Development over (other people’s) health and welfare
Spokane County Commissioner Al French remains as the most powerful elected official in Spokane County even after expansion of the County Commission from three to five members in January of 2023 (an expansion he fought tooth and nail).
“AL FRENCH AND THE “FOREVER CHEMICALS” COVER-UP” (click to read) by Tim Connor shines light on French’s efforts, working in the shadows, to stymie the best efforts of citizens working in the public interest.
Note that the entire story told by Mr. Connor occurred prior to the expansion of the Spokane County Commission from three members, Al French, Josh Kerns, and Mary Kuney to five—with addition of Amber Waldref and Chris Jordan. During most (or possibly all) of the time of the story, Commissioner French was not only the senior member of the three member county commission, but he served as the chair of that governing body. In that position, he wielded considerable power in determining the agenda of official commission meetings.
Representing the Spokane County Commission, Mr. French also serves on “several local, regional, and statewide Boards and Commissions”. At the time of the events covered in Tim Connors reporting, those boards notably included the board governing the Spokane International Airport and the Spokane Regional Health District Board. Mr. French still serves on (and now serves as chair of) the obscurely named S3R3 Solutions Board. Its former name, the “West Plains/Airport Area Public Development Authority” (click for more info) was far more explanatory of its purpose. S3R3 Solutions is focused on West Plains business development. That focus, as well as Mr. French’s background in development, may help explain the events described in Mr. Connor’s article.
With that background, here once again is the link to Mr. Connor’s article:
I strongly recommend sitting back, reading, absorbing, and sharing the story.
Keep to the high ground,
Jerry