The political divide fueling the race for south Spokane’s City Council seat can be seen in the railroad tracks running through downtown.
Breean Beggs, a private practice attorney appointed to the panel in 2016 after a failed run for Spokane County prosecutor two years prior, is being challenged by first-time candidate Andy Dunau. Dunau charges that Beggs’ involvement in drafting an initiative that would fine certain coal and oil trains through town reflects the progressive leanings that dominate the council. Beggs said the initiative is an example of his work to bring the concerns of his district to the forefront.
At a recent candidate forum held by the Spokane Rotary Club, Dunau accused Beggs of belonging to a “superprogressive majority” on the council, which gave rise to the voter initiative that would levy a $261 fine on all coal and oil train cars traveling through downtown.