Ex-mayor combative during Thursday news conference
Spokane Public Radio
It was a pugnacious ex-Spokane mayor Jim West who faced the TV cameras and newspaper reporters Thursday afternoon, shortly after learning that the U.S. Justice Department does not plan to file charges against him.
The former Spokane mayor, recalled from office over allegations of improperly offering jobs and other favors for sex, began by praising the FBI agents for the thoroughness of their investigation.
West said he understood why voters had recalled him, considering the barrage of publicity that began with a Spokesman-Review newspaper expose. He also forgave recall campaign leader Shannon Sullivan, saying she had relied on the newspaper for her information.
But Jim West had much harsher words for the Spokesman-Review, particularly its allegations that years ago, while a youth leader, West had preyed on young boys.
“The allegations alleging that I had sexual activities with boys were completely unfounded, and actually the most damaging to me personally,” West said. It cut me to the quick. It destroyed my reputation.
“I think the Spokesman-Review owes me a personal apology. I think Karen Dorn Steele and Bill Morlin both owe me personal apologies, and Steven Smith as well,” said West.
West was talking about the two reporters who broke the story and the Spokesman-Review editor. West said he intends to press forward with a defamation lawsuit against the newspaper.
The former mayor said he felt fine, and he looked the part. Although still on chemotherapy for his colon cancer, West’s hair is growing back, which he says baffles his physicians.
“In fact, two weeks ago I did a cat scan and the CAT scan saw that the two tumors on my liver are shrinking. The report three months ago was that they were shrinking by 25 to 30 percent and the report two weeks ago was that they continue to shrink. So, I’m feeling good,” West said.
The former mayor also pledged to continue in public life here in Spokane and he would not rule out again running for political office. Before being elected mayor in 2003, West served as Republican majority leader of the Washington Senate.