The West tragedy: abuse of power

A sad but practical Spokane Mayor Jim West stood before the cameras Wednesday and acknowledged the inevitable: Voters consider him unsuited to continue as mayor. Their assessment is correct.

No city should have a leader who uses the perks of office to try to lure young, less-powerful men or boys into sexual or dating relationships. Abuse of power is exactly the kind of offense for which the recall mechanism was designed. Still, West's story is a tragedy. He was a smart, hard-working state senator and Senate majority leader for many years before becoming mayor of Spokane two years ago. It was a job he had long wanted.

West was often described as one of the best mayors the city ever had. But that was before the Spokesman-Review newspaper revealed he was inappropriately using the city computer and perquisites of office.

West, who is battling colon cancer, is a tormented man. He struggles with his self-identity and political beliefs. Throughout this episode, he has been hounded by critics who say he was a hypocrite who voted against legislation that would have benefited gays and lesbians. There is some truth to that.

Wednesday, West said he had one regret from his legislative days that relates to gay issues: He signed on to a bill early in his career that would have prevented gays and lesbians from working in schools.

Voters sense when a political leader has pushed the envelope of decency and reasonable conduct. West did that. Spokane now can pick itself up from this low moment and move on.