Letter urges Inslee to consider needs when developing Phase 3

Mayor Cook signs letter with elected officials across the region

Katie Teachout, The Journal | Last updated Mar 09, 2021 11:26am0

Katie Teachout count

Four members of the public joined the first in-person city council meeting held in over a year. Pictured, from left, are residents Barry Boyer and Pete Spain. Around the council table are Councilwoman Debbie Chapman, Mayor Gary Cook, Councilman Scott Yaeger, City Clerk-Treasurer Julie Flyckt, and Councilman Mark Weigand. The remaining four council members chose to join the meeting remotely.

SPOKANE – Mayor Nadine Woodward of Spokane sent a letter to Governor Inslee urging him to consider local needs when developing guidelines for Phase 3, with elected officials across the East Region of the state's reopening plan signing their names, including Ritzville's Mayor Gary Cook.

Woodward's office said 20 mayors signed the letter, which was mailed Feb. 26. Woodward reported March 4 the letter was "well received."

Inslee has yet to come forward with details for Phase 3 of the reopening plan.

"As we begin to move forward, it is important to hear ideas and concerns from those most impacted...