Reader disapproves of city actions

The City of Moses Lake has a vindictive streak toward anybody that challenges their city codes. The case of Tony Holiday in his battle with the city over the vacant lot is very similar to a case back in 2003-2004. When the city annexed Longview Tracts, they tried to require an elderly couple, who had lived in their house for over 50 years, to bring it up to city code with a long list of repairs. When the elderly couple were financially unable to make repairs the city slapped them with over $30,000 in fines. When they couldn't pay the fines the city got an abatement judgment and a court order to remove them from their own house. After the husband died, presumably from all the stress, the widow tried to assert her rights to the estate. The city along with Grant County Superior saw to it that she had no right to the property. But the city was not completely heartless, they promised the family they would not pursue them for the fines or court cost if the family signed over any interest they had in the house and lot. The City of Moses Lake tried to keep this dirty little case out of the public eye, understandably so. It looks like Mr. Holiday has beaten the city at their own game. Good for him.

Greg Hansen

Moses Lake