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Spokane Valley council allows member comments after weeks of public concern over social‑media post
Summary
After public testimony from local faith leaders and residents urging inclusivity, Councilmember Yeager told the Spokane Valley City Council her post was intended to highlight human tragedies and not to divide the community; councilmembers and the city attorney discussed whether personal social‑media posts violate council conduct rules.
Councilmember Yeager addressed a wave of public concern at the Spokane Valley City Council meeting on Dec. 9, telling colleagues her social‑media post was meant to “highlight ongoing human tragedies” rather than to divide residents. The council had amended the agenda at the start of the meeting to allow personal council comments after community members asked for a formal response.
Why it matters: Several local faith leaders and residents used public comment to urge dialogue and healing. Lorraine Genevieve Haywood, a pastor and convener of local faith leaders, thanked Yeager and Dr. Shashani for meeting and asked the council to “model a compassionate engagement” and consider inviting Muslim leaders to give an invocation at future meetings. Karen Stromgren said she appreciated Yeager’s willingness to meet and encouraged interfaith panels to reduce fear and misconceptions.
The exchange: In a roughly three‑minute council comment, Councilmember Yeager said her goal was not “to divide anyone” and that her intent was to call attention to violence “affecting innocent people worldwide.” She added that media coverage had “misrepresented” her remarks and that the conversations with constituents had been difficult but valuable.
Several colleagues responded. Councilmember Patton praised the dialogue and welcomed continued meetings and reconciliation. Deputy Mayor Hatenberg said Yeager’s comments were “a step in the right direction,” and several members expressed support for more cultural and religious education. Councilmember Merkel said she did not interpret Yeager’s remarks as an apology and reiterated that she remains concerned about the impact on Muslim residents.
Legal and procedural context: City Attorney Kelly Concrete said he reviewed the post as a potential public‑records and conduct issue and told the council he did not see an actionable violation of the council governance manual because the post was on personal social media and was not city business. He said the council’s conduct complaint procedures in Chapter 5 of the governance manual would apply if a formal complaint were filed.
What’s next: Council members and local faith leaders said they hope the meetings and outreach continue. The council’s decision to allow personal comments means members can address constituent concerns on the record at future meetings.
