Kelly P. Cruz
A candidate for Spokane mayor, City of Spokane in the 2019 Washington Primary Election, Aug. 6
Age: 64
City: Spokane, WA
Why running: The central reason Cruz has jumped into the race is to deal with the property crime and public safety in the community, but he is also motivated by a desire to to provide new leadership in City Hall.
His pitch: Cruz would be transparent and open with the public. If elected, he would institute “Mondays with the Mayor,” a weekly two-hour gathering in the lobby of Ccity Hall during which any resident could bring an issue to the mayor’s attention.
“A lot of people feel threatened and afraid to go to City Hall, and I don’t think that should be the way.”
As Mayor, Cruz pledges to draw a $90,000 salary and donate the remainder to charity.
Education: Graduated from North Central High School in 1978. Completed Spokane Home Builders journeyman carpentry program.
Political experience: Has not held political office. Former chairman of West Central Neighborhood Council, current Chairman of Spokane C.O.P.S. and former chairman of the West Central Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative Coalition.
Work experience: Retired, formerly a carpenter.
Family: Unmarried. Has no children.
Contact information
- Web: cruzforcouncil.com
Race Results
| Candidate | Votes | Pct |
|---|---|---|
| Nadine Woodward | 19,366 | 40.28% |
| Ben Stuckart (N) | 18,353 | 38.17% |
| Shawn Poole | 6,122 | 12.73% |
| Jonathan Bingle | 3,157 | 6.57% |
| Kelly P. Cruz | 1,080 | 2.25% |
Related Coverage
Nadine Woodward bests Ben Stuckart as both advance to November election for Spokane mayor
Political newcomer Nadine Woodward bested Spokane City Council President Ben Stuckart in the primary race for Spokane’s mayor Tuesday night, with both vowing a tough general election campaign ahead.
Vote for mayor may impact police oversight, with role of ombudsman in flux
The upcoming mayoral election could have serious implications for the future of police oversight in Spokane, as whoever wins could determine the extent of the power held by the police department’s civilian watchdog.
Ben Stuckart’s not the mayor, but he and his opponents talk like he is
Voting in the primary election begins this week as five candidates seek to become Spokane’s next mayor.
Getting There: Spokane mayoral hopefuls take stands on 12 transportation issues
The five candidates for Spokane mayor talk road diets, public transportation, bike lanes and whether bringing Lime scooters to the streets (and sidewalks) of Spokane was a good idea.
Spokane mayor, council candidates debate homelessness, downtown crime
All five candidates for mayor shared a stage for the first time Tuesday, disagreeing on homelessness, affordable housing and how to improve safety downtown.
Spokane mayoral candidates draw clear ideological lines in first forum on climate change, criminal justice
At a forum Thursday night downtown, four of the five candidates vying for mayor were confronted with multiple questions on the environment, the future of the criminal justice system in Spokane and how to grow wages with the coming of Amazon.
Spokane city leaders consider building new criminal justice complex, including jail
More than 50 years after voters decided to combine city and county jails, the city is considering separating city and county criminal justice services again.
Mayoral candidate Nadine Woodward, a former TV journalist, won’t interview with Inlander
Former TV Journalist Nadine Woodward has refused to do phone or in-person interviews with Inlander reporters, according to a piece the alt-weekly published Thursday.
Shawn Vestal: The ‘Not Nadines’ have a point about lack of coverage of their Spokane mayoral campaigns
When Nadine Woodward announced she was running for mayor, local media covered it as a capital-B capital-D Big Deal. When most other candidates announced, not so much.