While cutting back core public services, Spokane County Commissioners voted 2-1 this week to spend another $588,000 taxpayer dollars to make upgrades to Spokane Raceway Park. Commissioners Todd Mielke and Mark Richard voted in favor, Commissioner Bonnie Mager voted against.
The Raceway Park was purchased by the county for $4.3 million in a controversial move several years ago. Since then, the county has spent $1.1 million on repairs. Meanwhile, most county departments are still trying to figure out how to cut 12.5% from their budgets. The park was purchased under the assumption it could lead to economic development. It hasn't yet. Even if it eventually does, government does not have a responsibility to own and operate raceway facilities.
Next year, Spokane County Commissioners plan to ask voters to raise property taxes even higher to build a new jail. Money spent on the raceway could and should have been used on essential government services, such as the jail. The purchase and subsequent managing of the raceway is yet another example of the struggles government faces when it gets involved in running a business that can be better-served in private hands.
