Bloglander

David Condon has just claimed victory in his race to become Spokane's mayor.

His statement is here:

I am grateful and humbled by the outpouring of support I’ve received from Spokane voters. After yesterday’s results, with the number of ballots remaining to be counted, it is statistically unlikely that Mary Verner will be able to catch up with our lead. She ran a good race, focusing on issues and was respectful at our many meetings. I appreciate that.

During the campaign we talked about some of the problems our city faces – restoring confidence in the police department, fixing water rates and attracting jobs here. This will surely be a great challenge, but I want my decisions, and all of city government, to be open, accountable, and responsive to the citizens.I have received reports from City Hall assuring me that the Mayor and her team will cooperate fully with me and my transition team to make this as smooth as possible. The Mayor and I know that a seamless transition is in the best interest of all Spokane citizens.

With regard to the City’s current need for a new police chief, I believe that a national search conducted at this time won’t yield highly qualified candidates. Qualified candidates will want to know that they have the support of the new mayor. I want all options on the table as we work not only to find a new chief, but reform the department as a whole.

I’m looking forward to gathering ideas and laying out my plan to grow Spokane jobs and bringing leadership back to City Hall.

I look forward to introducing my transition team and laying out some of my initial plans at a press conference next Tuesday, November 15, at 10:00 a.m., at The Second Space Gallery (610 W. 2nd Ave., Spokane, WA 99201).