Mayor identifies advisers

Spokane Mayor Mary Verner released on Friday most of the names of people advising her on transition teams.

She still won’t reveal the names of about five people on those teams, however.

Citing a desire to protect the privacy of those advising her, she has insisted on getting the permission of invitees to release their names to the public. That decision has sparked criticism based on the public’s interest in knowing who is helping her form the direction for her administration.

Verner said one name was kept off the list because that person didn’t want to be identified. The rest of the missing names were people who could not be reached.

The mayor said she has aimed to create a diverse group from business, neighborhood, government and other backgrounds.

“My story has been consistent from the very beginning,” Verner said.

The mayor met with two of her “internal transition retreat teams” last week and plans to meet with two more today. Verner’s transition advisers are meeting at the home of Elliot Fabric, who was a volunteer in Verner’s mayoral campaign.

The initial sessions included a focus on her first 100 days in office and discussion on leadership. Today’s sessions will focus on the economy and public safety.

Verner said her campaign organized the teams because when she began the process, she didn’t realize she could use city resources for her transition.

“I did not approach this as an official duty,” Verner said. “I approached this as a transition from being a candidate.”

Councilman Nancy McLaughlin said it’s too early in Verner’s administration to “get that picky.”

“Mary’s got a lot on her plate right now.”

But McLaughlin added that she’s hopeful that a full list will be released.

“If there are people who don’t want their names released, then they shouldn’t be on a city transition team,” McLaughlin said. “This is the public’s business.”