This work is based on the official city hall photo of Spokane’s disgraced ex-mayor Jim West. My own personal feelings of the man have run the full spectrum of hatred, admiration, disgust, sympathy, and love.
My first introduction to the man was through his political ads as he ran for mayor against Tom Grant. Politically I was against the conservative West and having a loose affiliation with the Local Planet (Tom Grant was the editor) I naturally voted against Mr. West.
After the initial disgust of his victory wore off I began to notice the outstanding job he seemed to be doing for the city. Mr West was obviously a skilled politician and knew how to legislate. Soon into his first term the local daily, through an online sting operation, outed Mr. West as a self-hating gay man who was looking to date local high school boys. Of course the city was shocked, as was I, and it soon became apparent his reputation was ruined beyond repair. For what I considered the good of the city I decided to support his recall from office.
As Mr. West’s scandal spiraled out of control his colon cancer returned and his health slipped away a little more everyday. Watching the man deteriorate in front of my eyes was truly unlike anything I have ever seen. The sight of a human suffering like he was forced to was truly tragic and it was then my heart started to break for the man.
The recall vote was successful as was the cancer.
Jim West lost his dream job, the respect of his favorite city, and his life all in a matter of months. I don’t think we’ll ever know all the details of what did and did not happen behind the scenes, and I don’t think it matters. I now look at this picture with all the sympathy and love in the world. This was a conflicted man, a disgusting man, a wonderful man. Just like all of us.
