SPOKANE, Wash. – Natasha Hill and Ben Stuckart, both of whom are running to replace State Representative Marcus Riccelli, have offered contrasting accounts of an argument that purportedly took place at the Spokane Pride festival last weekend.
The argument was initially reported in The Spokesman Review. Hill says that she was campaigning at the festival by comparing her rent control position to Stuckart, who had already left the festival at that time.
“It is important that voters know that I support long-term rent stabilization ordinances, and my opponent does not. I have respect for my opponent and would expect that he is satisfied to stand on his policy positions, as I am on mine,” Hill said in a media statement.
Hill says that Spokane County Democrats Chair Naida Spencer threatened to call security on her while she was speaking about the difference between her campaign and the Stuckart campaign.
“I am disappointed that a genuine disagreement about policy that was being shared at Pride was escalated to this level. I am used to the idea that passion and emotions can be misunderstood by the public as anger or aggression, especially as a black woman. However, it is my firm belief voters deserve to have a true choice and understand the policy differences between candidates,” Hill said.
Spokane County Democrats endorsed both Hill and Stuckart for the position in late May. Spencer says that an internal investigation into the argument is being conducted by the party.
“The Spokane County Democrats have been in communication with Natasha working to gather information about the events that unfolded last weekend. We have been working towards an internal resolution. We hope for continued cooperation from Natasha Hill as we all work towards the same goals of social and racial equality and justice,” Spencer said.
Stuckart says that he does support limited forms of rent stabilization and argued that Hill’s conduct made volunteers feel unsafe.
“All I know is volunteers should not be attacked and should feel safe. I have spoken to enough witnesses to know that this is not [the] case. My opponent continues to misconstrue my position on several issues. I support rent stabilization but it needs to be accompanied by laws designed to increase production of housing and needs to be evaluated continually to ensure there are not unintended consequences,” Stuckart said.
According to The Spokesman, Hill has resigned from the Spokane County Party following the incident.
