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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
Aug. 1, 2017

Washington Primary, Aug. 1

On the Ballot

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Accusations of mudslinging, bullying in contentious Spokane Valley City Council race

The race for Spokane Valley City Council Position 2 is heating up, and so is the rhetoric between its two candidates.

Spin Control: Some answers to questions about those advisory votes on the ballot

Three advisory measures sit atop the ballot for Washington voters.

Contenders in Spokane Valley Fire Commission race focus on finances

For Spokane Valley Fire Board Commissioner Patrick Burch and challenger Stan Chalich, serving the community and ensuring the fire department’s financial longevity is a common goal. Burch, 54, was appointed to the fire board of commissioners in July 2016. Burch has more than nine years of community service experience within the fire department. He served on the Community Emergency Response Team and was a team leader with the Fire Corps, a volunteer group that provides firefighter support services.

Small donation to Spokane school board campaign appears to violate federal tax law

A small donation made to a Spokane Public Schools board candidate appears to violate federal tax law.

Two longtime Spokane Valley firefighters compete for Valley fire commission seat

Spokane County Fire District Board Commissioner William A. “Bill” Anderson and challenger Larry T. Rider have at least one thing in common: more than two decades of firefighting experience. Anderson was employed with the Spokane Valley Fire Department for 29 years as a firefighter, dispatcher, engineer and officer.

In Spokane School Board race, it’s the hot-button issues that divide the candidates

Whoever becomes Spokane Public Schools newest board member will inherit a slough of thorny and difficult questions. And while both candidates running for that honor have similar goals and concerns, their approach and experiences differ.

Medical Lake mayoral candidates differ on re-establishing independent police force

Eight years after Medical Lake decided to disband its independent police department, Mikeal Suniga said it’s time to re-establish it. But his challenger in the race to lead the city, Shirley Maike, said the town is served well by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.

Shawn Vestal: Flyer targeting Spokane City Council candidate Matthew Howes was a cheap shot

A flyer that attacked Spokane City Council candidate Matthew Howes for restaurant violations was a slimy and poorly executed effort that fuels our political cynicism.

Campaign mailer funded largely by firefighters union exaggerates Spokane City Council candidate’s restaurant inspection record

The Spokane Regional Health District said in a statement Monday it did not participate in the creation of political communications charging City Council candidate Matthew Howes with ignoring health code rigors in running his northside restaurant. Howes said the mailer is full of “blatant lies” and showed dirty tactics by supporters of his opponent, Candace Mumm.

Maycumber takes familiar path to Northeast Washington House seat as Swanson hopes to unseat her

Republican Jacquelin Maycumber moved from legislative assistant to legislator when northeast Washington’s House seat opened up this year. To keep the job, she’ll have to beat Democrat Susan Swanson, who is trying to break the GOP lock that stretches back to the 1990s.

Mumm, Howes take opposing sides in North Monroe debate in battle for Spokane City Council seat

Incumbent Candace Mumm is facing off against political newcomer Matthew Howes for the northwest Spokane seat. The district’s major political issue this fall has been a controversial lane reduction project that has split the candidates.

Sue Lani Madsen: Spokane City Council’s focus on national issues takes away from its attention to local problems

There is a national progressive movement using municipal legislation to drive state and federal policy through the courts. Does Spokane want an increasingly political City Council, or one that focuses on city business?

Short faces her first Democratic challenger in Hardy in 7th District race

After moving from the House to the Senate this year to fill an open seat, Republican Shelly Short faces her first Democratic challenger in Karen Hardy.

Experience or fresh perspective? Candidates square off in Spokane Valley City Council race

Spokane Valley City Councilwoman Pamela Haley says her competition in November’s election needs to learn more about city government.

Municipal Court judge challenger forges ahead despite DUI arrest

Adam Papini knows he’s probably not going to win, but that doesn’t bother him. What does, he said, is how his colleagues, friends and confidants assumed that when he was charged with driving under the influence in June, it automatically meant he was guilty. Even lawyers and judges, who are supposed to presume innocence until the six-letter word is spoken by a jury, or a plea deal is entered, immediately treated him differently.

Riverside candidates’ wish lists overlap

Scott Ellsworth was a student in the Riverside School District for 13 years, and now he wants to help improve it, which is why he said he is running for a seat on the Riverside School Board. Ellsworth’s history with the school district precedes his education. For over 30 years, his father worked in the school district. Now his youngest son attends Riverside High School.

Millwood mayor candidates divided on police operations

A candidate running for Millwood mayor says it may be time for the town to consider forming its own police department. Jay Molitor, who is challenging incumbent Kevin Freeman, argues that the service the town gets from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office is inadequate for Millwood’s population of nearly 1,800. He points to the police department of Reardan, a town with one-third the population, which has one full-time and several part-time officers.

Cheney City Council candidates disagree on seriousness of city’s water problems

Two candidates in a race for Cheney City Council disagree on what the city should be doing about water issues.

Pints and Politics: City council, school board candidates debate the issues

Spokane City Council and school board candidates mingled with voters, disagreed thoughtfully and learned a few things about the city they hope to represent at a candidate forum Tuesday evening. The event, called “Pints and Politics,” was hosted by The Spokesman-Review as a way to encourage civil political dialogue.

Spokane council and school board candidates talk issues during forum with three weeks left until election

Spokane city council and school board candidates mingled with voters, disagreed thoughtfully and learned a few things about the city they hope to represent at a candidate forum Tuesday evening.