‘This illustrates two different visions for Spokane’ – Candidates disagree over the use of political graffiti

SPOKANE, Wash. — Political graffiti was found this morning on the newly renovated Post Street Bridge and near the Manito Shopping Center.

The graffiti promoted a website funded by Jim Wilson, the Republican candidate running for State Senate in the 3rd District against Marcus Riccelli.

Wilson is a write-in candidate who made the November ballot after receiving enough write-in votes during the Washington State Primary Election.

“The purpose was to highlight the issues that are not being brought up in the campaign, especially by the people who have been in office,” said Wilson.

While Wilson stated he didn’t do the graffiti himself, he was aware that members of his campaign were involved.

“We don’t have thousands and thousands of dollars to spend on getting the word out, so the youth came up with this idea to spread the message,” said Wilson.

According to the Washington Public Disclosure Commission, Wilson has in fact raised over $35,000 and has spent only a fraction of that amount. In contrast, his opponent, Marcus Riccelli, has raised more than $212,000.

The graffiti directed people to a website, “Stop the Violence Spokane,” which encourages voters to oppose Riccelli, Natasha Hill, and Bob Ferguson.

Marcus Riccelli criticized this approach, saying it was a waste of taxpayer’s resources since city crews had to spend time cleaning up the graffiti.

“We’ve heard clearly from business owners and people downtown that they want to end graffiti vandalism. This illustrates two different visions for Spokane,” said Riccelli. “I have a positive, shared vision for moving Spokane forward, while my opponent appears to be encouraging irresponsible political stunts.”The city confirmed that the graffiti was made with water-soluble spray paint, which came off easily with soap and water, meaning no city codes were violated.When Wilson was asked by 4 News Now if he thought this approach was counteractive to his campaign priorities he said, “To a certain extent. The fact that this is raising so much awareness and anger, if we could translate that into awareness and anger at the real issues which are crime, that’s where we need to act. So, if this accomplished that, we did good.”