James E. West (politician)
| James Elton West | |
|---|---|
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| 41st Mayor of Spokane, Washington | |
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In office 2003–2005 |
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| Preceded by | John Powers |
| Succeeded by | Dennis P. Hession |
| Member of the Washington Senate from the 6th district | |
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In office 1986–2003 |
|
| Preceded by | Sam C. Guess |
| Succeeded by | Brian Murray (appointed) |
| Member of the Washington House of Representatives | |
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In office 1983–1986 |
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| Preceded by | Michael R. McGinnis |
| Succeeded by | Duane R. Sommers |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
March 28, 1951 Salem, Oregon |
| Died | July 22, 2006 (aged 55) Seattle, Washington |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Ginger Marshall (1990–1995) |
| Profession | Politician – Small Business Owner |
| Military service | |
| Service/branch | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1969-1974 |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
James Elton "Jim" West (March 28, 1951 – July 22, 2006) was an American politician. In 2005, while Mayor of Spokane, Washington, he was the target of allegations of the sexual abuse of boys twenty years earlier. These allegations became public after West became a target of a sting operation conducted by his hometown newspaper, the Spokesman Review. Some journalists and academics criticized the paper for what they saw as a form of entrapment. West admitted engaging in homosexual behavior with adults, despite an earlier record of supporting "anti-gay" legislation. Though never charged, he was removed from office by recall in 2005. The Federal Bureau of Investigation eventually closed its investigation and took no action for lack of evidence.
West was born in Oregon and raised in Spokane, Washington. He served in the U.S. Army after high school and graduated from Gonzaga University with a degree in Criminal Justice in 1978.
West was good friends with David D. Hahn and both were officers with the Spokane Sheriff's Department. They also worked together as troop leaders with the Boy Scouts of America. In 1981, Hahn committed suicide after charges of his involvement in the sexual abuse of boys became public.
In 1982, West was elected to the Washington State House of Representatives as a Republican representing the 6th legislative district. He was elected to the Washington State Senate in 1986 serving until his resignation to become Mayor of Spokane, Washington, in 2003. In the Senate West held the positions of Chairman of the Committee on Health, Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and Majority Leader. During his years in the legislature, West developed a record as an opponent of homosexual rights. He supported several "anti-gay" bills, including one that would have banned gays and lesbians from working in schools and day care centers. He unsuccessfully proposed a law banning all sexual activity among unmarried persons under the age of 18. In 1995, when West was a state senator, he advocated the impeachment of Gov. Mike Lowry for alleged sexual harassment.
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