James E. West

James E. West is the Republican mayor of Spokane, Washington. West is a native Spokanite. In 1982 West joined the Washington Legislature and served until 2003, when he became mayor of Spokane. While in the legislature he served as Senate Majority Leader. While in the legislature, West voted in favor of many anti-gay bills, including one that would have banned gays and lesbians from working in schools and day cares. While in the state legislature, he also proposed to make a law that would ban all sexual activity among persons under the age of 18 (the bill failed).

West is involved in sexual scandals as of 2005. He is accused of sexually abusing two young boys in the 1970s and 1980s, when he was a sheriff's deputy and Boy Scout leader. West denies the allegations. He is also accused of meeting gay men he met on gay a chat room. West confirmed the accusations by releasing a press release. Using the name "Right-BiGuy" he also offered internships to young gay men (some just graduating high school) for their company. There have been many calls for his resignation, however West says he will not resign.

West served in the U.S. Army after high school and graduated from Gonzaga University with a degree in Criminal Justice in 1978.

External links

• Seattle Post-Intelligencer: List of allegations against Spokane Mayor West (AP story)