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Spokane County fire districts get voters’ support
Voters in two northern Spokane County fire districts that were slammed in two recent storms won wide support for tax proposals in Tuesday’s primary. Both tax proposals easily surpassed the 60 percent threshold needed to pass.
Republican incumbents carry the day in local races
A slate of inconsequential primaries delivered results Tuesday night as both candidates in a number of two-person races moved forward to November’s general election with a better idea of where their support lies. It was a night for incumbents in the Republican Party as state Sen. Michael Baumgartner, Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich and state Rep. Matt Shea all took commanding leads of at least 10 percentage points over their opponents. In the largest spread, Knezovich walloped his challenger, Doug Orr, besting him by 33,000 votes of just 74,000 cast in early returns.
Christian trailing McCaslin, Wilhite for Spokane Valley House seat
Leonard Christian was appointed a state representative early this year to fill a vacancy created by the retirement of state Rep. Larry Crouse. Diana Wilhite is a former Spokane Valley mayor who has been active in local politics for decades. Bob McCaslin, a kindergarten teacher with the Central Valley School District, shares the name of his late father who served in the state Senate for more than 30 years.
Pakootas wins right to challenge McMorris Rodgers
Republican U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers will carry another comfortable lead into the November general election, where she’ll face Democrat Joe Pakootas.
With most ballots still out, today is last chance to vote
If you just realized it’s primary election day and your ballot is still somewhere around the house … you’re pretty much like most people in Washington. Less than a fourth of all ballots in Spokane County had been returned as of Monday morning, and some counties reported even lower return rates. For procrastinating voters, there’s still time to mark that ballot, seal it in the signed envelope, and then mail it in or deposit it at a drop box.
Bond renewal would boost Fire District 4 training, services
With calls on the rise, firefighters in north Spokane County are asking voters to help improve response times and to better equip and train crews. Spokane County Fire District 4 is asking voters in Tuesday’s election for a $9.6 million, 20-year bond to build three fire stations and a fire training center. The money also would update communication systems and provide new vehicles and equipment for crews.
Fire District 9 levy would maintain same tax rate
Spokane County Fire District 9 will ask voters next Tuesday to once again approve the majority of its operating budget through a special levy. The levy provides the district 60 percent of its maintenance and operational costs, and must be approved by 60 percent of voters to pass. The other 40 percent of the operating budget comes from a regular levy, which is set and approved by the county assessor’s office and does not require voter approval.
Closer races might help boost voter turnout
OLYMPIA – With Washington’s primary a mere 10 days away, the big question – after who’ll survive and go to the general election, of course – is how many voters will bother to cast ballots. It’s a common question around the country, as a recent study shows primary turnout is down in most states from 2010, the last mid-term primaries.
Democrats face dilemma in Spokane County commissioner race
Democrats face a dilemma in next month’s primary election for Spokane County commissioner. That’s because among the candidates they can choose are a Democrat and a high-profile former Democrat who chose to run as an independent.
County on track for 35-40 percent turnout in primary election
Slightly more than 30,000 ballots for the Aug. 5 primary had been returned to the Spokane County elections office by Thursday, pushing turnout to about 10.5 percent countywide. Elections Manager Mike McLaughlin said the county is on track for a predicted turnout of between 35 percent and 40 percent of its more than 285,000 registered voters.
Sheriff’s race centers on jail debate
Debate over the need for a new Spokane County Jail has become a key issue in this year’s campaigns for sheriff and county commissioner after a candidate in the sheriff’s race produced a radio ad pegging the potential cost at $300 million. Doug Orr, who is challenging incumbent Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich, has won the endorsement of former Sheriff Mark Sterk. In a radio ad, Sterk says, “Now is not the time to be promoting a $300 million jail.”