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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Spokane Valley council names finalists for two council seats

The Spokane Valley City Council picked the final six applicants for two open council seats at its meeting Tuesday evening.

Applications were discussed in an executive session prior to the regular City Council meeting, after which councilmen took turns nominating candidates in the open meeting.

Councilman Bill Gothmann nominated former councilman Ben Wick and later executive director of the Greater Spokane Substance Abuse Council Linda Thompson, but neither received a second.

Here are the applicants that made it through to the final interview, which will be held at the City Council meeting on June 21.

Jonathan “Caleb” Collier, a letter carrier with a bachelor’s degree in history and a precinct committee officer for the Republican Party. Collier wants to reduce government interference and unnecessary regulations as a way to allow small businesses to prosper. Collier listed Spokane County Treasurer Rob Chase among his references.

Pamela Joan Haley lives in Spokane Valley and owns businesses both there and in Spokane. She holds a master’s degree in business and writes in her application that she is proud of the work the Spokane Valley City Council has done and would like to “help in any way that I can.” Haley wants each contract entered into by Spokane Valley to have more than one bid, to lower city expenses and increase public safety, while especially cracking down on property crime. Haley listed Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, and Rep. Bob McCaslin, R-Spokane Valley, among her references.

Frank Edward Hutchison, co-owner of Hutchison Solutions, holds a doctorate in physics and has extensive experience as a business coach and consultant on government programs. His priorities are to improve strategic planning for Spokane Valley and continue to attract and retain businesses. Hutchison also believes the city must be more responsive to suggestions and complaints from the public.

Michael J. Munch, president of Able Construction LLC, lists 20 years of construction work as his occupation and was treasurer of the Stevens County Republican Party for two years. He writes he’s a firm believer in the values this country was founded on and his first priority is protecting private property rights, followed by “continuing to get government out of the way of business and residents,” and finally, working on a better disaster preparedness plan. Munch listed Rep. Matt Shea and Spokane County Treasure Rob Chase among his references.

Michelle René Rasmussen is the director of parking and transportation at Eastern Washington University in Cheney, and has lived in Spokane Valley for 18 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business and worked as an administrative assistant for the city of Spokane Valley from 2008 to 2015. Her three top priorities are to continue economic development, crack down on property crimes and find funding to bridge the Valley.

David Anson Wiyrick, a retired Spokane County undersheriff and small-business owner, holds an associate’s degree in police science and writes in his application that he wants the City Council to be free of influence from special-interest groups. Wiyrick is critical of the Valley’s law enforcement contract with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. He listed former Spokane County Sheriff Mark Sterk and Spokane attorney Mark Vovos among his references.