SPOKANE, Wash. — The Spokane Valley Metropolis Council in jap Washington in an uncommon transfer has banned newspapers from the Metropolis Corridor foyer.
The council voted 4-2 this week to ban third-party publications from the lobbies of Metropolis Corridor and the Spokane Valley Police Precinct, The Spokesman-Evaluate reported.
The choice most notably impacts free newspapers owned by council member Ben Wick, and one which runs ads.
The Metropolis Council had beforehand thought of banning newspapers from all public properties, however a multipurpose facility that features the Spokane Valley Senior Middle was exempted.
Mayor Pam Haley and council members Rod Higgins, Arne Woodard and Laura Padden mentioned the ban was vital, with some arguing the papers can’t be on metropolis property as a result of they comprise marketing campaign adverts and election protection.
Metropolis Lawyer Cary Driskell has mentioned permitting the free papers within the Metropolis Corridor lobby might be construed as a violation of state legislation.
Nonetheless, the state company that oversees Washington disclosure legal guidelines and marketing campaign finance mentioned permitting newspapers within the foyer doesn’t violate state legislation.
Kim Bradford, deputy director of the Public Disclosure Fee, mentioned company workers have reviewed Spokane Valley’s third-party publication issues and concluded the distribution of free newspapers in Metropolis Corridor is authorized. Bradford emphasised the opinion represents workers consensus and isn’t a proper ruling.
Council members Tim Hattenburg and Brandi Peetz voted in opposition to the newspaper ban.
Peetz mentioned the scenario has been a waste of metropolis sources.
