. No one complains about our tax-dollars being wasted on wrongful convictions, yet so many are here "worried" about West being falsely accused. I cannot believe so many witnesses share the same story, and West still has no intention of stepping down. He needs to go. At least until he is "cleared" of these allegations.

Ken Zigler wrote:
>The transcripts of this >conversation reveal that Mr. West >offered a happy birthday and a >gift, pending his 18th, and ended >the conversation.

I'm not sure what you read, but you didn't read the actual transcripts. Here are the links to the most damning ones:
http://makeashorterlink.com/?V53E2580B
http://makeashorterlink.com/?F22E5180B
http://makeashorterlink.com/?S51E3280B

Like him or not, Mayor West's rebuttal ignores several important facts:

1. Mayor West used city computers to solicit sex, including a boy of 17, which is the legal age in Washington State;

2. Mayor West offered a city internship in his bid to woo the 17 year old boy to have sex with him;

3. While serving in the Washington Legislature, Mayor West led efforts to criminalize sex with children under the age of 18, bar homosexuals from state jobs, and eliminate hate-crime status for "gay bashing";

4. Sheriff's Deputy David Hahn was then-Deputy West's partner, not a mere co-worker, as West now claims;

5. Mayor West's Boy Scout troupe was called the "Naked Apes" according to the transcript of the Spokesman Review's interview. Mayor West refused to explain what the name meant;

6. In the chat transcripts, Mayor West admits to using women, including his ex-wife, Ginger, in order to make him appear heterosexual;

7. In the full chat transcripts, Mayor West flaunts his relationships with various celebrities, business people, and politicians in order to woo the 17-year-old boy to have sex with him;

8. In the same transcripts, Mayor West also muses about marrying U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris in order to help project a heterosexual image.

9. Mayor West engaged in online sex with the 17 year old but denied it to reporters, saying it was only "words on paper" not sex:
http://makeashorterlink.com/?V24E1680B

10. Mayor West denies knowing one of the inmates who accused him, yet jail records show he want to visit the man. This verifies the man's story that West sought to have him silenced. So how is it that this man was beaten, stripped naked, and put in solitary confinement for talking to people about the abuse he suffered at the hands of Jim West?

The issue isn't whether Jim West gay or bisexual. That's nobody's business.

What matters here is that, at the very least, Mayor West is using taxpayer resources to solicit sex. He has also used his position to silence an inmate who accused him of sexual abuse, which is in and of itself worthy of a federal investigation.

So how is it that the Spokesman is responsible for Jim West's problems?

Mayor West knows better than anyone the value his core constituency places on family values. For years, West has made a name for himself beating the drum of mom, G-d, and apple pie. Only now we know he's a liar, a hypocrite, and probably a criminal.

Mayor West thinks that we should blame the Spokesman Review.

Truth be told, Mayor West need only look in the mirror to see the source of his woes.

If Jim West really cares about Spokane, he'll resign now and spare the citizens of Spokane the pain of a protracted scandal.

I see your point. Everyone should just remain silent because Jim is your beloved friend. Would you please let us know when it would be ok to comment on your beloved friend? Your comment "West's private life is his own." Private lives should be respected but has Mr. West respected citizen's private lives? No his whole public and private life has been to invade and bully others private lives. But I guess you believe we should remain silent just as you have for all these years you've known Mr. West and "turned the other cheek". I suppose when someone like Mr West does your handywork, you are more apt to turn away from any questions.

http://makeashorterlink.com/?V53E2580B
http://makeashorterlink.com/?F22E5180B
http://makeashorterlink.com/?S51E3280B

These links are hilarious... still they are pretty disturbing. The fact that Jim West is getting freaky online is kiind of silly.... but the most disturbing thing is the fact that
THE SPOKESMAN REVIEW IS PRETENDING TO HAVE GAY ONLINE SEX WITH JIM WEST!!!!... seriously, where is the journalistic ethic I always hear about!?!?!

What a pathetic tactic. What a sad day for everyone involved.

We should take sexual preference out of the equation. The fact he offered an internship to anyone in exchange for a date should be enough to remove him from office. I really don't care if he was hitting on a 60 year old woman, that's abuse of his office. So is doing it from government computers. That would get most people fired from their jobs.

Kick him out of City Hall and then let the Justice System have at him.

Please answer me this: Before the Spokesman-Review hired "Moto-Brock" to entrap Mr. West through their online chat sessions, what exactly did the paper have on Mr. West regarding any abuse of power of his office? They had unproven accusations of child abuse in the '70s, which was not even news to them. They had the fact that he liked men. But what about abuse of power? That is what the paper is pounding their chest about now and why many people think he should resign. Fine, but this came out as a RESULT of the Moto-Brock chats, not before them. What exactly led them to use this type of "journalism"? Why did they hire this guy in the first place? Again, I urge people to read other newspapers besides this one. This story is big statewide, but at least as prominent in those papers are stories that question the journalistic ethics the S-R used in getting this story. You won't find a discussion of that in the S-R. Sad all around.

Ken Zigler,

You will go far as a Spokesman, political hack. It has gotten to the point that I detest the word "Spokesman" because every corrupt corporation or politician always has their "Spokesman" manipulate and spin the truth for public consumption.

Where have all the "Statesmen" gone that presented the facts with no intent of herding the public with emotionalism.

With a world filled with totalitarian regimes and the Republican goal of remodelling American along similar lines

I feel your diatribe in defence of Mayor West was your resume for future employment as loyal party gatekeeper guaranteeing your services to make sure their delusions live on.

Dear Spokane,
I met Mayor West on April 7th. My purpose was to get his support, and that of his contacts in the Legislature, to get a law mandating FBI Criminal Background Checks (with fingerprints, submitted thru WSP) be done on ALL present and future employees and volunteers in the YMCA, Boy Scouts, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, et al.
NOTE; I knew going in; having done a little homework on him, that Mayor West was a former Boy Scout fund raiser and Scout Leader, so I was ready for a tough sell. I had no idea.
I told the Mayor that with his leadership in this effort, he could not only engage his desire "to use my leadership skills as Mayor" and to give credence to his campaign vow to "protect our most vulnerable population" (whom I took to mean children and the elderly), but a huge amount of Pro-Spokane publicity could be generated; one that could help our city "air out" after the RPS, etc debacles and get this town back to like it used to be. Simply put, a town I have always been proud to say is my hometown. G-Prep '66.
Not only did Mayor West get nervous, he got very defensive, saying, "The background check system we have now is good enough". To which I pointed out that in this age of identity theft, fingerprints is the only sure-fire way to insure convicted pedophiles from another state can't get positions in the Y; for example, like they can at this moment - and in all these types of outfits, with the notable exception (thanks to Del Sen. Biden) of the Boy's and Girl's Clubs.
I also pointed out to him that in 2001, when the Legislature mandated all State workers get fingerprinted and checked, that almost 200 convicted child rapists, murderers, etc.; and working in DSHS, had been found. If that wasn't bad enough, these DSHS workers with these records were allowed to KEEP THEIR JOBS. In a stultifying display of stupidity, the Legislature gave DSHS "the DISCRETION" to retain those people or not. Many of them in child and/or adult care settings. That is an abomination.
Mayor West told me he'd never
heard of any of that. The man was the Speaker of the House, and never heard of this?
Mayor West refused to be of any help, saying "I don't have time for this, you do it. I've got a city to run"
He also refused to do so little as to give me a letter of introduction and support for the fingerprint, etc idea that I could use while "doing it myself" with the area legislators.
Have you ever felt you were in the presence of someone truly evil?
As far as the FBI/fingerprint issue, I emailed all the Spokane area legislators recently, asking their support. So far, only one, David Buri (bless you Dave) of Colfax has agreed to discuss it with me.
I invite everyone who has read this, and all who really do believe that "Children are our most important natural resource" email/call/write Sen Lisa Brown, Rep Ormsby, etc and ask them to get in the mix.
West, Hahn, et al are exactly the kind of people that have no business being in positions of authority over minor children. The only way to keep them out/weed them out is to fingerprint each and every one of the employees/volunteers of the Boy Scouts, YMCA, etc. This is a no-brainer folks, but I need your help.
In the meantime, I can only hope that the Mayor realizes that the longer he stays, the more he drags Spokane through the mud (of his making) with him, dishonoring us all in the process. Resign now, Mr. West!

I have known the Galliher boys for over 20 years. I know their story is true. It breaks my heart to hear of their suffering and abuse as little children. My prayers are with the family. Wake up Spokane, your Mayor is a monster and a criminal, he should be removed from office ASAP.

Well, my old granny always told me that where's there's smoke is fire. She also taught me there are only 2 kinds of people,,good & bad. This isn't about sexual orientation or political belief. It is about right & wrong. The closest I have ever been to city hall is the Olive Garden. If I heard the rumors about Mr West, surely those folks close to him must have had a clue. As for the young men & calling them convicted felons. Shame on him again. We know he has an anger issue. It is wrong when when you have power to hurt others, especially our children. We should be outraged.

I am skeptical that the S-R had sufficient journalistic 'probable cause' to virtually stalk Jim West in the chatroom (violating the room’s on-line user agreement, by the way).

There’s no doubt, however, that West is a hypocritical bully who legislated homophobia for two decades to win votes and cloak his own homosexuality.

People are simply born gay or straight; nobody chooses their sexual orientation. But that did not stop West from raising white-collar gay-bashing to an art form. He used Bills for bats, but was no less dangerous or despicable.

My heart aches for the young men who have come forward with their stories of abuse by West, or abuse he could have stopped. West's history as a bully is totally consistent with that of an abuser. (Google the tape-recorded death-threat he made to Tom McCabe in 1998.)

How must victims of abuse feel to find the devil of their youth is the 'elect' of their community?

Jim West must go.

How dare anyone make out this story to be about RPS. It is about criminal rape of children. Very few of the comments on this site speak of the victims. Young boys lives were taken from them. He stole their lives, he left them broken and scared for life. Were is the grief for them? I just saw Hession on the news and he says he will be praying for West. He should get out of office too. What about the victims? Who prays for them?

Great Job S-R. This evil-looser, West, chose to be a public 'servant' and 'fed' from the public trough. The things he has admitted to would get most people fired or kicked out of most organizations. The private life /public life argument is a lie that we all embrace because it gives all of us a 'pass'. The truth is we are who we are. And you can't seperate it, how can you focus at work when you're thinking about sex with your partner or 'new' partner? It's human nature. Every Spokane citizen should be at City Hall demanding his outster!

In today's paper it states that a boy who was molested on a boy scout trip reported being molested by Hahn to West and he was told to "forget about it." The boy was later embarassed in front of the other boy scouts by West and called "fag boy." What is at issue is a man who so desperately did not want to be gay that he sacrificed the innocence of young boys to fulfill his needs while appearing with women in public to cover up his sexual orientation. A man worth his salt would admit being gay, carry on a political life and a private gay life with a consenting adult and noone gets hurt. This man is so narcissistic that he preys on young men with his power and influence to get his jollies and lets the rest of the world believe he is a public servant. Spokane - this man is preying on our young boys. Wake up! If you still don't believe it, make sure he is investigated until you have enough proof. I bet there is more allegations and when all is said and done we will be ashamed that Spokane ever put this man in office. He is our Marion Barry - except all that man did was illegal drugs and adultery with a consenting adult. I'll take Marion Barry over Jim West any day.

What is the difference between Jim West and Michael Jackson? Michael Jackson is on trial for molestation!

*******************************************************8
I am extremely concerned about the allegations that Jim West raped children. That issue should stand alone and be investigated.

Now the fact that the Spokesman Review is basically engaging in the lowest form of journalism imaginable should also concern us greatly, for a few reasons:

1. The sensationalism and questionable tactics used in this "investigation" not only cloud the issue of potential child rape, they detract greatly from what the real issue is. Nothing that the Spokesman Review did could ever be permissible in court, it is nothing but a sad personal attack on a known enemy.

2. The Spokesman Review is our only newspaper in town. The fact that this arm of the Cheney-Cowles family can reach out and crush someone with "Chatroom transcripts" should make us all afraid for what they will stoop to next. What is to stop them from using other tactics to smear people? It would not suprise me one bit if they were to hire a prostitute to make advances toward someone, photograph it, and make it front page news.

This whole debacle is a shame to journalists everywhere, and does a great injustice to the alleged victims of Jim West.

You all at the Spokesman should be ASHAMED!!!!!

Are Law Enforcement ashamed of entrapment? NO! Quite PROUD! Especially when they solve a crime.
With President Bush instructing us (after 9/11) to "keep your eye on your neighbor, pay attention to what people are doing" and with Homeland Security DEMANDING businesses fill out SARs (Suspicious Activities Reports) and "penalizing" businesses that do not turn in ENOUGH SARs, it seems it would be the DUTY of the Spokesman-Review, et al, to investigate and report suspicious activity. Perhaps Law Enforcement are "too busy", or had no interest in conducting stings or "entrapment", or costly, thorough investigations of City Officials, so thankfully, the Spokesman-Review did.
IMO, COMPETENT Law Enforcement should investigate the sexual abuse allegations, the misconduct and misuse and abuse of power, (and perhaps the FBI should investigate the history of police cover-ups in Spokane AND Seattle over the past few decades). And if West is ever placed under arrest, he should be kept on suicide watch.
Meanwhile, I pray for the victims, Heather. I've seen the results of abuse on children...

C.A.I.

I do understand where you are coming from. ON the other hand I do believe that the Spokesman Review was overzealous in their pursuit of Mr. West.

When Police investigate and "entrap" others in prostitution stings and what not, they are collecting evidence to prosecute. The rules are very clear and the courts do their best to insure that the rules are followed.

What the Spokesman Review did however is completely different. What they did is lure Mr. West to create a story. There will be no prosecution for what he did, for he did nothing blantantly illegal. All they did was collect "evidence" to smear him and cast doubt upon him.

Jim West may have used his influence to get internships for young men while being sexually attracted to them, this is a very thin argument and difficult to prove.

Jim West may also have raped a child, this is an incredibly serious charge and all resources should be used to look at this.

The chatroom baiting of Jim West is a sad case of sensationilism in journalism. If these stories compromise the rape cases in any way, then you will have seen the most grevious injustice of all.

I just read the motobrock/jmselton chat transcript of 3/19/05. I have never seen anything remotely like this before. Utterly surreal - a phony 18-year-old virgin, actually a hired forensic investigator, pretends to masturbate online with the mayor of Spokane.

There will no doubt be much debate about the SR's tactics in getting this story. Does the nature of the story justify the use of fraudulent, invented chatroom characters? Did the SR cross an ethical line here? Is the story irretrievably tainted by the lie?

These are important questions - but as important as it is to resolve the ethical issues raised by the SR's coverage, Mayor West's profound hypocrisy, his inappropriate conducts a public official and his possible criminal culpability, are far bigger issues.

West has been shown to be a collosal hypocrite. The disconnect between the mayor's public policies and private conduct is so wide as to be pathological. There is no way this man can continue to function effectively as an elected official. Whatever one may think of the SR's methods, the paper has exposed his long career as an anti-gay legislator as a pathetic sham. The upright moralist and Republican family-values stalwart is, in reality, as queer as the proverbial three-dollar bill. His credibility has been erased.

As for those who argue, in effect, that public judgement should be withheld until the legal system has decided to bring charges: Nonsense. Since when is public confidence in the character of elected officials subject to due process and rules of evidence?

Leaving aside the allegations of pedophilia against West, the mayor has admitted he used his office computer so troll chatrooms for dates and that he offer internships in trade for personal favors. Enough said. Resign already.

The S-R claims it only took the extraordinary step of setting up the mayor by hiring someone to lie to him because of some great abuse of the public trust. But what's the abuse? At worst, it appears that the mayor used city computers to get his rocks off. As far as I know, that's not illegal, but it might violate city policy. Unethical, for sure. But is this the kind of earth-shaking news that the S-R claims? No, it's not.

The reality is, the S-R HAD a story. They had a story about two men (convcited felons) who, in the pursuit of money (a lawsuit) claim the mayor diddled them 25 years ago.

But the S-R sneakily wrapped another story around that one: that the mayor likes young men. And by combining the two, the S-R achieved its goal of each story strengthening the other. Just look at this thread: most of the posters have already convcited Jim West, and they did that based on the proof that West likes young men. If West is innocent on the 25-year-old molestation charges, then the S-R has unfairly ruined a man in the pursuit of a story. Additionally, the S-R used as an accomplice a kneejerk emotion it KNEW it would get: the public's homophobia. Gay people all over America should be outraged that a newspaper would investigate a gay man and then SET HIM UP! But since this is a Republican hypocrite who got nailed, they are silent.

But then I find out about this RPS scandal, and it becomes clear: the S-R targeted a political enemy and used their journalistic resources to take him down. The fact that they could nail a hypocritical conservative Republican was gravy.

In the end, the only thing proved is that Jim West likes men, and he likes them young. THAT'S the bug S-R finding.

Sure Mayor West should resign, just to free the city from this mess. But so should Steve Smith, the editor who is responsible for basing his journalism on lies.

OK, I just read today's stories and it turns out that Jim West masturbated while in his city hall office. :::shock:::

STOP THE PRESSES! THIS IS SOMETHING THE PUBLIC MUST KNOW!

Congrats, S-R. Steve Smith must be clearing room on his shelf for all the jounralism awards he's sure to win with this hard-hitting piece of important journalism.

Jim West should step down and save the city of Spokane some money after all the money the Cowles family has fleeced Spokane out of what is there angle on this. Are they trying to change the focus from their acts of corruption to someone else. Also what is Cherie Rogers trying to do she called her self West friend and then she cut his throat did she hit on him once and get turned down or what she an embassement to the city council. I'm going to finish this with a comment about the Editor your just a puppet for the Cowles family not a journalist

Distant Observer comments: "claim the mayor diddled them 25 years ago."

Pretty much sums up Distant Observer's way of thinkin'. Boy those right wing Christian Republican homophobes can sure clear it up for everything.

City Council members should do their job & call for West's resination or resign themselves. I can't believe Brad Stark's comment that it's not up to him to tell the mayor what to do. Apparently Stark believes masterbating on the job is OK if Jim West says it's OK. I wonder how much the taxpayers of Spokane have paid West so far to masterbate?

OK, I just read today's stories and it turns out that Jim West masturbated while in his city hall office. :::shock:::

STOP THE PRESSES! THIS IS SOMETHING THE PUBLIC MUST KNOW!

Congrats, S-R. Steve Smith must be clearing room on his shelf for all the jounralism awards he's sure to win with this hard-hitting piece of important journalism.
Posted by Distant Observer

Distant Observer, keep in mind that your Justic Scalia (US Supreme Court Justice) claimed in his dissenting opinion to decriminalizing sodomy, that masturbation should be regulated. Also Alabama recently made it a crime to have a dildo in your possession. So yes apparently masturbation is important journalism that you and the rest of your right wing Republican ilk continually bring into the public discussion and create laws to regulate and criminalize it. Your feigned "surprse" about masturbation being an important issue doesn't match up to your insistence in regulating citizen's private lives. Distant Observer is as messed up as Jim West. He conveniently forgets his own party's line when it doesn't fit his needs.

Tammy, I'm all for sodomy, but West masterbates in his City Hall office, on my dime. Can't you tell the difference? It's time for West to go the born-again route, it worked for Bush.

it would be interesting to find out if jim west was involved in the olympia brewery scandle in the late 70s and early 80s. there were many washington state representatives that were involved in homosexual acts in the mens bathroom

it was during this interim when olympia beer was called queer beer and they had to come up with the little artesians for thier commercials.

I sure hope Jim West wasn't using a dildo when he was masturbating at the office. If he were in Alabama he'd be in trouble with the law. Thank God we have the right wing Christian Republicans (an overwhelming number of them call the great "Inland Empire - Spokane area" home) keeping our private lives pure.

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050222/D88DL5TG0.html

Tammy, I'm neither a Republican nor a Christian. Sorry if that distorts your world view of people who disagree, but it's the truth.

As a dyed in the wool Blue-Stater, I gotta say, I am loving this. Gives me a nice dose of Schadenfreude.

Lemme see….first there was Contract With America Nethercutt; you know, the guy who kinda sorta implied under the table that Foley was gay? The sleazebag who stood for honesty in politics who said he supported term limits who later changed his mind?

Then we had cursin’ Cheney, family-values pathological gambler Bill Bennett, throw-‘em-all-in-jail drug addict Limbaugh, congenital liar George W, male prostitute Jeff Gannon/Jim Guckert getting access to the White House daily for 2 years….so long as he massaged someone’s, uh, ego, in the White House press office, Dr Bill Frist with no training as a NEUROLOGIST, diagnosing someone over a video, DeLay threatening judges’ lives….and now the lifelong homophobe of Spokane who uses city perks to lure underage boys…but no, NO!! HE’S not gay!! Heaven forfend!!

You right-wing yahoos ought to stop worrying so much about Darwin, and start cleaning up your own closet…oops, I mean house. And in the meantime, LEAVE US MORE MORAL NEW YORKERS THE F___ ALONE!!!!! WE ARE THE TRUE AMERICANS!!!

s.f. pangerl, I remember that scandal in Olympia too. All those Republican right wing Christian closeted gay homophobic State Legislators would gather at the “men’s bathroom” located on Capitol Lake. They would have their “nasty” sex there in a public area. Apparently those Republican right wing Christian closeted gay homophobic people like to have it real nasty and public, because that is what those “nasty” gay people do. When you stay closeted as a gay person and pretend you are a heterosexual, you have to be a right wing closeted gay Christian homophobe and “Shout from the roof tops that you are against those gays” and if you are a State Legislator you have to go back to your office and dream up laws to pass that criminalize gay people, so that you can feel better about doing your nasty gay stuff while you are pretending you’re not doing nasty gay stuff. Does this sound familiar? This sound just like Jim West’s “lifestyle”. Hallelujah, praise the lord. You people in Spokane need to start being a little more thoughtful about who you vote for over there. Why do you keep electing people like Jim West? Why are you drawn to this type of person? You even do it worse at the federal level. Karl Rove and Ken Mehlman, those two gay men like it nasty and closeted and Christian. What about Rep Ed Schrock, he likes it nasty and closeted and Christian. They also love to pass laws criminalizing gay people. You know stuff like protections in employment insurance etc, they don’t want that for nasty gay people or any gay people. Remember gay people are all nasty just like they are. Spokane if you keep insisting on voting for gay people to hold office, why don’t you vote for someone like Rep Ed Murray from Seattle. Here’s a state legislator who is trying to make it better for all people, particularly gay people. He has a partner. He is living a meaningful life. But apparently that is just too boring I guess for you Spokane voters. You need to elect nasty closeted homophobes to tow the Christian, Family Values line and the best ones are closeted gay homophobic self-loathing ones. Here’s a tip for you Spokane, if you get a candidate running over there that starts shouting that gays are nasty, that we need more laws to regulate them, “I’m against same-sex marriage”, “what those people do in their private lives is non of my business”, we can’t have those people teaching in schools, they want special rights, the dreaded “homosexual agenda”, etc. These are “code words” and the candidate should be carefully considered. Chances are great that he’s struggling with his own sexuality. They will propose legislation that reflects how they conduct their own lives. In this case, if you’re living your life as a “nasty closeted gay”, you figure all gays are “nasty” and you must propose legislation to control the nastiness that you yourself are conducting. Same thing exists with heterosexuals, those that shout the loudest about moral values are also carrying on immoral affairs, etc The self-loathing will eventually lead you to the same trouble you’ve got with Jim West.

Hmmm. From that last post sounds like the NY Times has picked up the story. Great. More dark and twisted Spokane stories hitting the masses. Good for business.

Tammy, I'm neither a Republican nor a Christian. Sorry if that distorts your world view of people who disagree, but it's the truth. - Distant Observer

Then what in the hell is your excuse?

The NY Times sure has picked up the story. I promise you that Jon Stewart is next.

I also promise you to tell all I know about this.

I cannot WAIT until Republicanism is known only as some archaic belief system, held by prudish hypocrites who had nothing better to do than envy the sex lives we have on the coasts.

There are times in life when without a care for others you should believe the written word, I cannot think of when that would be, but for all you simple minded Spokanites, if it is written it is so.

I can see several of your local Spokane residents shaking in their higher than thou boots because many many more people than you think troll chat rooms, gay or otherwise and how many of you are wondering if there isn't some snippit of your alternate life hanging out there for the most appropriate moment to ruin you. How many of you higher than thou Spokane residents can without a shadow of a doubt say that you have not looked at things on your work computers that would get you fired, but as to yet no one has found out. Keep in mind, this forensic computer expert, could work for your employer also. Those who live in glass houses should not cast stones. The truth will come out, and then we make the judgement. How sad of a community that we can believe baited and cohearsed conversations of an obviously lonly closeted gay man. How many of you would like your emails and chat room drama played out for all of the world to see on the internet. Come on, take a step back and put down your stones. Let's find out the truth before we start a witch hunt.

Not a Republican or Democrat problem--
Except for immediate Nationwide Republican and Democrat Leadership to call loudly for Mayor West to RESIGN NOW!!! Really everyone--This is not just a Spokane issue.

Apparently Timothy Egan wrote the NY Times piece. Maybe he will follow with a book. Great writer. Definitely one of the best NW writers and probably the best to come from the eastside. Movies not out of the question. Who could play West? Shame Dangerfield is gone.

In a movie about this fiasco West could play West. He will soon be under/unemployable and now we all know what a great actor he is. Hmmmm... I wonder how he will get by without health insurance? Bet he wishes he would have supported more health care iniatives

Some Pig.
In the children's tale Charlotte's Web, a visionary spider named Charlotte rushes to the aid of Wilbur-a poor, defenseless pig bound for slaughter.

Offering "web" based soundbites, the spider creates slogans to gain the attention of all who pass by and as a result, strangers wonder at these divine messages. Spelled out, dewed up, just in time messages of salvation glisten brightly in the morning sun.

Ultimately the pig's life is saved as witnesses understand that something once taken as ordinary, is actually truly extraordinary.

For years, Spokane defined an extraordinary jewel that those just passing through were more likely than not to overlook. Huge junkyards and neighborhoods in decline lined the major freeway through the city. Spokane endured the butt of endless jokes from West of the Rocks, a term eastern Washingtonians use to refer to all things "over there-on the other side of the Cascades." As a result, the lack of attention or the wrong type of exposure kept this "all American City" one of those undiscovered secrets that is easy to miss. Even post a tremendously creative World's Fair, continued huge industrial job losses in the 90's, coupled with a dying downtown core and economic stagnation threatened to slaughter this enviable diamond in the rough.

The Spokane Region boasts its own Charlotte, a team of web spinners and masters dedicated toward promoting the area and saving its economic and cultural life. These civic leaders and Spokane boosters drew attention to their beloved and threatened friend.

Their slogan appearing on their electronic web?

"Spokane. Near Nature. Near Perfect."

But now all that hard work is threatened by the unflattering national scandal selfishly prolonged by our Mayor. The appearance of impropriety, his admitted activities and denial of other activities has forever blemished our mayor Jim West, as well as the entire region. But in this case Jim West, AKA "Some Pig" stands alone, completely unworthy of any rescue attempt.

Indeed, this the pig should have long ago been sent to the packing house.

concerned citizen, don't worry about Jim. My take, based on these stories, the online chat transcript, etc., that he is master manipulater and bully who will be able to get anything he needs (including health insurance). This is why he's been so successful in his career and avoiding having concerns raised about his actions in the past. He also has built a big network of loyal friends, who are willing to go down in flames with him to support their belief that bullying and manipultation must be preserved, their past support of Jim is justified, their concern about what he knows about them, and that this will all blow over as it has before. You can see it in the posts here. Their first tactic is to blame the messenger, the Spokesman Review. Usually when this type of situation occurs, the jurisdiction puts the employee on administrative leave until an investigation is done. I wonder why that isn't a valid option in this case? What makes this situation special? You don't suppose that the Mayor is getting "special rights" do you? In other situations, Jim would be the first to shout that someone or some group shouldn't have "special rights". But you know, bullys and manipulators generally aren't consistent in that way, of course unless it benefits their situation.

Perhaps if the City Council is not able to relieve Jim E. West from his Mayorly duties, Moms could rise to the occasion. In honor of Mother's Day recall petitions could be signed at restaurants today..door to door, etc. We could call ourselves:

MAPM--Mothers against predatory mayors
MANPP-Mothers against Narcissistic Politicians
(who think they are above the law__their own laws)

Brad Stark fails his own leadership test:

"Councilman Brad Stark called the controversy a “test of leadership for the council and the city as we move forward and do the business of the citizens. . . Stark, who is employed by the Scouts, said any comments he makes about West are based on his role as a councilman and not as a Scout leader. “I don’t feel it’s my place to tell the mayor what he should or shouldn’t do,” Stark said: http://spokesmanreview.com/jimwest/story.asp?id=050805_west_council

What your place, Brad? Not on the city council! When will Brad Stark acknowledge that public-paid mayoral masturbation ON THE JOB is not OK and call for West to resign? Brad Stark get your head out that hole in the ground.

Please be civil in this forum. By posting on this forum, you've implicitly agreed to follow the rules we've established. We can and will delete any message we deem inappropriate. Here's an excerpt:

While we do not and cannot review every message posted in the forums and are not responsible for the content of these messages, we reserve the right to delete, move, or edit messages that we deem abusive, defamatory, obscene, in violation of copyright or trademark laws, or otherwise unacceptable. We reserve the right to remove the posting privileges of users who violate these standards of forum behavior at any time.

Pointless and abusive name-calling is not acceptable. Thank you.

Don't worry, West will fold like a bad poker hand. He's a coward, just like all bully's and pedophiles are. We should have seen this coming when he was stupid enough to threaten a lobbyist,and leave it on his answering machine,then gets away with it with a mere hand slap.If that doesn't show a gross lack of maturity on his part and his party hack friends then nothing does.We need to start looking at our public officials ALOT closer.It says "WE THE PEOPLE",so maybe we should start acting like it. It's our government, and they're our kids.The rest is a no brainer.

Spokane is a major hub of Fundamentalist
Christianity. But how many know the true
roots of this sect. It began in Seattle and was created by an agent of Nazi Germany to replace the American Constitution with a Hitler styled state under the guise of Fundamentalist Christianity.

http://www.insider-magazine.com/ChristianMafia.htm

How many Fundamentalist Christians understand that this Nazi cult replaced Hitler's name with Jesus and Mein Kampf was replaced with the Bible. But it is still the hate and hell filled dogma of Hitler and the Nationalist Socialist Workers Party.

http://www.harpers.org/JesusPlusNothing.html

How many Fundamentalist Christians are aware that the male prostitute/"journalist" Jeff Gannon AKA James Guckert had over two hundred secret service recorded visits to the White House. Sound familiar to the Mayor West Escapades. Karl Rove and Mayor West are brothers in the same cult,"The Family".

http://www.americablog.com

How many Fundamentalist Christians understand what Jesus really said and this new crop of Fundamentalist preachers are the same as the Pharisees of old, resurrected by Doug Coe and his Nazi cult. They are leading the people into Idolatry because they have manipulated you into the worship arcane laws.

Mark 5:17 Jesus said "I have not come to destroy the law but to fulfil it"

Fr. Jack McArdle - Jesus: The Man and the Message

The Pharisees and the religious leaders had the whole system tied up, and under their control. The people were hide-bound by laws, rules, and regulations. The role of the Scribes was full-time interpretation of the law, while the Pharisees were full-time enforcers of the law. All righteousness was invested in the strict observance of the law. Imagine the shock waves when Jesus announced that he was replacing this love of law with his law of love! Imagine the gasps of horror, and the rumblings of outrage when he suggested that their Temple would be destroyed, and that it really didn't matter where people worshipped their God, as long as this was done in spirit and in truth.

The Pharesees you follow, How many did Jesus say would enter heaven?

NEW SIGN AT THE MAYORS OFFICE:

WARNING: Individuals entering this room must wear protective clothing, and gloves at all times.

DO NOT touch the computer or the Mayor
DO NOT sit on any unprotected areas
DO NOT allow unescorted adolescent males into the office

But hey Jim says he can still govern effectively. Resign or Recall NOW!

Have any citizens there in Spokane got a petition drive going to recall the Mayor? If not, WHY NOT? A recall petition could be put together via the Internets at the drop of a hat. There is no reason from a technical perspective, but apathy is surely a reason.

You know you can't count on "activists" judges to give you any help on this. Look what they did in the Terri Schiavo case!

Much has been said about Mayor West's apparent hypocrisy on gay rights issues. But consider that West may not be hypocritical at all. The expert literature shows that male-fixated pedophiles (attracted to pre-pubescent boys) and ephebophiles (sexually attracted to 13-15 year old male teens)are not homosexuals. I repeat: They are not homosexual. True pedophiles and ephebophiles are as repelled by the idea of sexual contact with adult males as heterosexual males are. If West is in fact a true pedophile, or ephebophile, which is a distinct possiblity, then his political hostility towards gays would not necessarily be inconsistent with his own sexual preferences.

Maybe we should have a look at Wests behaviour as a cop. I wonder how many innocent people are in jail because of this pathalogicl manipulator.Lets see his arrest record as a police officer. lets open all the doors on Jim West's life and see how many lives he has REALLY destroyed. Then lets look at the people that are making excuses for this ("alleged pedophile") piece of pond scum! THIS TOWN NEEDS AN ENEMA FROM THE TOP DOWN!!!!!

I would agree with Tim, but according to the story in hand he was engaging in discourse with a supposed 18 year old on gay.com.

Nevertheless, I have found that often the worst homophobes are those that are in fact gay and deeply closeted. This makes them feel more secure in their insecurity that others won't think they're gay (and its something they feel they should be embarrassed about).

Where can I sign the recall petition? I'd like to see any city council members that won't call on West to resign recalled also. Why is getting leadership and integrity out of politians like pulling teeth? Come on, guys, this ougta be a no-brainer.

If West is in fact a true pedophile, or ephebophile, which is a distinct possiblity, then his political hostility towards gays would not necessarily be inconsistent with his own sexual preferences. posted by Tim Kosnoff

Tim, I understand your point, Jim West is not gay (thus, then heterosexual) as he has already stated. You've indicated that chances are probably he is a pedophile/ephebophile. You've also noted that he is an extremely homophobic man. Should we then conclude that heterosexuals who are extremely homophobic are likely pedophiles? So when I hear a politician yelling at the top of his lungs "Gays should not have special rights", "Gays shouldn't adopt children", "Gays shouldn't teach in our schools", "Gays should be able to be fired from their job if they are gay", "Gays should be denied a home because they are gay", "Gays should not be allowed to marry because they are gay". "Gays shouldn't be allowed to have civil unions because they are gay", "Gays are the cause of the downfall of the family", "Gays are the downfall of marriage", "Gays caused 9/11", "Sponge Bob Square Pants is gay", "One of the Telly Tubbies is gay, because he has a triangle on his head", "All gays seduce children", I should conclude that this is a heterosexual pedofile? Thanks for the tip.

The hypocrisy. The shame you have brought to the City. The valuable and needed City Employees who were forced out of employment under your administration (Priorities of Government, take on a whole new meaning, now don't they Mr. Mayor?) Your management style has been one of self-importance, egotism and bullying. Anyone who didn't agree with you-threatened with termination. And yet YOU degrade the office that you hold; you embarrass the citizens of the City of Spokane, and you do all of this with a smirk, a pithy Thank God It's Almost Monday email, a reliance on your cancer and a call to "pray for you." Meanwhile you're masturbating in your City office, while using your City Computer, surfing on the City network. Wow, you really gave your employees and the Citizens the "Pickle," didn't you? You have turned yourself, your office, your administration and this City into a national joke. Please save us the shame and resign. (And you really might want to consider counseling for your self-hatred issues.)

Can we talk about why this Mayor is not under arrest at this moment?

That aside. Let's add him to the list of outed Republicans over the last 6 months:

Arthur J. Finkelstein - married his male lover

"Jeff Gannon" - part time GOP shill - part time male prostitute.
What was he doing in the White House after hours anyway? Rove? Bush? McClellen?

Wake up America - Red or Blue State, Theocracy, NOT freedom is on the march in the US of A.
This is what the country voted for, hypocrite right wing Christian republicans.

Interesting bit of theorizing, Tim. And utterly pointless. Whatever the "expert literature" (which you conveniently refrain from citing) says, West built a legislative career out of moralizing and gay-bashing even as he trolled the internet for dates with young men - dangling internships as bait.

West looks like a homosexual to me. To say he isn't is silly. Not that this is the issue - I have gay friends and colleagues, and would vote for a gay man (or woman) any day if I thought he was the best person for the job.

What's immediately repugnant here (aside from the allegations of child molestation) is West's hypocrisy and abuse of office. West has all but admitted to abusing his office; his hypocrisy, and complete loss of integrity as an elected official, is obvious for all to see.

Except you, it seems. Let me understand what you are saying: He only pursued sex with young men, which somehow doesn't count as true homosexual behavior. Therefore his private conduct doesn't conflict with his extensive anti-gay legislative record, therefore he isn't a flaming hypocrite.

Lame.

What is your point, anyway?

Anyone know a lawyer who will handle the recall? Please call them, looks like the citizens will have to handle this if the city council won't step up.

It's a classic, the city council thinkin' "there go I but for the grace of god". The cronies all circle around and wait for someone else to do the right thing. They have a god given right to make rules and regs for others to follow, but it doesn't apply to them. No those are for other people. What other organization would sit by with these kind of allegations and admissions and let it slide by? Most organizations would immediately put the accused on administrative leave until an investigation was done. But in Spokane it seems it's business as usual.

Perhaps Spokane prefers the informal approach of "The Jerry Springer" show. Rather than having an orderly and formal process, it's a free for all. Thats an approach, however I was thinking Spokane was the second biggest city in Washington State and had a volume of citizens that includes more than hayseed knuckleheads.

This is The Franklin Cover-up all over again.

Conservative Republican in Olympia and State Wide Knew about Mayor West for Decades! And Protected Him!

The Franklin Coverup Scandal The Child sex ring that reached Bush/Reagan Whitehouse.

http://www.thelawparty.org/FranklinCoverup/franklin.htm

"Every sick SOB in the world is probably headed to Spokane"

THEY ARE ALREADY HERE!

I think that in order to get a recall petition started we would have to take it to a judge first. Would a judge in Spokane approve the petition? We would have to allege wrongdoing, get a judge to approve it, then get between 12,000 and 13,000 signatures. The signatures we could probably get in three days or less. It's the judicial approval part that might take some time. It has been done in other places against public officials whose offenses were less apparent than West's, so we should be able to do it.

Rumsfeld: Base closures to be smaller (A10)
WASHINGTON – The Pentagon now foresees a much smaller round of base closings and consolidations, saying it has only half as much surplus space as previously estimated, according to Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld.

SEE YA FAIRCHILD AFB

Spokane mayor accused of molesting boys decades ago
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Mayor James West, a Republican foe of gay rights, was accused in a newspaper story Thursday of molesting two boys decades ago and was caught by the paper using the trappings of his office to try to court a young man on a gay Web site.

West on Thursday denied the molestation allegations, but acknowledged he "had relations with adult men."

He admitted offering autographed sports memorabilia and a possible City Hall internship to what he thought was an 18-year-old man on the Web site Gay.com. The man was actually a private computer expert hired by The Spokesman-Review as part of journalism sting operation.

(Admin. note: When discussing a story from spokesmanreview.com or any other website, please refrain from reprinting the entire story in your post(s). Excerpts from a story are fine, and linking to external stories is encouraged.)

Jim West

THE PRIDE OF SPOKANE

"Every sick SOB in the world is probably headed to Spokane"

THEY ARE ALREADY HERE!
Posted by Tammy

Tammy, I couldn't agree more. The climate is ripe for it. By the way are you Tammy Faye of Tammy Faye Baker fame? Love your eyeliner. And yes I'm Tammy who was made famous by the Debbie Reynolds smash hit in the early 60's.

West's life ripped apart

I personally don't know Jim West, but he is a man with a heart and soul just like the rest of us and his life has been ripped apart on the front page of the newspaper.

The article on Jim West was way overdone. As to the question of child molestation, I do not believe West molested those two men when they were Scouts. I do believe he is gay, but so what. West is not the only person in Spokane who leads a double life.

Some married people, gays and pedophiles use the internet for friendship and sex. The only difference here is that West is a public figure with a private life that the press felt they should open to public scrutiny.

Vicki Nicodemus
Spokane
Spokane, WA

Why would anyone chose to live in SPOKANE?

A thank you to the Spokesman-Review for investigating and printing this story.

"In Spokane, the mayor can only be removed from office by a recall effort, with a petition prepared by a county prosecutor and reviewed by a Superior Court judge. The petition must be signed by 12,567 registered city voters."

Any county prosecutors out there? We need your help.

source:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/aplocal_story.asp?category=6420&slug=WA%20Spokane%20Mayor%20Profile

New Allegations Against Mayor West

Two Seattle men have come forward with new allegations against Spokane Mayor Jim West, the Spokesman-Review reported Saturday.
Brad Crelia told The Spokesman-Review he was a 15-year-old student at Spokane's Lewis and Clark High School when West asked him a question, that he interpreted as West asking him out on a date. The alleged incident happened in 2001, when West was serving as state Senate minority leader.

The other man said he was sexually abused in 1980 when West and a friend -- a fellow Spokane County sheriff's deputy named David Hahn -- took a group of Boy Scouts on a 50-mile hike around Mount Rainier. The man -- 12 at the time -- says Hahn molested him in a tent and he liked it and tried it on others. He says he asked West to move him to another tent.

The man -- a professional who asked not to be identified by name -- says West did nothing to help him. In the man's words -- quote -- "He told me to forget it."

Hahn committed suicide a year later, in 1981.

Neither of these stories has been corroborated by the Mayor's office or police.

West has been embroiled in controversy since the Spokesman-Review newspaper reported allegations of child sex abuse against West. He is also accused of misusing his office to meet young men in a gay Internet chatroom.

Vicki Nicodemus

Vicki, I see your point and couldn't agree more with you about how Mr. West used his power and legislative priorities to scrutinize and legislate gay and lesbian's private matters such as who they marry, security in their job, allowing them housing, excluding them from the Boy Scouts, etc. Mr. West spent his whole public career legislating private matters of some citizens. I'm happy that you agree he is dead wrong to do that, but since you didn't speak up while he was busy doing that for 25 years, I guess it's now a precedent that we have to accept. I know, I know, you meant to speak out about such matters and concerns over the years, but you didn't have time. Of course now that your friend Jim is having some troubles, you have finally gotten around to speaking up. I guess better late than never. I wonder though if Jim is just "special" to you. You know I wonder if he's more "special" than some of the other citizens who've had their privacy intruded upon? I wonder also if you'll be protesting against future actions by your friend Jim (and his ilk) when he intrudes into the private matters of other groups of citizens? We'll see.

pedophile, or ephebophile

WHATS THE DIF?

Ok folks, lets get a grip. Stop the political name calling & remarks about sexual lifestyle. A man of power & influence may have committed a terrible crime against children. That is what we need to know about, if there are others they need to come forward. It will take a lot of courage. As far as the newspaper, I dont call it over kill, I call it having all your ducks in a row.

From the SR:
http://www.spokesmanreview.com/jimwest/story.asp?ID=050805_west_deny
"The mayor, through a city spokeswoman, issued a press release at 9:19 a.m. this morning, saying “he never masturbated in his City Hall office and that Council member Rodgers had drawn the wrong conclusion.”

Rodgers did not back down from her account of their conversation, which she said happened Thursday morning after The Spokesman-Review published stories detailing allegations of child sex abuse against West and his use of city computers to solicit dates on Gay.com.""

This is an example of what Spokane will be going through from now on, while the Mayor tries to do his job and these allegation and he said/she said, back and forth will dominate everything. Folks, have the Mayor go on administrative leave and have an investigation and let your city get on with it's business.

Go ahead Vicky, bury your head in the sand. This goes alot deeper than sex. For starters, how about possible civil rights violations(jailhouse beating?).Or possible witness tampering(gieger visit?).And just maybe a cover up.Not to mention child molestation.Maybe you believe like Jim does, that it's every body else("convicted felons")thats wrong. You know,the"I'm a law abiding ,upstanding....blah...blah...blah"defense.Get real!!!

Vicky, Do you believe it's ok for pedophiles to use the internet for sex? Is that just part of they're private life? Read what you said,am I misunderstanding?

Well at least he wasn't wasting money planting gardens on the roof of city hall. heh heh heh.

Good one green libertarian.He was really up there masterbating!!heh heh heh.....

Thanks Harold. I do think you hit the nail on that one.

That's IT! Somebody get a search warrant for the roof of city hall, there's probably child gay porn mags stashed up there under the dead plant material from Powers' garden!

Hey who's going to the City Council meeting tomorrow, now that oughta be a real hoot!

And my friends wonder why I shun fiction, hey truth is way stranger and more interesting than fiction, you just can't make this stuff up!

PS, Tammy, I LOVE you!

Vicki, you need a brain transplant!

QUICK!!! I know a hollywood agent! I can get the movie rights for a song at this early stage!!....."YEAH..I CAN SEE IT ALL NOW!!!...WE'LL CALL IT..."THE LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES T. WEST"..or "FESTER THE MOLESTER".....or....heh heh heh......Any body call the tabloids yet??

SHEEEESH!!!! What next?

I got it the first time.

As a 50-year-old openly gay man, I wholeheartedly applaud The Spokesman-Review's investigation of Mayor West's double life. The age of his virtual prey aside, it is the Mayor's blatant and consistent hypocrisy that merits our deepest contempt: a politician who has made every effort to block the desire of gay and lesbian people for equality deserves no break when it comes to covering up the mess he has made of his own private life.

Sincerely,
Henry Kellogg
New York City

There seems to be a glaring error in S-R's initial Thursday cover story re: West. On page A5 S-R says West offered gifts to someone after they turned 18 years old. But on page A4 in transcripts of dated instant messages, it appears gifts were offered when West had been informed the teen was still 17 and West also talked about kissing him at this time. Unless S-R's layout of the IM transcripts is misleading, the mayor was talking about kissing and sending gifts to a 17-year old. Even if he figured it wouldn't happen until the young man turned 18, it's clearly wrong behavior.

Regarding the recent allegation from Cherie Rodgers in Sunday's paper about an admission by the mayor,...that's just mudslinging now...the story is sordid enough without that kind of piling on. The guy will be stepping down within weeks anyway. He doesn't have to die from a thousand cuts. Let him leave...

Leave Vicki alone. She's right. A man in his 50's who has devoted his entire existance to the betterment of other peoples' lives should have a private side in which he can do as he pleases.

It doesn't matter if he is a pedophile, gay man, molester priest, or serial masturbater. It's his private affair and we have no business whatsoever delving into it.

Vicki, thanks for thinking this thing through for the rest of us who aren't as intelligent as you seem to be.

There is a certain biological reason that older men are attracted to younger women... perpetuation of the species and all that bother, however for the so called family values crowd, you'd have to look at least slightly askance at a 54 year old man propositioning 17-18 year old men/boys, as, well, not exactly likely to form the foundation of loving, mutually respectful, long term relationship.

Henry Kellogg -

I agree completely with you. It's not West's sexual orientation that is at issue here. It's the appalling hypocrisy of his legislative record vs his private behavior.

The allegations of pedophilia, which should be further investigated, only serve to amplify West's unsuitability for public office.

It's only a matter of time before West's public career ends. He has now joined the American rogues' gallery of fallen conservative politician/moralists: Jimmy Swaggart, Jim Bakker, William Bennett, Rush Limbaugh, Arthur Finkelstein, Jeff Gannon, etc. There a probably a lot more like him. Let his legislative agenda and the pathetic squalor of his private life serve as a warning to all who presume to dictate their narrow, punitive morality to the voting public.

I suspect West is trying to negotiate the terms of his resignation... i.e. how big his golden parachute will be. Does anybody know what entity in the city will have the final decision-making power over such an agreement?

I'm dismayed that the city council can't decide whether or not to sekk Mayor west's resignation and the city business leaders feel that in time the shock will wear of anf things will be "business as usual". With an accused pedophile as the city's leader? I'm glad I live on the east coast. I don't want that kind of "business as usual". You folks can keep it in Washington.

"Student of Religion"-

I have to wonder how many gay people you have ever actually known. Have you ever actually asked a gay person how he or she came to be so?

Your beliefs, still so widely held among Consevatives, are the very reason why men like West become closeted hypocrites.

So you think homosexuality is a "disease" which can be "curred"(sp.). Are you speaking from experience? How many queers have you cured of their godless disease?

Would you care to explain in practical terms how this cure works?

How quickly we forget: under the P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Acts and Homeland Security, we no longer have privacy. Remember "if you have nothing to hide, don't worry about it". It is obvious that those supporting the (UNpatriot) acts, are the ones complaining the most when privacy is violated. But when someone is a PUBLIC official, or Public Servant, the public has the right to know if our tax-dollars are paying for their luxuries, sex, misconduct, etc.
Prisons are FILLED beyond capacity with victims of sexual or physical abuse. (But abusers refer to them as "convicted felons").
Does anyone know ONE person who grew up normally or healthy after being sexually or physically abused? Neither do I.
I'm sorry Mayor West, but you need to go before you lose what little dignity you have left.
In the future, can we carefully SCREEN public officials and public servants before placing them in positions of power?
To the Spokesman-Review Reporters, please do not get discouraged by the complaints of your reports. They complain WHENEVER Republican crime or hypocrisy is exposed. They applaud you when a Democrat is exposed.
Let that tell you something...

Yeah, let's get real... homosexuals CHOOSE (or as you say, learn) to be that way, just so they can enjoy being taunted, hated, discriminated against, and tied to fences and left to die. Good God, how can anyone still be so ignorant in this day and age.

Aww, green libertarian to Mr. West's rescue. Boo hoo, the gay community's going to lose one of their own.

Is that the same Tim Kosnoff who helped inspire me to form The C A I - Coalition Against Injustice?
I'd like to request under The Freedom of Information Act, that Discovery you have in your possession. Please contact me.

Today, KHQ 6 news announced it would take 12,500 signatures to remove West from Mayor's office. But hurry.

"Student of Religion", since you brought it up, remember Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because of the mistreatment of the poor, the needy, the prisoners. Read past your favorite scriptures to Ezekial 16:49-50. That's "the last straw" with The LORD. "As you have done unto the least of these, My brothers, (the poor, the needy, the prisoners)... you have done unto Me". Matt.25:36-46.
"As in the days of Lot"...
How does America treat the poor, the needy, the prisoners? ("Convicted felons") quote West.

West will receive every legal protection available, the indigent do not.

"Student"; I believe you have someone else's remark confused with mine. I've never said that. I do not discriminate against gays, I disapprove of hypocrites who discriminate against gays (while hiding in a closet), and I disapprove of child-molesters. Of course West will be "innocent until proven guilty", because he has money to purchase justice. The indigent do not have that privilege or advantage. I dislike West's referral to his alleged victims as "convicted felons" as West uses that term to discredit them.

Student of Religion -

You wrote in response to my question about how you cure homosexuality: "Through my efforts to show male and female teenagers that all one has to do is tell yourself that you are tired of punishing yourself and you soon will stop- it."

In other words, Just Say No.

All I can say is, this tactic worked like a damn in the War on Drugs. Can't find drugs anywhere now, can we?

Better get yourself on Oprah quick, SoR, there are millions of deviants out there who crave your wisdom.

You go on: "That occurred in one male case who left the streets, dope and prostitution and married a nice girl, started his own business and now has a family. That does not preclude the possibly of his requiring his wife to insert a annal devise during lovemaking. Let your imaginnation decide."

Sorry, I'll have to finish this when I stop laughing.

How pathetic a job have the Republicans done in vetting their candidates? Or is the Spokane and East Washington Republican Delegation so pathetic they'll stoop to supporting anyone who they think can win? I am a Republican who is ashamed that the party could possibly have supported this guy and not done a thorough check on him. Is our party as morally bankrupt as the Democrats?

Worldcitizen -

Yes, the "sex nazis" (Jim West's term) have moved in.

Ironic, huh?

I'm out of here.

What are you people worried about? We have a president in DC who goes around handholding, kissing a man in a skirt not once ,but twice, tiptoes thrugh the tulips with this man in the skirt, yet has the audacity to condemn such behavior when it is done by people of the same sex. And he used such condemnation to get reselected to office. Their Hypocrisy knows no limits. Maybe the S-R can now do an investigation into exactly whom this gay prostitute is seeing at the Whitehouse? You deserve a pulitzer for exposing these scum who go after at risk children, but are quick out of the gate to profess there dedication to family values and the sanctity of children.

When logic and proportion
Have fallen sloppy dead
And the White Knight is talking backwards
And the Red Queen's off with her head
Remember what the dormouse said
Feed your head, feed your head

Vicki Nicodemus wrote:
>
> Some married people, gays and
> pedophiles use the internet for
> friendship and sex. The only
> difference here is that West is a
> public figure with a private life
> that the press felt they should
> open to public scrutiny.

Careful, Vicki. You're mixing up criminal activity with those that are not illegal.

Pedophilia is illegal; the legislature decriminalized adultery in 1976; and homosexuals are protected from malicious harassment under state law (RCW 9A.36.080).

More important, homosexuality is a genetic trait, not a criminal act or societal blight.

The Spokesman's coverage has focused on: 1. official misconduct (offering city internships for sex, and using city computers for online sex chats); and 2. sex offenses (child molestation or sexual misconduct with a minor) allegedly committed by Jim West.

Mayor West admits to soliciting online sex from Moto-Brock, a purported 17 year old. Given West's efforts to criminalize sexual conduct with those younger than 18 years of age, West absolutely and without any doubt knew what he was doing was wrong.

There is no doubt that Jim West misused his office and solicited a 17 year old. The Spokesman traced his IP address, according to Editor & Publisher. West also admitted to Cherie Rodgers that he used his office computer for online sex, and he also admitted to masturbating during those online chats from his office in city hall.

This isn't the first time West screwed up. Several years ago, he threatened to shoot Tom McCabe, a building lobbyist, because McCabe took out a newspaper advertisement that criticized West.

Jim West thinks he's above the law. He's wrong, and it's time that he resign.

Pedophiles always protect each other. This city appears to be rich that sort. They have appeared in our schools, Ferris, and now our city hall. I am not surprised. This city is a haven for them and I know that I will move my children from this place as soon as I am able.

This is not so much a political issue. This is about protecting our children. I will watch and see that Jim West is found guilty. This city worried more about the condition of it's streets than the poor children that can not walk them safely.

I do have one more thing to say to Jim and all the other people out there that are in public office "Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to decieve.". People will find sick people like you and you will face the music.

The city needs to do more than seize Mayor West's computer. The city needs to have a forensic computer consultant inspect all traffic through the city's computer server, as well as traffic via Jim West's login.

With the help of readily available free software, any savvy computer user can erase Internet histories, temporary files, and tracking "cookies." The right privacy software can overwrite erased information, making it unreadable.

It's not nearly so easy to purge server records or Internet logins.

If the city is serious about its investigation, it will also ask the city's Internet Service Provider for all records pertaining to West's user account. The Spokesman, too, could file a public-records request for this same information.

The allegations of prisoner abuse and pervasive misconduct implicate several city and county agencies. These allegations, together with West's background with the Spokane County Sheriff's Department, cast serious doubt as to the county and city's ability to conduct an impartial investigation.

It's time to call in the State Police or the FBI to conduct a thorough examination of the facts.

To repeat a line from our forum standards:

Numerous posts have been removed from this forum and we will not hesitate to remove posting privileges from anyone who uses this forum for personal attacks on other forum users.

We also will not hesitate to close the forum entirely if it degenerates into pointless argumentation.

This is a serious issue and we urge readers to be civil and serious in this discussion.

Spokane Citizens - why are we fighting in this forum? We should join together to protect our community. I am NOT saying West is guilty of all allegations but we do deserve a full investigation. I am a Democrat, who believes West has done well for Spokane as Mayor, but can we seriously allow him to move forward? We are already Seattle's red-headed step child. We will be on the Tonight Show soon or Dateline or 60 minutes. I am asking all of you to put aside party lines and think about the fact that this man has abused his power as a Boy Scout, a Trooper, a State Senator and now our Mayor. Two more boys came forward this morning - how many more will there be? Do you really want to move Spokane forward? With all of the accomplishments of Marshall Chesrown, Don Barbieri, Ron Wells and most importantly Walt Worthy, why do we want this egg on our faces to diminish the Spokane ther envision? West is a detriment to this city's public face. We are expanding our convention center to draw more visitors here - now there is concern expressed on behalf of the parents of the 2007 figure skaters - do you understand the impact of that? We are finally becoming a city to be reckened with - we can't afford the Mayor's "bad judgement" to thwart those who want to consider Spokane as a destination.

West will be leaving as soon as he works out his golden parachute, which is dependent on how many other un-indicted co-conspirators he promises to protect by keeping his RightBiGuy trap shut.

Very good post, Eric (not your real name). Very valid points. Calling in the FBI is a great suggestion, except, if anyone recalls, prior to 9/11 even the FBI were under investigation for mass corruption. On 9/12, those investigations ceased and the FBI were given more powers. So personally, I'm not sure WHAT agency could be trusted, responsible, impartial, or dependable for a thorough, proper investigation.
The problem extends beyond Spokane, the entire State of Washington is rife with corruption, malfeasance, and cover-ups. Reports are ignored and/or denied, RARELY investigated, usually the only way truth EVER comes out is with photos or enough witnesses willing to testify in court. Those who abuse their powers also threaten and coerce witnesses, while often bribing LE, the media, the influential, et al. It occurs in Washington State far more than anyone cares to admit. So WHO can we trust to conduct a REAL investigation?
The Spokesman-Review did a good job, but they are limited in their authority.
You've got the right idea Eric, but unfortunately, UPRIGHT Investigators, LE and FBI are getting hard to find. And it's a pitiful shame.

Mayor West may or may not resign. Whether or not he does, a huge amount of damage has been done by the quantity of unproven (and perhaps unprovable) accusations and counter-accusations of wrongdoing by the Mayor, by the media (primarily the S-R), and by angered citizens. Unless he is proven to have broken the law or the work rules of the City, he is not guilty of malfeasance in office, although his usefulness may have been fatally damaged.

Councilwoman Rogers, however, should resign without delay. Her televisaed revelation of what was a privileged and private conversation with the Mayor was an act of public betrayal far more disgusting than what she alleged she had heard or said. Personally, I certainly don't want her influencing or deciding on public matters on my behalf. Perhaps the Council will find the moral stamina to impeach her on ethical, if not moral, grounds.

SPOKANE IS TOAST!

What decent company would want to relocate to that dirty, poor streets, smoking dump. Fairchild AFB will close in two years and your MAYOR will receive a medal from the city council. SAD...

If he was a minority he would be forced to quit.

You can't impeach someone on moral grounds Jack.

Jack, you are right on--- the Mayor is looking for anyone to listen to him, and everyone including Ms. Rogers spills everything out to the media. I wonder if she is looking to run for Mayor after this whole thing is over? Didn't she also state in the same article-- my friends are my friends unconditionally-- if this is what she calls being a friend, I'd hate to see what she calls being an enemy.

What is your definition of moral?
The mayor took an oath of office. Read it yourself. Popularity can not side step ethics. Trust is important. If the computer on city property is misused there are consequences.

Rodgers said West told her on Sunday that "he meant he had engaged in mutual masturbation in a parking lot" away from City Hall with a teenager he met online.

OH MY GOD!

THIS IS YOUR MAYOR?

Look, West is a terribly conflicted and broken man, especially at this point. His downfall is a result of his own actions. Apparently, he is not thinking too clearly if he believed Ms Rogers would not answer questions openly and completely as she has always done. Indeed there was a misunderstanding, but that was not Ms. Rogers fault. I know it's difficult, but West needs to own up to his outrageous behavior and stop casting aspersions on others. He'd better pray investigators don't start looking for evidence of his semen in his office.

Another day in another scandal...

Spokane.

In native tongue it means "Children of the Sun".

Children. The innocent, the untarnished, and the best hope for the future-think about that one. We are all children, have all been young and believing and hopeful. Now have our leaders silenced themselves to this greatest and most compelling voice?

We are named after a people who know the restorative power of light and the healing warmth of something much greater than themselves.

Yet we are overwhelmed in the gloomiest shadows. That is where we find ourselves now. We need something much bigger than us to elevate us from the stagnate air we now breathe. A restorative helping hand and a firm knowing guide to light our way. That illumination that used to come from conscience seems quiet. Why?

How is it that a force that is supposed to keep us on course, moving forward, and focused on something better is traded for treading water in a current that is threatening to drown us?

Why has West no conscience? Why has the City Councel no backbone? Why is law enforcement not under the most thorough investigation? Why are the Republicans so silent? Why is the voice of our conscience limited to the muffled shouts of the incarcerated and the convicted?

Curiously those who should know this voice best seem strangely disconnected from the the power of the Sun and from the guiding light within.

I only hope we can all retrace our steps soon to reclaim both.

West should resign immediately and efforts should eb made to begin a vigorous recall campaign!!!

Hey SHOCKED IN SEATTLE, your right on the money. Too bad there seems to be a strange lack of clarity over here.....HMMMM??

I live in SW Florida and a former Spokane resident. I'm surprised that this story was important(?) enough to make it all the way down here! My question is, why the hell did he tell her something like this anyway? It makes no sense for an intelligent(?) government official to admit/discuss something like this with another city official which he had no personal relationship with. I think I'd check into Ms. Rodgers history and find out if she has a hard on (no pun intended) for Mr. West.

I see the blame the messenger crowd has chimed in. Do you really think Ms. Rogers is polliticly motivated? In case you missed it we might have major abuse of power, civil rights,not to mention possible serial child molestation problems. And all you can do is try to find someone else to blame besides Jim West. Whom,by the way told Jim to mutually masturbate in a parking lot with an 18 year old? Who told jim to use tax payer owned computers for his personal(fun?).Was it Ms. Rogers? I don't think so.

How's Mr. West gonna greet the next CEO who's thinking about relocating His or Her company to Spokane? Is he gonna ask how many children they have? Get real Spokane!! Even if he's exonerated of molestation He's still a sexual deviate(not gay).Do you think any body will take him or us seriously? I doubt it.The city council needs to look at the long run problems that standing behind West will have on every body in Spokane.For one, he's now a major political liability.That should be enough for most incumbants.But not here! We still have misguided loyalties ruling the day in Spokane.WAKE UP SPOKANE!!!! and demand the resignation of our "masturbating mayor" now!!!!!!!

Hey shocked in Seattle, I'm qiute sure you guys over there hear more than we do here. There's alot of skeletons still in the closet in spokane. Keep us posted!

On the legal level, the abuse of the power of office is a clear violation. The ALLEGATIONS of molestation should be pursued. If he is found (convicted) of being a pedophile he should be punished, kids should be protected from him and the victims helped.

On a personal level, Mr. West is a terribly conflicted man and a prime example of the hypocrisy that develops from denial of who you really are, sexually, politically, or otherwise. I hope he gets his act together and lives an authentic life at some point. Congnitive dissonance can be a terrible thing.

On an ethical level, I just wonder if the paper would have run this story, or if people would be as interested if he had been chatting with an 18 year-old girl and meeting girls 18 and up for sex? Isn't that acceptable in this society?, for an older man to have a sexual relationship with a female of a much younger, but legal age? It seems like I read about such relationships all of the time, with no judgemental commentary included. Just trying to figure out how the sexual orientation is really playing in this story. Everyone says it doesn't matter, but I think it plays a big role.

Another note at the ethical level:

What is with the lack of confidentiality in private conversations? These conversations were spelled out in great detail just hours after they were held. It seems as if there ARE no private conversations in politics or journalism. This behavior smelld. But that is the reality. Lesson learned.

You are completely right MG-- private conversations I would hope are private conversations---well I guess Monica Lewinsky found out the hard way also that private does not mean private.

How sad the SR and Cheri Rogers are on the same lines as Linda Tripp...

I came all the way to spokane to study for a MA degree. Might as well transfer to California. Shame on you Spokane!!!

West has violated State laws, and City policies. He has committed both malfeasence and misfeasence in office and a recall petition would easily pass thruogh a judge.

I will take bets that West also used a city credit card to pay for his access to gay.com. You know if he is so stupid to have done what he has done so far he is stupid enough to have done that. Lets find out!

This story degenerated from a legitimate investigative report on Thursday to a mud slinging pile-on when the Spokesman Review reported Cherie Rodgers' allegation of Mayor West's emission admission in Sunday's edition. It had already been established that the mayor's use of city computers for personal activities was at issue and would be investigated.

One wonders if Ms. Rodgers other assertion, that the mayor stated he would make no public appearances for an entire year, is true. If it is, then the mayor has as much as said he will step down. No mayor can function if he is in the witness protection program.

Regarding Cherie Rodgers, she may have had good intentions, but her betrayal of a so-called friendship does Linda Tripp proud. The Spokesman Review's printing of Rodgers' he-said-she-said sordid detail really added nothing to the important elements of this story. I think the editors got a little bloodthirsty and desperate for continuity when they printed a very weak Sunday front-page story about what had been a strong, well researched and documented investigative report from Thursday through Saturday. They did an admirable Ken Starr blue dress number on West. All those resources to document what? Congressional reports? Front page Sunday news? Why do otherwise sane people lose all sense of proportion and perspective when sex is part of the story?

Hey Spokane, go to your city web page and start emailing your councilors with your opinions on West. Public input can be very important right now. Hold them accountable.
This is a huge story and I have been trying to get the national TV news interested but so far no bites.
Contact CNN, FOX and all other media outlets so this story can recieve as much coverage as it deserves. There is no tellin how far up this goes. How many present interns were solicited from Gay.com?
Your police force is probably still covering up for his days in uniform, they will not help you.
Stand up and be counted or this will just be another sex ring coverup.
Nancy

Timbo, that's an awesome post. The sad truth, EXACTLY.

Most people tell what they (secretly) want repeated. West may have told people subconsciously to help alleviate the burden of carrying such shame. Cherie Rodgers has done the right thing and she should not be blamed for speaking out. Silence is a part of the problem, enabling misconduct and abuse to continue for decades. If LE had not honored "their blue code of silence" in the 70's, it could have saved other victims. More UPRIGHT Officials and Law Enforcement need to speak out against misconduct and abuse. More Reporters need to investigate and report misconduct and abuse. Otherwise, they all have a hand in the cover-ups and crime.
Unfortunately, most people fear retaliation for "blowing the whistle".
Many posters here are misled in thinking that citizens are actually innocent until proven guilty, but sadly, in reality the law does not work that way. Save for the wealthy and influential. Anyone else would have been arrested by now, (and severely abused/neglected in jail).
"The color of justice is green".

Start a full investigation on Jim West as soon as possible.I am getting worried about our children's safety in this community.

Usually only the wealthy, influential, mafia, and Law Enforcement are accepted into the witness protection program. Why is that?
Why is our Nation filled with innocent and wrongfully convicted Americans, languishing in dangerous, despicable prisons, while so many guilty are protected and free to reoffend? Why are government officials and law enforcement "above the law"?
Because not enough honest and upright citizens have the courage to speak out, to report, or to demand accountability. Corrupt Law Enforcement and Government Officials are the most dangerous criminals.
Reporters and media that refuse to investigate and report misconduct, have kept decent citizens "in the dark", so when news like this arises, everyone is shocked, in denial, and begins blaming the messenger, or worse yet, the victims.
Let this be the beginning of a larger investigation of LE, Judicial, Governmental Officials and Agencies throughout Washington State of the past few decades. This is only the tip of the iceberg, folks.

Really. Compare the front page stories from Thursday through Saturday with the above-the-fold front page story in Monday's Spokesman Review. No wonder some people laugh at the provinciality of Spokane.

Monday's paper shows a wild eyed Cherie Rodgers asserting that the mayor admitted to self gratification while in his office and the mayor responds, "I would never, ever sully or disgrace my office in this way."

You must be kidding. Has an important story that two journalists worked so hard on degenerated into this he-said-she-said nonsense?

Editors, get a grip. OK...let me rephrase that...

This whole story makes me sad.

As a younger gay man I remember having similar on-line chats with older men. The deep desperation and near pleading in their writing was at times humorous and often embarrassing.

So many men from this generation had no role models. No sports heroes. No actors. Certainly, there were few openly gay politicians.

My own coming out in the mid 1980s was painful enough. So painful that suicide seemed a viable option at the time.

I can’t imagine what it must be like to have dug such a deep hole for myself as Mayor West has done.

But what have we done as a society to make this any easier?

Parents still desert the children that only the day before they claimed to love. Successful actors and politicians still have false marriages. People in power are so repressed that they take advantage of the vulnerable.

What is the real issue here? Maybe that wouldn’t sell papers.

My previous comments posted Friday seem to have been edited out by the Review. I accused the paper of revenge against the city and an attempt to regain it's previous hold on politics in this city by bring down the current politicians, starting with West. Can you imagine the message to the current council.
No one had better have any skeletons hanging around.
None of us are safe and Jim West needs to be a man(?) and resign.
Roger

Worried for the safety of our children....do you think that Jim West is running around like a crazy man grabbing all the young boys he can find... come on!!!! That kind of mob mentality is unbelievable in this day and age. Jim West is a closeted gay man--- not some crazy lunatic running around grabbing young boys off the street. What is wrong with you people--- so small minded! Keep in mind that Jim West has not even been convicted of pedophilia. So like the higher than thou Spokanites to convict before proof is established.

Shame on you Spokane.....

Mayor James West released the following statement:
"Today a series of articles in the Spokesman-Review leveled allegations against me about my private life. I am a law-abiding citizen, and I believe my public record of service stands on its own merit."

"Allegations about my private life were two-fold. I categorically deny allegations about incidents that supposedly occurred 24 years ago as alleged by two convicted felons and about which I have no knowledge. The newspaper also reported that I have visited a gay chat line on the Internet and had relations with adult men. I don't deny that."

"The business of the City remains my top concern. We have made significant progress as a community over the last year and a half, and I am confident that we will continue to be successful in our initiatives."

SEE, HE IS NOT THAT BAD OF A MAYOR.

Speaking from the perspective of an out gay man and a former boy scout (who was molested by a scout leader) West isn't gay. He said so himself in an interview last Wednesday with the Spokesman Review.

"I wouldn't characterize me as gay. And I don't want to go into the whole issue, but I wouldn't characterize me as gay."

So let's take West at his word and don't let him get away with pulling a McGreevey. After a lifetime of actively working to harm gay people, it's a crock for him to call the Spokesman Review editor at 6:30 am on Sunday morning and say, "I'm being destroyed because I am a gay man".

You're not gay, Mr. West. You might be a mess, you might like sex with young men, but you don't have the courage, the heart or the balls to be a gay man.

Don't even try to pretend you are.

Appreciated your thoughtful post MitchM.

I come from the side that knows of family violence and so don't have a lot of sympathy for abusers of any kind. Yet I look at the totality of this news report and am somewhat sickened by the complete evisceration of someone by a news organization.

If it is proven that the mayor did what he is accused of doing 20 years ago, then he deserves justice. I'm just not sure this is really justice. And it appears to me that the S-R has shabbily entwined sexual orientation with child abuse which is just raw meat for rabid fundametalist pontificators and gay bashers. I think the paper could have done a better job of seperating the two issues, not that sexual orientation is an issue (not that there's anything wrong with that...).

But the Spokesman Review has appointed itself judge, jury and executioner here and the streak of mean spiritedness that runs through this investigative report (printing entire transcripts of online chats with an actor, making self gratification a front page story, etc.) truly troubles me...

Then there's the complete stupidity and recklessness of releasing personal and city information on a public website...?

Karen Davis-Beam,

I hope you are reading this. For the life of me, for the humanity of me, for the sense of decency, I cannot imagine how anyone could suggest that West should be allowed to keep his job because he's been good for Spokane business. What moral/ethical standards are you drawing from?

I'm sure you feel he has been railroaded, and allegations of inappropriate behavior with children aside, West should resign based on what we know to be facts.

The charges that we know to be true clearly cross the line from a private life or right to privacy into the public sphere.

The fact that you--or anyone else--considers his political and business contributions to outweigh the grossly indecent and inappropriate behavior he has exercized as an elected official makes me wonder what your motivations are.

know wonder a serial killer can kill 13 women in our town and not get hung we have a gay mayor!!!

He's not gay. Gay people are "out" and comfortable with their sexuality. He's a self-loathing bisexual, for sure, and perhaps a pedophile.

Okay the mayor says he's gay.......but what would a 50 something year old man have in common with guys 30 years or more younger than himself. That in itself sends red flags up for me!!!!

let me tell you the stuuf that goes on in this town never seaces to amaze me ANYWHERE ELS ANYWHERE ELS!!! does this town just make it up as it goes?

nothing wrong with being gay but how does a man get allected,let alone stay in office being such a liar. Realy who cares about the gay part but what els is he hiding seems to be the largest question?

we aill see Mr.WEST what comes out in the WASH.

OK - Let's see. Jim West was buddies with David Hahn, who killed himself over sex abuse allegations involving young boys. David Hahn was buddies with George Robey, another infamous child molester from Spokane who also killed himself when the news came out on him. George Robey was buddies with Fr. Patrick O'Donnell, another admitted pedophile...hmmm... And the connections between all these pedophiles and the Boy Scouts and Morning Star Boys Ranch...(where better to molest kids than these two places of trust...oh, yeah, and the Catholic Church, another good place to molest and be protected by your superiors, like Bishop Skylstad)

Find the connection between West and O'Donnell, they've met in the past, you can count on it, and the lid on this gets blown wide open on West.

Hey Jimmy B. You're right on the mark. I don't doubt the connection one bit after reading that these men all knew each other, albiet separately as far as we know now. O'Donnell and Robey both abused me on O'Donnell's boat over the course of a summer. There were other men in their circle, I just don't remember them. And Skylstad, what a lying sack of crap he is. He knew of my abuse and did nothing to stop it. West deserves what he is getting...He'll catch up with Robey and Hahn in hell.

You've hit the nail on the head, Jimmy B.

What do certain privileged Officials do when their world is crumbling around them? Go on vacation!
West states that this issue "is taking up too much of his (precious) time".
Doesn't matter where his (alleged) victims spend their time, what matters is West's FEELINGS! He's ENTITLED to a vacation! Most criminals or sex offenders are not even entitled to a fair trial. Entire communities protest when a sex-offender is released into their neighborhood. Many citizens go into public places and forums threatening to kill alleged sex-offenders.
We are not "the judge, the jury, the executioner", we are PARENTS of children who fear for their safety. We are concerned citizens who demand accountability. Otherwise, West's vacation would be in his comfy cozy "Club Fed". (Or in reality, the special prison for Gvt. Officials and Law Enforcement, where they order steak, play golf, and whatever else they request to enjoy their incarceration).
Anyone else accused, would be in jail preparing for their defense, hoping for a competent attorney, and praying for a fair trial, eating garbage jail-food, being abused and neglected. Some jails and prisons do not even serve FRUIT to their inmates, claiming, "Federal Standards do not require fruit".
This is a gross injustice to the alleged victims, to the public, and to the city of Spokane. Such favor is not available to the less fortunate suspects, and Constitutional Rights are frequently violated, but corrupt government officials go on "much deserved" vacations to get away from their accusers, and are guaranteed every legal protection and Constitutional Right available.
Well, like I stated earlier, I've witnessed, documented, and reported so much corruption (that is blatently ignored, denied, covered-up and even exalted), NONE of this comes as a surprise to me.
Enjoy your vacation "Mayor West"!
Hopefully, he wont flee or commit suicide. (Not that he has a conscience).

I am still in shock. I don't care that he is gay, but possibly a pedophile and using city computers to "meet others online, etc". Where do I sign the petition for a recall!!

A gay pedophile attacking the rights of the gay community - a prime example of the Republican Right . . . the same folks that defend Jim West as being "entrapped" still believe Saddam planned 9/11, had WMDs loaded on drones ready to strike America and that Bush wants to "save" Social Security . . .

This story is just awful for Spokane. Its a sad story for Mayor West.
It does come across in these newspaper articles that S-R meant to take him down and finish him off. And, it sure seems that they succeeded.
Jim West will be old news next week. But, people with more smarts than I have will be asking why S-R was so ruthless and what was their real motivation. The entrapment in the chat room doesn't sit well with me.
Your two reporters, interviewing the Mayor before publishing this story, saying that they were just following orders when asking those questions... the guy (your reporter) just comes across as spineless.
There is a bigger story here and Jim Smith (the editor, did I get his name right?) isn't looking too good here, either.
The NY Times hasn't followed this story. I thought at first because this is all so sorid. Now, I'm wondering if its because its journalism at its lowest and the Times won't touch it.
In any event, if he has any self-pride at all, the Mayor should resign.

Paul,

The New York Times did report the story. As did CBS, NBC, CNN. Have yet to see it on Fox...but that comes as no surprise.

This story is being reported all over the country as it should be.

I agree he should resign and let Spokane move ahead. There's nothing wrong with being gay but being gay and 50 something and looking to "date" guys 30 years younger is a problem.

Has anyone considered that this man may have organic brain disease from metatstatic colon caner? His recent activities do not mesh with coherent, intelligent thinking and memory. He has demonstrated that he is now not fit to continue his position as mayor, but he may really need more evaluation for ill health.

He's not gay! He said so himself.This is about power and control. At the least his actions show an extreme lack of maturity for a 54 year old man. If you can't see the correlation between his behaviour and possible pedophilia then do some research and see if that doesn't change your perspective at least somewhat. As it stands, his obsession with young males and his admitted behaviour in his car(illegal)and his illegal use of city property is more than enough to make most other red faced polititians resign without delay. Not Jim West, he's gonna drag us all through the muck.What GALL!!

As one of the many self-appointed critics of the Spokesman-Review’s coverage, or rather, undressing of Jim West, I must commend our paper of record for getting back on track with more substantial threads of this disturbing story http://www.spokesmanreview.com/jimwest/story.asp?ID=050905_west_jobs.

I found the S-R’s Sunday and Monday front-page hyperventilation over whether Mayor West had touched himself to be, as Martha Stewart might characterize it, silliness. If every male who ever did that at work were fired unemployment would triple . . .

Now...using a computer at work to facilitate making your body an amusement park (...my apologies to George Costanza's mother...), that could require some kind of discipline, which might be welcome. Who knows?

Hey, that angle may be enough for another front-page story!

Ill health??? Not unless he had colon cancer 35 years ago.

There are just so many issues here. Hypocrosy, promiscuity, dishonesty, lack of ethics in using Spokane's peoples tax dollars to use the computer,use salaried time and an internship for soliciting sex with high school seniors. What a lack of judgement. We do not want this man in our esteemed office! We all know that these allegations are just the tip of an iceberg. Thank you Spokesman Review to have the guts to initiate this investigation, the follow through and the continuing coverage.

You mean organic little brain disease.

When Portland's Willamette Week broke the story on former Governor Neil Goldschmit's own history of sex abuse a couple of years ago, it was major news then, too.

However, the WW is a weekly, not daily, paper. Perhaps they were less ruthless or voluminous in their expose of the Governor because they simply didn't have the space.

Not that I think that pedophiles or ethics violators should get easy treatment, mind you. But WW's approach to a similar story was more sensitive while still effective. Goldschmit was professionally devastated by the story. But like West, the statute of limitations protected him from legal action.

Spoken like a true conservative Republican -- always appease people of their wishes but harbors their darkest secrets, taking advantage of others.

Good job to Spokesman-Review for exposing a hypocrite in conservative Republican!

R-

Would organic brain disease have been present decades ago? There are many reasons people behave how they behave, exactly like the "convicted felon's" behavior following the abuse. Medical conditions, illness, disease, genetic factors, mental factors, even drug and alcohol abuse disease, physical and sexual abuse do affect a person's behavior. Those reasons (excuses?) are rarely taken into consideration when judging and sentencing those who break the law. Much of the U.S. population is in prison for accusations much less serious than what West is accused of. Why isn't West being held accountable as anyone else would be? Why is he still allowed the option to remain in his Mayoral position? What qualifies him to be above the law? The law applies to everyone. Including Mayors and Law Enforcement. And Catholic Priests, politicians, presidents, lawmakers, judges, lawyers, corrections officers, state workers, ALL of which are very corrupt in Washington State, the United States.....
The media MUST report news that affects us all. They could do well to investigate and report corruption MORE OFTEN.

I think I've read everything Steve Smith has had to say about the West investigation. I find his defenses often as confused as West's behavior. The ethical standards of journalism he cites that allegedly allow deception in reporting seem a fine fit with whatever his newspaper deems appropriate at the moment. Bill Morlin is an excellent and respected reporter. If he were to weigh in on the issue we would at least get an honest opinion as to whether the S-R crossed a line with its sting. The newspaper has headed down a dangerous path, staking its reputation and brand on a highly questionable tactic that probably wasn't even necessary to tell this story. The paper took a sleezy but important story and coated it with bile.

Has anyone even realized how deeply embedded in the youth community Jim was. He was on the boards of District 81 and the Juvinile court system. This is a person that has ties to many ways of reaching our disenfranchised youth. The path of a pedophile. He and his defenders frighten me. I am a parent that must wake to the fears of people like him every day my children are in this city. I realize this is not the only city with these concerns...just listen to the wealthy, and the political...they care little for the youth of any community. They take care of their own.

No need to "Dan Rather" this news report. Apparently the police were unable to conduct an investigation, someone needed to. It does not change the facts if they were not gathered to eveyone's expectations.
The Spokesman-Review Reporters did a great service to Spokane and America by investigating and reporting Mayor West's (alleged) misconduct.
No one complains about the media if the average Joe "gets smeared" by criminal allegations. If it weren't a Mayor or former Sheriff, nearly everyone would praise the Spokesman-Review for reporting criminal activity.
Perhaps the police should have assisted in the investigation, rather than ignore and deny it. They sometimes respond with "no one here is interested...", when reporting crime or criminal misconduct of "powerful people".

What a tragic story--for Mr. West, for Spokane, for those young men. Even recognizing that Mr. West compounds the error by not resigning. A leave of absence is not sufficient-- besides the sexual issues and probable criminal pedophile activities--there is well documented abuse of the power of office-- use of computers, offering jobs, etc. I hope the recall petition takes off like wildfire and Mr. West sees the light and resigns. Then the healing can begin. Spokane needs a breather and needs to move forward.

Dorothy, good post! But it creeps me out even more to learn of his obsession with children. Especially disenfranchised children, the most vulnerable.
It also appears there could possibly involve a "sex ring", with of all his ties to so many other abusers in positions of high authority...
Why aren't the police ON THIS?

How sad. Most people don't care if he is Gay, Straight, BI-Sexual or A-sexual. I do hope the accusations about the pediphylia are false. Most of us do care about that. I thought he was doing a decent job fixing the streets and working with a stripped down budget, now what?

This should be a warning to everyone...the ARE NO SECRETS on the internet. Someone ALWAYS finds out. AND

If you have something to hide or skeletons in the CLOSET, do not run for public office. Save yourself and the public the humiliation.

Coalition,

Sadly the police are the problem. Look at the structure of our society. We train our children and ourselves to respond to the police..teachers...those in power with not only fear but also and most sadly respect.

Abuse is what it is and abusers damage the victims to the point of making the victims look guilty. That is the anatomy of abuse. Who in this culture does not know this simple fact.

This city, no, this country is full of very vehement people. That is proven by watching how our judicial system works. Let's beat down some more people. It is simple. It is not a new phenomonon. Soc 101, Psych 101 and Cultural Anthropology 101 teaches us all how cruel the human can be to another...that is why those that are sick look to be in powerful positions and then side step their unsightly deeds by blaming the victims or the messenger's of their crimes.

Wealth and power corrupts.

Grandma,

Listen up. Simple words. "Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.".

Don't do things on the internet or other places that you know are socially unacceptable. Life and the Universe will hold you accountable.

Thanks to all who support us, it's time.

Thank's CAI
Heather

Grandma, "most" of us do care if he's a pedophile? MOST of us!!?? What you mean like a majority? So maybe 49% of us DON'T care if he's pedophile? Uhhhh, right.

Let's see, like any good republican, he floated bonds that our children will have to pay off to fix the streets. And he gave away the public treasury to get out from under the RPS fiasco, THAT'S why he has to deal with reduced budget.

I can't believe that some people believe that the "twinkie" defence will work for jim at this point.

Organic malfunction?

He is a persecuted gay man?

I would love to believe that he is just a human that made some bad choices and now he will confess his "sins"...move on...and out of our community and take all the people like him with him.

That won't happen until Spokane's working class...those he targets...lose more money and jobs because of his actions.

What really get's me angry is when anyone speaks to a concern about people like jim or those in power we become "conspiricy theroists'", "anti-mererican's", "un-Christian"...hot button issues for people raised in my generation.

I meant to write "merican's". My ex-husband who was a retired Col. in the army always said "We are merican's, that's with an "M"..." It from an old country western song that I fear this city is becoming.

Tonight the Mayor announced that when the SR is through "persecuting" him, he will respond to the allegations made against him? Does West take ANY responsibility for his actions? If he had not lured teenagers to have sex online, or admitedly masturbated online, would there even be a story? This man is unbelievable in his disregard for his role in this scandal. He needs to take responsibility for his actions. He is still in denial. I find it interesting that in today's paper he is quoted as being a "gay man" when last week all he was ready to admit is he is "bisexual". West - do us all a favor- resign and get the help you desperately need so you will not re-offend. I believe all child molesters should receive a sentence of life without parol. As evidenced in the news every day child molesters continue to re-offend. West - we need your past behavior investiaged to the full extent of the law and if you are found guilty, may you rot in a prison cell and let the prisoners decide how to sentence a child molester.

I am not wealthy enough to pay to watch the rich. I can't even afford cable.

The rumors about pedophilia aren't new--I heard about ten years ago that West, with his close friends Robey and Hahn, hurt young boys. It's about time someone investigated and talked about it. How did this all get swept under the rug for so long? That is what amazes me. Still, at this point these remain only accusations, but it needs to be investigated as thoroughly as possible (although this might be difficult as Hahn's files were destroyed in the 80s. Very convenient).

With the RPS situation, the timing may not be that great, but still, good for you, Spokesman-Review.

The posts here attacking the S-R's methods in uncovering this story are bothersome. Are you who post this seriously saying that it would have been BETTER to simply take the word of the original young man that brought that information forward and print that?

Excuse me, but THAT is what would be extremely negiligent and unethical.

For petes sake, the paper went to the other end of that spectrum in verifying the on-line activity and I'm pretty sure the reason it is posted in it's entirety on their web page is so that we can see exactly what was said and who said it.

Have you read those chats? I did and I sure don't see at what point the Mayor was "entrapped". It looks to me like he knew exactly what he was doing and it sounds from the most recent articles tonight that it was something he was pretty familiar with doing as well.

What troubles me about this story is why the men who filed suit against Hahn didn't have more to say about Jim West. It took courage to confront this, but maybe it took less courage to confront a dead guy. There is the potential for this to be an easy score for opportunists. Am I grasping at straws here?

Of course, it would take major fortitude to confront one of the most powerful politicians in the state. You'd want to have all your ducks in a row. I realize one man did accuse West in his deposition. There's a lot of smoke here, but no gun. Being guilty by association isn't enough. And long suppressed or recovered memories of abuse are a minefield of unreliable evidence. At least that's what many studies have found.

This is a stranger than fiction nightmare scenario. Could it really be true, this pack of wolves in the police department, church and scouts all preying on children, even passing them back and forth? Ann Rule must be pounding her keyboard getting this true crime book ready for her editor.

I think there's plenty already to warrant West resigning from office just on the abuse of his current position of authority, the pattern of him using the perks of his office to attract people much younger than himself for...whatever.

But the most serious charge of molestation...I'd like to see more corroboration, more victims coming forward so there is little to no reasonable doubt. (That didn’t sound right…God willing there aren’t more victims, but if these allegations about abuse a quarter of a century ago are true, there probably are more victims.) There is the corroboration of some of the parents of these accusers. That’s damaging.

I just hope the S-R focuses on getting as much corroboration and reliable evidence/testimony as possible and not on the more sensational and prurient aspects of this story. It should be done with some degree of decorum and restraint, if that’s possible given the sordid subject matter.

Since the statute of limitations has passed, it is a problem to me that this is being tried in a newspaper and the court of public opinion and not a court of law. The Spokesman-Review has taken on an awesome responsibility by publishing the part of this story that is a cold case. It now has a duty to substantiate these allegations by removing as much reasonable doubt as possible and not leaving any loose ends.

West is just the icing on the In-grown Empires cake.
All American City? Pleeease!!!
-Remember Expo 74? A world's fair built with basically plywood only to make room for lame hotels and theme restaurants.
-Downtown landmarks torn down on Riverside to make way for a bus depot?
-2nd City was a bold aspiration for creative eclectic city planning but of course even the public didn't get nor support it.
The people choose the cities destiny in regards to culture and politics.
The whole town looks and thinks like Hillyard - circa 1962.
Remember Wheelers barbershop downtown on Sprague with the sign - "No Negro Haircuts?
Not much has changed. One step sideways and two steps back.
My advice to all High School Grads (I was Ferris class of '71):
At least drive the flippin' 5 hours west to Seattle and get a life. You'll thank yourself.

After reading several of "Tammy"'s responses, it is quite clear that she is a very angry person with nothing to do but tear down her fellow humans. I do feel a pain for her but this is not the place to vent personal feelings about others who may have a different perspective on the current situation of the mayor's office of Spokane. If you need to try and destroy the human race, take out a space in the paper.

This is not a moment to attack each
each other. The problem is there is no trust in our infrastructure. Jim took that away from us. For that he and those like him are guilty.

bshm, Tammy is making some very good if slightly off topic points, and she is certainly not tearing anybody down unless they deserve it for being abusers of one sort or another. Have you found the courage yet, bshm, to actually READ those newspapers that you said earlier were just piling up, so you can be INFORMED as to your opinion of the West situation?

You're right again, Dorothy. All your posts are truthful, and you dislpay genuine concern over the safety and well-being of the youth, our most precious, valuable treasures.

Leaders and those in power MUST have integrity. They must be "the same on the inside, as they are on the outside". Otherwise, they are hypocrites, which do not make good leaders, and definitely not good role models for our youth. Hypocrites are untrustworthy and dangerous. They have the capability to desrtoy and devastate innocent lives. They can do it without batting an eye. They do it frequently.

Our children are a priority over our streets, our parking garages, our city budget. Spokane has never had good streets anyway. And apparently no "safe streets".
Our children and our citizens deserve and are entitled to police protection, not abuse. Our law enforcement would rather send swat teams crawling on their bellies over hills to take down a "marijuana-growing operation" of barely a dozen plants, than investigate abuse and misconduct of child sex-offenders when they are Sheriffs, Mayors, etc.
Certain citizens refuse to believe that people in power often DO CONSPIRE to commit crimes. But those criminals have the funds and resources to cover-up their crimes. And they do. Anyone who reports such corruption is automatically labeled a "conspiracy-theorist", regardless of the facts and evidence.
I've watched the decay of Washington State and The U.S. Gvt. literally destroy innocent lives for over the past ten years, and no one is held accountable, no one wants to investigate or report it, much less CORRECT it.
Where ARE those we pay to protect us? Do we have to put our children "on the back burner" and wait until all the pot-smokers are under arrest before child-abusers and the dangerously corrupt are investigated? Is THAT why it takes years and decades for the truth to come out? Where are these "leaders" and public servants priorities? (Besides their own gratification).

I would like to suggest that Cherie Rodgers step down from her position. Her actions and public involvement with this situation has crossed the line. She has been extremely unprofessional and has used her position to publicly humiliate and betray the confidence that her co-worker, Mayor Jim West, entrusted to her. Her comments have been cold and vindictive and she is an embarrassment as a representative of Spokane. No matter how things work out with Mayor Jim West, Cherie Rodgers needs to leave her position.

"Grandma", in case you weren't paying attention after 9/11, the P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Acts, Homeland Security, and Bush authorizing unlimited surveillance powers of the FBI, nullifies our right to privacy.

Unfortunately, they're spying on the peaceful protesters rather than the criminals within their own circles.

Thankfully, The Spokesman-Review conducted an investigation and reported their findings. Otherwise, who would Mayor West be dating now? What if it were a Sheriff's son? THAT would have motivated them to conduct an investigation somewhat. I THINK.

"and all you got to do to join is sing it the next time it come's around on the guitar.

With feeling. So we'll wait for it to come around on the guitar, here and
sing it when it does. Here it comes."

from Arlo Guthrie's Alice's Restaurant

Cherie Rogers had nothing to do with West's misconduct and alleged child-abuse. She's very professional from what I've always observed.
On KHQ6 News it was reported that West was asked if more victims will come forward and Wes replied, "probably so".
What does that have to do with Cherie Rogers? Another "blame the messenger" tactic to get the focus off the accused?
I just hope The Spokesman-Review and other newspapers investigate and report corruption and misconduct all over Washington, because it's worse than the general public will ever believe.

Who are we to judge and condemn? Who really knows the truth of this situation? Certainly not the Spokesman Review, certainly not the news media, certainly not everyone who has responded and commented, certainly not you and certainly not me.

I have a wonderful suggestion for all who have had the misfortune of ever reading a single word in the Spokesman Review. Cancel your subscription and never purchase another one of their papers. If you read through their reported articles and most of these posted comments, you will sadly see the true picture of humanity. Who are we to so quickly judge what another person has done, basing our judgment on the printed word reported in a newspaper such as this.

I know that my vow to never purchase another Spokesman Review won’t affect their bottom line. However, if all decent and honest people consider this option, perhaps the powers that be at the Spokesman Review will have their eyes opened to the fact that decent, honest and respectable people would like journalism reported to reflect those qualities. This would thus enable and allow the absolute truth to be discovered in the appropriate, legal manner.

I suspect we have or soon will have a coordinated "Get Cherie Rodgers" smear campaign going, 'cause she has the guts to stand up and speak the truth, and voice her informed and entitled opinion as to what the Mayor should do. He has ADMITTED to behavior that would get ANYBODY ried posthaste in the private sector. Just go ahead and tell me just exactly how he is going to promote Spokane as a "great place to raise kids", (except if they're 17 or 18, and gay, then it's perfectly acceptable as evidenced by the mayor for far older adults to seduce your son or daughter over the internet.) Oh, and comemence this debauchery on company time (your tax dollar) to boot.

Wake up, sheeple! West is toast, as he should be. Move on!

Hey integrity, is that some sort of manufactured hit piece on hard hitting journalism, obstensibly used to justify your undying support for Jim West? You ADMIT you haven't even read what the S/R wrote. Do you think they made the whole thing up, that there's this giant conspiracy that has fabricated all the disturbing incidents from multiple and independent sources? Even the great might of Cowles couldn't hold THAT huge of conspiracy together.

There's REAL smoke here. There's probably fire here too, we may never know for sure about the 25-year old allegations. Doesn't matter, West must go, for his admittedly completely inappropriate behavior WHILE IN OFFICE. He's hardly in the least bit repentent, which is usually the first hoop for the fundies to even think about letting somebody off, but then of course they repeat the abhorent behavior time and time again, and repeat their pitiful please for repentence and forgiveness, ad nauseum.

I am hugely disturbed by editor Steve Smith's dismissal of ethicists as "journalistic nannies" in today's chat. Smith would have us believe that the paper had no choice but to use deceptive reporting practices, a questionable premise at best. But let's assume, for the sake of argument, that the paper did need to use a surrogate to confirm that it was West on gay.com, that two independent sources weren't enough. If you're going to deceive, you should deceive to the least extent possible to confirm the story. Once the paper confirmed through its expert that West was indeed trolling gay chat rooms, it should've pulled up stakes and run the story, if the mayor's private life is, in fact, a matter of public concern (again, a questionable premise, and the paper knew it--otherwise, it would've published). Instead, the paper engaged the mayor in prolonged chats, at one point even setting up a meeting. Clearly, the paper was trying to entrap, squeeze some juice from this questionable lemon, because the SR knew that the pedophile accusations were weak (think about it--why wouldn't the accusers also sue West if they had a solid case?) and that the mayor's private life wasn't a slam-dunk matter of public concern. If you've got to manufacture the most solid parts of your story (offers of an internship) via a sting, you don't really have a story. Equally repugnant is this balderdash about transparency and being honest with readers about how this story was reported. If the paper really wanted to be transparent here, it would've run unedited transcripts of interviews with those who have accused West of pedophilia so that we may judge for ourselves their credibility. Instead, we get excerpts, making it impossible to make informed calls about the interview subjects and, more importantly, about the SR's professionalism and objectivity in conducting the interviews. The paper's failure to do so leads me to believe that there's stuff in those interviews that undercuts the accusations. Instead of telling readers what the paper knew when the paper knew it, the SR saved up ingredients, throwing pedophilia and homosexuality into a big pot and making a stew, using its sting as the key spice. The result is all-too-predictable: Readers who see flimsy charges of pedophilia and proven instances of homosexuality combined in the same article and conclude the mayor is diddling kids. It mushrooms from there into automatic headlines for anyone who says the mayor told me he masturbates or the mayor looked at me funny. That's irresponsible journalism. Sorry to be such a journalistic nanny, Mr. Smith, but there are some people out there who do care about professional ethics and realize that these rules exist for very good reasons. When all the dust settles, it won't be West that's remembered here. It will be the SR's flaunting of Journalism 101. And the reviews will not be favorable, either from academia, working journalists or anyone else who takes the time to really think about what the SR has done.

As if there is any such thing as an "appropriate, legal manner". And as if corruption doesn't occur elsewhere in Washington State, (while Seattle newspapers, et al, cover up crime of gvt. officials and law enforcement).
And as if the general public, law enforcement, and gvt. agencies don't judge and condemn.
There is so little justice and integrity within our gvt., SOMEONE needs to "open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy" Prov. 31:9.
There is more than enough reason and evidence for West to step down, or be recalled.

Nice diatribe, "stevesmithshouldresign", but riddle me this: How come West claims he knew nothing at the time about his good friend and partner being investigated for child molestation? This was a BIG DEAL in the Sheriff's Dept., other deputies at the time have talked about this incident remember it well. And West professes to know nothing about it? Surely he was interviewed by Internal Affairs about this, as many others were. Are you telling me YOU wouldn't remember if one of your best friends, your partner on the force, was being investigated for child abuse and you don't remember the investigators talking to you about that? Bullcrud.

Why didn't the newspaper get a record of websites visited by the mayor on publicly owned computers? Seems an obvious line of inquiry. And the paper certainly had time, given this story was in the works for more than two years, and that the paper received information last fall that the mayor was hunting on gay.com. I imagine the editors will say such a request would've tipped West off, but that seems a lame excuse, especially given the importance here of inappropriate use of public office. Call me a Monday morning quarterback, but if I'd been running the show, I would've demanded the records as soon as my expert confirmed it was the mayor on gay.com, which was, I believe, more than a month before publication, plenty of time to get the records and determine if public computers had been used. If I'm a betting man, I say the newspaper was a, concerned that such records would show the mayor wasn't using public computers (which would have weakened the story) and b, the paper was too lazy to do it. In any case, there's just no excuse for overlooking this avenue. If you're going to take someone down like this, you'd better exhaust every possibility before you pull the trigger.

You miss my point, Green Libertarian. All due respect, I don't give a hoot what the mayor can or can't remember about Hahn. I'm looking at this story from the perspective of someone who cares about journalism and ethics and the impact this will have on how newspapers will act in the future. I don't think responsible newspapers should be conducting stings in this fashion, and the self-serving excuses served up by the top editor are weak sauce and simply don't hold up to even moderate scrutiny. I think pointing out hypocrisy and unethical conduct on the part of the newspaper is important.

Actually, the greatest injustice perpetrated by the S-R is wrapping the "mayor trolls the Internet" story around the "mayor is accused of molestation story."

In one, the paper seems to have proved that the mayor likes you (but adult) men. Even Steve Smith himself admitted in the chat yesterday they have no evidence the mayor trolls the Internet for minors.

In the other, we have 25-year-old allegations from convicted felons that the mayor molested them when they were children.

So the S-R puts up one story to support the other. And by extension seems to be saying that if you're a gay man who likes to have sex with young (but adult) men, then you must also like to have sex with children.

Gay people should be OUTRAGED that the S-R is linking homosexuality to pedophilia.

But the homophobic public doesn't care and the gay lobby and the mainstream media is just pleased a Republican hypocrite was outed.

In the end, this will be a great example of how NOT to conduct investigative journalism. Yes, Steve Smith should resign.

Has anyone thought, that those defending West, might be part of the pedophile underground?

For the record, I'm not a Republican, nor am I a Christian, nor am I defending West.

Instead, I'm a journalist who believes the S-R's sleazy journalism further taints all of us in the business. I've done plenty of investigations in my time, and I've NEVER had to lie to get the story.

the state of washington is full of pedophiles and sick human beings just build a huge wall and keep all you bad people away from my children.

I give the Spokesman-Review reporters and editors lots of credit for doing a great job of classic hard-core investigative journalism. Keep up the good work! Were it not for this investigation, it's unlikely that anyone would know about the mayor's double life, his abuse of his mayoral influence & authority, and his alleged pedophilia back in the 1970s.

In spite of fixing the city streets, an authority figure who deceptively uses an internet chat room to hook up with young men and obtain young city hall interns is definitely not good mayoral material. I hope the Spokesman-Review reporters continue their investigation into both the mayor's recent questionable activities and those in his past as well. Was he secretly doing these things while he was a state legislator? Judging from what West has already admitted to doing, I would find it hard to believe that it just started after he was elected mayor. So far, West's patterns of behavior appear to be well-rehearsed, time-tested standard practice.

HEY SHOCKED IN KANSAS, IS THAT WHERE MAYOR WEST IS FROM?

I agree with most (but not all) of the people posting to this forum. Mayor West's weird deception and subterfuge are a travesty against the people who elected him. I love Spokane, and I truly believe the Spokesman-Review's investigation of Mayor West reflects the ethical integrity of the people of Spokane in the highest form. Nobody cares if he's gay, straight, Democrat, Republican, religious, atheist, or whatever he is. My Spokane friends and family believe in TRUTH, which is hard to come by when we read about Mayor West's surreptitious life. The public trust of the people has been violated. If Mayor West does not resign or get recalled, we would be surprised and disappointed.

The issues of Mayor WEST should/will be addressed (it ought NOT take more than 10 minutes to gather 12,000+ signatures for a recall).

But the issue of Spokane Police _shredding_ the files of the pedophile policeman who committed suicide (WEST's friend), is of even greater concern. Unless the Spokane Police Department _proved_ that Officer HAHN was guilty of every accusation (and made public the cases), they destroyed evidence of crimes committed by others -- perhaps, even committed by Mr. WEST.

Destroyed the files? S-R, please follow up on this! This is REALLY scary.

Bold black large-type front page headlines for the past SIX days
is overkill. I buy the newspaper for news - international, national,
state - not for yellow journalism
portrayed as news on the front page for extended days. Fire the editor!

Hey Vicky, I'm glad your still with us! Did you ever figure out what dj meant, or is it DJ now?

The spokane Sherriff department should be investigated NOW!!! Jim west should be investiged NOW!!! Gieger officials should be investigated NOW!! The Spokane police dept. should be investigated NOW!!! Any state legislator who heard the"rumours" should be investigated NOW!!! Our government needs a major enema NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AS soon as someone finds out when and where we can sign a recall petition please post it.

Gee whiz, the mayor of a well-known American city cruises and trawls internet chat rooms for hot buddies and potential cuties for his city hall harem. If it can happen in Spokane it can happen anywhere. Even in New Jersey! Oh my!!!

stevesmithshouldresign: I too as a lover of journalism decry the sorry state that it has become, and yes, it is evident that the S/R has gone to extraordinary lengths to tell this story, and yes, they do have their own political/power agenda. However, they have carefully justified their reasons for doing so, in a logical, open manner. As in many investigations, you don't get perfect knowlege. The "flimsy" allegations of pedophilia some 25 years ago are no different than the hundreds of so-called flimsy allegations of abuse by Catholic priests. But you start putting the various elements and facts together that you have, and reasonable people can come to a conclusion as to what happened. Your tired, discredited blame the victim "convicted felons" tactic is disgraceful.

"My" comment was a compilation of views from various "good citizens". It is a fact that "business" interests/values have and will ALWAYS trump "family" interests/values. Why was Mr. West never officially "Outted" in Olympia? Because he was good for business. Plain and Simple. So many people on both sides of this issue are "shocked, sickened and angry". Why? Perhaps, because their own little "worlds" are in trouble(keeping their jobs, trying to get jobs, trying to stay afloat while sacrificing their own standards)
Have any of us always stood up for what we believe in? Have any of us always stated publically our private beliefs?
The choice before us and has always been:
We can have economic prosperity with a little sleaze or We can have no economic prosperity and no sleaze.

It is not the Spokesman-Review that is connecting homosexuality to pedophilia. It is Mayor West that is very unfortunately confusing the issue. Yes we should be outraged, but that outrage should be directed at Jim West for assuming the people of Spokane were too backwoods to care what his past held and too apathetic to mind being his stepping-stone to the office of governor.

I HAVE A QUESTION. IS HIS LEAVE WITH OUT PAY, AND IT SHOULD BE!

Jimmy Marks added some much needed levity to last night's city council meeting, and his "speech" was a classic moment in Spokane history.

Even the public access camera woman was laughing loudly as he debated as to whether he could hand his resumes directly to the council members.

Even more ironic, the session ended and cable access cut to a series of ads declaring Spokane an "All American City."

For those who think the S-R has overblown this, consider other city and state sex scandals that had considerably less bite. In New Jersey, allegations that the then-married Jim McGreevey caused him to resign. Prior to 9/11, Rudy Giuliani was embroiled in a major scandal over his affair with Judy Nathan, who was his then-press secretary.

By comparison, the West story is far worse: The mayor apparently had a habit of filling city jobs with young men of dubious qualifications with whom he wanted sexual relationships. He also solicited "dates" and online sex from people not of legal age as recently as this year. He also stands accused of molesting boy scouts decades ago.

This isn't a sordid story about sex. This story is about corruption and misuse of public office. Mayor West didn't just sleep with men in his off hours. He used his office to acquire new sexual partners.

I'd also be interested to see who paid for his trips, including the trip the Gonzaga game in California which he allegedly offered to entice a potential sexual partner.

Eric

Jeeze, Karen, that's a pretty sick and fatalistic attitude you've got there, and I don't think it is shared universally. Sure the public can accept a little bit of sleaze, but it will NOT/ MUST NOT accept a sexual predator in such a position of authority.

The story of the outed mayor and possible pedophile reminds me once again that the homosexuals who openly acknowledge their sexual orientation are not the ones you have to worry about.

People with the courage to be honest about themselves are the salt of the earth, the true role models, whether or not they ever attain to exalted positions of power, money, and prestige.

No wonder Jesus Christ preferred to spend his down time tax collectors, poor fishermen, and harlots -- the social outcasts -- rather than with the religious leaders of his day!

Well, Karen Davis-Beam IS my real name and yes, it is a fatalistic attitude. We continually accept and enthusiastically embrace all types of "predators" and elect them to positions of authority. WE do this because we expect them to further "our own agendas". We seldom, if ever demand in-depth investigations of "abuse by authority figures" if sex is not involved. I think that is "pretty sick".

Jim West is his own worst enemy. Naughty middle-aged people are the easiest to catch because they are pretty much clueless about computers and the internet. It's amazing how supposedly smart people think anything transmitted over the internet is private. It's not. It's also amazing that when they delete a file on their computers they think the file is erased when all it does is make the file re-writable. The file is still there. It will be fun to see what turns up on Cobra82nd's hard drive :)

Why haven't the misdeeds of Councilman Harris (hiring 3 sons to county positions) or former Mayor
Powers (whose 2 children are accused of assault) been written up with more
front page notoriety? Seems that more of Spokane's public officials need to be covered by journalistic investigations.

I'm reminded of the quotation, "He doth protest too much."

Makes you wonder about all these great "moral crusaders for family values" in the Republican party who are secretly whacking off under their government desks while chatting with teenage boys.

Also makes you wonder what (or who) James Guckert was doing in the White House on the days he signed in, but never signed out.

Still following the story. I do believe the post who try to find West's behavior OK are also in the sex abuse ring. Look deeper. The police are involved that is why the paper had to do the investigating.
Yes these bad things really do happen and there really are bad people out there who try to pretend they are normal. See Ted Bundy.

I ws at the Council meeting, and Jimmy Marks is a master of irony, first he urges West to fight back to hold his job, then he wants to give all the Council members a copy of his resume, and says he wants Cherie to get a copy so she can proofread it, because, he cannot read or write, but then he says, "but I can count money real well." Classic, classic stuff.

I live in Toronto, Canada and have been following the story via the internet since early last weekend when a summary appeared in internet page of the New York Times.

two brief comments:

the degree of "transparency" in the Spokesmanreview in publishing what it knows and in responding to community comment is unprecedented and exemplary; it seems to me that the newspaper is fulfilling an important role in making democracy work

don't worry about national/international negative reaction to Spokane. Everyone today is a lot less naive about the possibility of corruption, misuse of office and hypocrisy in high places and knows that this stuff can and does occur anywhere. The real health of a community is in how it deals with these episodes... and so far, as someone who is viewing the story and public comments from afar, I'm impressed with the "outraged" but still thoughtful and civilized manner with which your community is working through the issue.

OK, so the public has no problem with Steve Smith and his mendacious crew lying to get the story, but just about EVERYONE ELSE in the journalism business does. Smith can easily brush this criticism aside, but the fact is that the VAST MAJORITY of journalism profesionals think the S-R engaged in very sleazy reporting. Please see the story and link below.

=========================
Debate Over Spokane Probe: Other Editors Say They Forbid 'Undercover' Operations

NEW YORK -- Editors at several major newspapers told E&P today that they would not direct an undercover operation on the Internet, as the Spokesman-Review of Spokane, Wash., did in its investigation of Mayor Jim West's alleged sexual misconduct. In each case, newsroom leaders said the act of misrepresentation would be enough to void the idea.

"It is important that sources be aware that they are dealing with journalists," said Tim Franklin, editor of The Sun in Baltimore. "It is not something that I feel comfortable with. This is a form of undercover journalism that, thankfully, went out of vogue in the early 1980's."

Anders Gyllenhaal, editor of The Star-Tribune in Minneapolis, agreed. "Fundamentally, you don’t misrepresent who you are," he said. "That is a problem."

"I don’t permit deception; I would not allow it," said Amanda Bennett, editor of The Philadelphia Inquirer. "We go into reporting in a straighter way. We are not private investigators, we are journalists. Undercover is a method of the past."

http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000913533

There is no question that the Spokesman-Review has reported an important story that has exposed inappropriate actions and raised serious concerns about criminal behavior on the part of the mayor. For that, the paper should be commended. However, the approach the paper used went outside the normally accepted methods of good journalism. This was a sting. The online transcripts and e-mails show a trap being set. Part of a hugely important story becomes the mayor stepping into the paper's trap. The paper becomes part of the story. This is disturbing. Steve Smith, when asked in yesterday's chat whether the Spokesman-Review is now fair game for for such tactics by someone seeking to expose inappropriate behavior by its reporters replies in a churlish way: "It's possible someone will try to sting us. All we can do is our job to the best of our ability and let other people be responsible for their behavior. And, by the by, people are always trying to plant phony-baloney stuff in the newspaper or on TV. We try to be avoid bogus information every day. Having said that, should someone try to sting me with a session of cyber sex, I can always just say "no." Don't you think it's all about our own personal standards and behaviors?" In addition to ignoring the central point of the question, Smith makes a bizarre claim about a daily conspiracy to get bogus information into his paper. It no doubt has happened on occasion but to claim it's a daily barrage seems to show tremendous disrespect for the people who interact with the S-R. A bunker mentality. And yes, it is about our "own personal standards and behaviors." It's also about professional standards and behaviors, which now have taken a bad turn at the S-R.

"Rick Woods"; a 5 hour drive away from Spokane, lies a larger city full of MORE corruption than Spokane. Don't fool yourself. And don't jaywalk over there. I've heard King County Jail food is one of the worst in the nation. Don't ever get falsely accused of a crime, Seattle prosecutors and law enforcement will assure your conviction by any means necessary, including bribery, witness tampering, police perjury, destroying exculpatory evidence, and bad judges who knowingly ALLOW misconduct and corruption within their courtrooms. If you're black, don't turn your back on police, they have a nasty habit of shooting unarmed black men. And if you have any black friends, your considered "black". There is a likely possibilty you will be severely beaten by jail guards, so do not even associate with criminals, or you could pay for someone else's crime.
Incarceration is a highly profitable business and Seattle is RICH. Seattle newspapers ignore and cover-up corruption.
Do a little research on my "allegations" and you will be shocked to learn it is worse than I'm telling you.
NO PLACE in Washington State is exempt from corruption. Fortunately, a few UPRIGHT citizens, Law Enforcement, Judges, City Officials, et al, oppose and expose misconduct and corruption. Unfortunately, it is not enough.
The Spokesman-Review did an excellent job of investigating and reporting Mayor West's misconduct and abuse of powers. I encourage ALL newspapers in Washington State to follow suit.

Well said, Hardly.

Sadly, though, the only punishment for Steve Smith's journalistic transgressions will be muffled condemnation and earned lack of respect from his journalistic peers. But while Smith will fault his peers for "Monday morning quarterbacking," as he did in the chat session, it surely cuts him like a knife. Journalists LOVE to act above the fray, but they are some of the most thin skinned people you will ever meet.

Smith says he sleeps fine at night, and that he is totally at ease with all the decisions he has made. Well, either he is compartmentalizing to the nth degree, or he is not being honest (again).

The bottom line question from all this is if the S-R lies to get the story, what else is it lying about?

None of this alleviates Jim West from any of his transgressions, but the S-R still has some explaining to do or it will quickly become a laughing stock among credible journalists. If it hasn't already.

If Law Enforcement had been on their job, the Spokesman-Review could have conducted their investigation in a manner more "pleasing" and acceptable to the public. But Law Enforcement were busy shredding documents and taking down those "dangerous pot-smokers", they have "no interest" nor the time for investigating one of their own or "powerful" leaders. LE usually target the indigent, NOT the influential. It "guarantees" convictions when suspects cannot afford effective lagal counsel and skilled investigators. There is no profit with "not guilty" verdicts, so it "makes more sense" for them to avoid wealthy suspects.
SAD, but true. Research and LEARN.
Kudos Spokesman-Review! You ARE NOT the bad guys for reporting bad guys.

To all the outraged editors-
Well, well, well...Undercover jouralism thankfully went out of vogue...under cover is a method of the past...
Undercover jouralism brought us the "Pentagon Papers", "Watergate" and "Enron"...Those reporters were not investigators, those reporters
told all parties they were jouralists? Right?! Not to put too fine a point on it, those scadals involved duping the public. They shouldn't have been reported?
To the editor who says" I don't permit deception; I wouldn't allow it" Are you so certain? You practice deception with your jouralist attitude of "We won't ask(investigate, probe etc.) so you won't have to tell". This type of jouralism is in deed, in the public's best interest. Your papers are not even mentioning this awful bit of journalism by the SR. Right?
Not to worry. For excercising "Freedom of the Press" the SR editor, reporters et al, will be charged with "terrorism",incarcerated without due process and locked away as enemies of the State. That will surely stop anyone else who thinks they should report and publish the "doings" of politicians.

A couple points. First, to the poster from Toronto, this transparency, while unusual, is not unprecedented in the newspaper business, especially since the advent of the Internet, which allows posting of original source material without regard to space concerns. What is unusual--and suspicious--is the editing of some sources (the mayor's accusers) and the verbatim transcript of other sources (the mayor, the former member of the human rights commission). Journalists should be consistent, and if they're not, it's fair to ask questions about impartiality and motive. Secondly, as some posters have pointed out, journalism professionals are starting to ask the right questions about the SR, and they're not getting straight answers. Smith is obviously a nimble editor who sidesteps hard questions that don't lend themselves to easy answers. It's difficult to say whether the reporter who interviewed the mayor and blamed his editors for the questions he was asking was really uncomfortable with the ethical situation or was just foisting it off on higher-ups (a common practice in the journalism biz). I know I would be more than a little uncomfortable. Finally, I'd like to know who, precisely, got this bright idea of setting up the meeting with the mayor, why it was canceled and who made the decision. From the looks of it, wiser heads prevailed. But it smacks of a situation that started spinning out of control. Not a good sign. Not good at all.

The Pentagon Papers, Watergate and Enron involved deceptive practices by journalists? How? Who? Sorry, but that's not true. At no point in the reporting of these important issues did journalists ever misrepresent themselves. If you've got evidence that shows otherwise, please produce it, Karen. You're making very serious allegations which I've never heard before, and I'm a journalism junkie. There's enough half-truths about journalism already. Please don't throw out such assertions without backing them.

At no point in the REPORTING of these important issues (The Petagon Papers, Watergate, Enron)did journalists ever misrepresent themselves. Why should they? What you fail to address is in the gathering of background information,
talking with witnesses, following leads, etc. Journalists want to take the high ground, and don't always
reveal how they got there. These are not assertions they are truths. The SR staff/editor revealed their tactics and see the reaction. For their own good, they should have been more cagey about story. They weren't. So they are reviled and Jim West is the "good guy". Way to go.

Correction: The sins of Enron weren't uncovered by journalists, who were asleep at the switch. Rather, the corporation collapsed of its own weight, before a single expose had been written. The best investigation of Enron has been by the Snohomish County power district, which has gotten the goods via litigation. Again, Karen, please tell us how it is that journalists deceived anyone in bringing Watergate and the Pentagon Papers to light. I'm concerned here that yet another mistruth about the profession I love will gain wheels via an uninformed posting on the Internet.

I am not living in Spokane, but considered living there some months ago.
I believe that, other than the serious child abuse crime potentially involved here, the mayor has behaved in a very unethical manner and should resign.
He has lived under a double standard that does not set a good example for anybody in public service, and has used his position to offer jobs and gifts to individuals in order to get them engaged in sex.
If he were not gay and had used his position and offered gifts and jobs to young and teenage women in order to engage them in sex, I would find this equally unethical.

Thanks for the clarification, Karen. I'm not suggesting the mayor is a good guy. What I'm saying is, there was a way to arrive at the same destination without deception. You're right that journalists don't always reveal how they got to where they arrived. The slipshod pre-war reporting on WMD in Iraq is perhaps the best, most recent example: By using anonymous sources without making clear their biases and the context in which statements were made, the media convinced the nation that Saddam was about to blow up the world. To its credit, the New York Times has led the industry in admitting its mistakes in this regard and doing something about it. The paper is taking steps to limit the use of anonymous sources and restrict use of background briefings to prevent this from happening again. Also to its credit, the Times employs an ombudsman on a non-renewable, can't-be-fired contract to keep the paper honest and play watchdog for readers. It's healthy for journalism. Check this out:

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/08/weekinreview/08okrent.html

The commentary from distant observer, hardly journalism, and stevesmithshouldresign has been lengthy and informative. From the tone of their posts I am assuming that they are journalists or have journalistic backgrounds. Because of this apparent expertise, and because they are attempting to persuade us that the Spokesman-Review has engaged in dirty journalism, I think it would be helpful to know what news organizations they represent. At least Karen identifies herself, and she's not the one throwing stones.

I fear that there is a growing misunderstanding of West's sexual "orientation". West is not gay. Nor is he "Bi". He has no interest in having a "relationship" with these boys. He has no interest in these boys other than the sex. West has a sex preference for young boys. Paraphilia is a type of mental disorder characterized by a preference for or obsession with unusual sexual practices, such as pedophilia. He can only obtain sexual gratification by having sex with young men/boys.

OK, smithshouldresign, I take your point about the how S/R should have posted complete transcripts of the mayor's accusers, tho I don't necessarily expect that there is exculpatory info in there, still it should be released, and if not, the S/R better have a damn good reason for not doing so.

As to the strength of your over-all arguement, I don't think it is bolstered by your echoing of the Mayor's arguement that simply because his accusers are "conficted felons", their stories are not credible. There is corroborating evidence of their stories, not perfect of course, but significant. You say you don't care about Hahn et al, but what happened back then and the relationships between the various people and entities at the time is an important element to this story. West's partner on the force and very good friend was a pedophile, and for West to claim to have not been aware of this when surely he was investigated about the matter is impossible to believe.

I am aware of the ombudsman at NYTIMES. I read the Times every morning along other national and local newspapers.
Jim West did not get to be in a position of power without powerful friends. He will be fine. His friends will see to that. This is no longer about "harming those who are vulnerable" or "Abusing the system", it is about maintaining the status quo.These same powerful, political friends will make certain the SR will pay and pay. They will be relentless and unforgiving. Watch and see if next "session" there aren't bills submitted to address jouralism.

Rebecca, my name is Rick. I have a bachelor's degree in journalism from a major state university in the southeast U.S. I worked as a newspaper reporter for about 10 years before I got out of the business. (And incidentally, the sleaziness of modern journalism is one of the reasons I left.) However, I still write through freelance work.

I don't plan to identify myself further because, frankly, some of the posters on this forum are pretty scary.

DSM-IV “essential features” criteria of a paraphilia—that is, “recurrent, intense sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviours generally involving 1) nonhuman objects, 2) the suffering or humiliation of oneself or one’s partner, or 3) children or other nonconsenting persons, that occur over a period of at least 6 months (Criterion A). The behaviour, sexual urges, or fantasies cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning (Criterion B).”

I applaud you for doing what you did Cherie Rodgers. What did Mayor West expect you to do with this sick information he dumped on you. It was extremely unprofessional of him, not you. HE is the embarrassment as a representative of Spokane. I am glad that we have people like you, Cherie Rodgers.

Posted by GET REAL Goodby Cherie Rodgers | 10 May 12:15 AM

Let's forget for a second (if possible) that Mayor West is claiming to be gay. Isn't there something desperatly wrong with a man well in his 50's pursuing 18 year olds -- boy or girl???? Gay people have every right to date, marry, live just as heterosexuals do... but follow the same rules!!! If Mr West was sitting in his office hitting on high school girls I would be as easily mortified! That's just sick!! Time to say adios Mr. West!

I have noted several points in reading the SR's coverage of Mayor West's troubles. First is that Tom Grant is truly an honorable man for not running a smear campaign--although I wish he had brought the issue to light.

Second, I agree that Jim West appears to have serious problems--of long-standing nature--with his personal and private ethics and should resign as mayor of Spokane; however, I see very little comment about Jim West's personal struggle. I would direct this comment to him: Please, sir, do resign as mayor. Then, find a good and competent health care providor(s) who can help you through the difficult next months and years. This is the next battle you must undertake, and it will require your full attention. Self-understanding is painful and difficult but well worth the struggle--if your health care professional is qualified, caring, compassionate, and competent.

I am sorry for your past choices. I wish you well in your future.

Since West has so many defenders,lets ship all rapists and pedophiles to Spokane and he can be President of pedophile city.Maybe you guys can even have an annual pedophile day.

Distant observer, I understand. I live here and if you were to walk the streets you would see that not only forum users are scary. You made me chuckle.

Regarding "The C A I - Coalition Against Injustice" to my statement:
It's like the caterpiller looking up at the butterfly and says: "You'll never get me up in one of those."
To point out that there are bigger and badder monsters in bigger badder cities misses my point completely. Rumblings of the Flat Earth Society.
This dated civic pride for a cultural wasteland is as tired as Northtown, the Davenport Hotel, and the potholes on Monroe street. The only thing worth defending is the I-90 Freeway out of town.

WEST IS THE BEST:

DUDE YOUR COMMENTS ABOVE ARE SOOOOOOOOOO TRUE. THERE IS MORE INCEST AND CHILD MOLESTATION IN SPOKANE THAT ANYWHERE I HAVE EVER LIVED. I CAN NOT WAIT TO GET MY TRANSFER OUT OF THIS DUMP.

Karen, great posts!
Bush did recently attempt tp push laws to criminalize news gathering. Certain powerful people break many laws, then change the laws to benefit themselves so they are not held accountable. They attempt to trash The Constitution to eliminate our civil liberties, and rights to PROTECTION against corrupt government or leaders, while they stalk, threaten, harass, prosecute or imprison citizens who defend The Constitution. All under the guise of "security" and the "fear of terrorists". (Hitler's Enabling Act is equivalent to the P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Acts, nearly identical).
Meanwhile, citizens and their children have been terrorized FOR DECADES by these "powerful leaders", et al, and then blamed for being the victim, and criticized or penalized for reporting it.
Thank you Steven Smith and The Spokesman-Review for investigating and reporting the allegations of criminal activity and misconduct of law enforcement and city leaders, (while this government still allows you).
If Mayor West did not have the protection of being a "popular" Republican with close ties to other corrupt, powerful leaders, he would have been LITERALLY TORN down from his Mayor position by radical Republicans who ordinarily hate pedophiles or even gays. And the Spokesman-Review would be highly praised no matter HOW the investigation were conducted. Imagine if a nonRepublican Mayor were accused of child sex-abuse.

Is THAT what it takes to qualify for being "above the law" -- an R before your name, or be corrupt and wealthy, have ties to Mafia, or a badge?

The Spokesman-Review needs to report MORE, ASAP.
EXCELLENT Journalism!

Jim West's personal struggle is a concern huh? Oh boo-hoo. This sounds like the typical BS from "helping profession" industry.

If he's a pedophile, there's about a 1% chance of "curing" that. IF he's guilty of pedophilia, he can rot in jail and see what it's like to be abused as he has abused innocent children. IF he gets out of prison, he should be monitored CLOSELY so that he NEVER takes the innocence of a child again.

Even if he's not a pedophile, clearly the sick man has been abusing his power and authority for DECADES. I have no sympathy for such abusers, especially when they are right wing wacko closeted self loathing anti-gay rights homosexuals.

Oh yeah, and Grant didn't drop on the bomb on West because unlike these win-at-all-cost Repthuglican vulgarians, Grant was a decent person.

It's a sad state of affairs, when its harder to a volunteer with Boy Scouts,then to be Mayor of an "All American City".

wow!! this makes me wanna be a paperboy again!....

Sorry Rick, you've misjudged me. Mine are rumblings of The Wooded Mountain and Lakes Fed Up With Corruption and Abuse of Powers Society.

To C A I,
You are honorable. Period.
But...
The wooded mountains have been sold to Weyerhauser. Not only can you not eat the trout in Diamond Lake it looks like it's not even a place to camp anymore without a padlock on your sleeping bag.
Knee jerk civic pride co-dependency is not healthy. Migrate to Elevate.

Mary S., that is a very kind, compassionate post. I personally hope West resigns and seeks professional help and heals. Otherwise he will re-offend. I've stated I do feel sorry for him. But I have compassion for the victims, the "convicted felons", as well.
Prisons are also filled beyond capacity with the mentally ill. West has an advantage being in such a powerful position, help is available for HIM. Anyone else with his illness and conduct goes directly to prison on the next "inmate transport".
I seriously do commend you for your human compassion, I hope it extends to the victims.
West's own healing could begin if he would simply confess and APOLOGIZE to his ("alleged") victims. Their healing has barely begun after all these years.
West's behavior is that of a sex-abuse victim also. He can stop the cycle now.
Thank you, Spokesman-Review for allowing us to post in this forum.

What is a pedophile?

Pedophiles come from all racial, social, and economic classes, of course, it is the poor who are more often convicted of such, but one thing that doesn't change across class boundaries- the ability for these pervs to change their behavior, 1 % are successfully treatable, altho I might not mind resorting to unacceptable therapies of the past like castration and lobotomy for these heinous destroyers of lives and society.

Rick, I own my own, and not that direction.
Don't get me wrong, I used to live in Seattle, I used to love Seattle, (except the rain), but after witnessing and documenting unbelievable corruption and abuse of authority there, I certainly would never live near there again. I stay near Spokane for family, my excellent supportive community, my beautiful neighborhood and friends, and the frequent sunshine.
I have valid concerns over Mayor West's behavior. My son was in Boy Scouts (for a short time), and hated it. My son has had an "unwarranted" fear of police since he was a child. He also suffers from depression... As with any parent, learning of the alleged abuse and misconduct of Mayor West, plus the knowledge of mass corruption and abuse among NUMEROUS "highly powerful" individuals and groups, I take this news of Mayor West very seriously.
I also know how difficult investigations are when Law Enforcement refuse to co-operate or assist. I highly commend The Spokesman-Review for investigating and reporting this news, even though they may have used popular police-tactics (deceit) to acquire the information. The public NEEDS to know when society is in danger.

The Undocumented Victims

We hear about how these sexual predators commit suicide when information came out about their past behaviors ... What about their victims? I wonder if any former boy scouts, who were under the "supervision" of West and Associates, committed suicide for "unknown reasons".

Can someone go back to research this? Look at all the boys that came under contact with West and Assocaites, and see if any of them committed suicide?

Does anyone have a link of the photos of West and Associates when they were scout leaders?

Rebecca asks why the anonymity, a fair question. I've been a journalist for more than 15 years and worked in three cities in different parts of the country. Criticizing can be dangerous to one's career--editors do, in fact, have very thin skins and very long memories, and it's a small world. Word gets around, and no one, despite protestations to the contrary, wants an ethicist in the newsroom. That's why very few papers these days have true ombudsmen (the Seattle Times, among others, got rid of theirs years ago). Not to belabor the point, but an ombudsman is, in my view, the most effective way to keep a newspaper ethical and honest. What's really maddening is papers are now touting "reader representatives," staff members who can be hired and fired at will, as effective substitutes for ombudsmen. That's intellectually dishonest and an insult to readers. But I digress. In short, I choose to remain anonymous because I want to keep working and not end up on anyone's blacklist.

JUST THE FACTS

I just read the JW chat transcripts, and then the comments here. Oh my goodness, some here are ready to brand JW a "Pedophile"?

He was very clear in his chats that he's not interested in kids and that he was interested in young adults (as defined by our laws) in their “20s and early 30s”. What's wrong with that? His words (when he didn’t know that his comments were being recorded) say more about him than what these articles are trying to imply. Why is it NOT wrong when old men date younger women, and it is wrong when JW is trying to date young men?

You may frown upon this act of men-with-men or old-with-young, but don’t condemn him as a pedophile when nothing has come out to substantiate it.

Now, IF he – as an elected official – did in fact gave personal favors (jobs, gifts, etc.) then this is an issue, and he should be punished accordingly.

Please read the chat if you haven’t already ….

dannyboy: what do you like about youth?
therightbi-guy: energy,
therightbi-guy: wonder,
dannyboy: personally i like the tight ass
dannyboy: lol
dannyboy: but thats just me
dannyboy: lol
therightbi-guy: their hopes for the future. and their whole life in front of them
dannyboy: so their innocence?
therightbi-guy: no, i don't think. i didn't think of you as an innocent
dannyboy: thats good... cuz i'm not
dannyboy: lol
dannyboy: but just youth in general
therightbi-guy: yeah
therightbi-guy: 20s and early 30s
therightbi-guy: maybe it's about that was a great time of my life.
dannyboy: i'm more into high school
dannyboy: the whole hot straight jock thing
dannyboy: lol
therightbi-guy: maybe i'm trying to relive my youth through others.

By the way, after reading the chats, don't you think that "dannyboy" was constantly trying to get expensive gifts (a car, a vuiton bag) from this rich older guy "therightbi-guy"?

I think when he didn't get his gifts he came out with his story to get back at JW.

Oh well there you have it. Jim West SAYS he likes guys in their 20s and 30s, so it must be true. Despite the ages of the people he ACTUALLY hooked up with or tried to hook up with.

Excellent questions, Bellevue_Blues! I do know of a few young men that have committed suicide, one was a neighbor of ours while my son was in Boy Scouts. I do not know if this boy was in Boy Scouts, but I will ask my son...

I, and numerous groups and individuals have reported mass corruption and have ample evidence to prove it, but Spokane (and Seattle) Law Enforcement and FBI, et al, have denied, ignored, and covered-up the reports. FOR YEARS.
Hence, The C A I - Coalition Against Injustice, in efforts to raise awareness...

Was Tommy Williams (convicted of raping a 9 year old boy in the nineties) ever a Boy Scout Leader, Police, City Official, or a Republican? "Police(?)" notified the victim's family after a few years stating "Tommy Williams died of AIDS in prison", yet a newspaper reported Williams was released in King County. Was he ever a friend, associate, or victim of Mayor West?
Perhaps there should be an investigation of all convicted pedophiles and baby-rapers to see if there is any correlation.

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