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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.
Spokane Valley fire commissioner tries to fend off two challengers for seat
A one-term incumbent Spokane Valley Fire commissioner is hoping to retain his seat, as a former city councilman and a first-time candidate challenge him.
Referendum would stop recently approved initiative that allowed some affirmative action plans in Washington
Washington voters will likely get the chance to continue or revamp the state’s 21 year-old law that restricts affirmative action programs.
Medical Lake voters will decide if city fire department is absorbed by Spokane County Fire District 3
Medical Lake has had its own fire department since 1904, but voters could decide next month to eliminate it.
Spokane County Fire District 5 tries again for levy increase for equipment improvements
Spokane County’s Fire District 5 is asking voters for a property tax levy increase of $0.46 to fund equipment and facilities improvements. The levy would be in effect from 2020-2035 if Proposition No.1 is approved in August’s general election.
Police union endorses Woodward as candidates spar on approach to public safety
As public safety and police accountability continue to play a central role, the Spokane Police Guild has endorsed Nadine Woodward for mayor in the primary election.
Spokane County Libraries wants voters to know it didn’t host Drag Queen Story Hour as it seeks approval on levy
The Spokane County Library District hopes to avoid reductions in services through passage of a $2 million property tax increase to fund operations at the system’s 11 branches. But library officials in the county fear that voters may confuse their offerings with the city, which hosted a controversial drag queen story hour this summer and has some voters confused about which system their taxes will go toward.
Realtors buying voice in Spokane elections
Realtors are pouring an unprecedented amount of money into Spokane primary campaigns, with the Washington Association of Realtors throwing substantial support behind mayoral candidate Nadine Woodward and three fresh faces vying for seats on the City Council.
Spokane County asks voters to renew sales tax to maintain criminal justice system
Spokane County leaders are asking voters to renew a $6 million-a-year sales tax that the region has approved twice before to maintain the criminal justice status quo.
Housing, homelessness at stake in Spokane Valley council race, candidates say
The race to replace Sam Wood on the Spokane Valley City Council features four political newcomers who all say housing and homelessness are among the key issues at stake.
Three first-time candidates drawn to vacant Nine Mile Falls School Board position
Three candidates filed for the Nine Mile Falls School Board position No. 2 vacated by Debbie Williams, who is moving out of the district. Incumbents Mac Mikkelsen and Bill McBride are running unopposed for director positions No. 1 and No. 3, respectively.
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.
3 new faces vie for seat on Spokane public school board
The job will last for only two years, but the winner of the Position 4 race has a chance to make a big impact on the Spokane Public Schools board of directors. The three candidates – Erin Georgen, Bill Baxley and Kevin Morrison – have staked out differing positions on several key issues, including overall district priorities, the arming of campus resource officers and whether the district should put a supplemental levy on the November ballot.
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.
Two council members, two newcomers vie for Spokane City Council president
Four candidates hope to past the primary election for Spokane City Council president.
Spin Control: County elections offices struggling with new VoteWA system
Washington elections offices struggling with new registration system as August 6 primary nears.
Candidates for Spokane School Board offer differing opinions on arming security, budget issues
Whoever wins the race for Position 2 on the Spokane Public Schools board of directors, expect them to take a cautious approach on budgetary issues. All three candidates – Luc Jasmin III, Kelli MacFarlane and Jenny Slagle – support more fiscal restraint as the district deals with a multimillion-dollar budget deficit. All three support – or at least are open to supporting – the district asking voters for a levy to prevent recent budget cuts.
Candidates for Spokane School Board seat have significant experience in education
The three candidates for Position 1 on the Spokane Public Schools board of directors have extensive experience in education.
Two primary opponents to Lori Kinnear say they would provide a new voice to City Council
An experienced member of the City Council will look to fend off two challengers in the primary race for District 2.
Election preview: Spokane City Councilwoman Karen Stratton draws five challengers in the northwest
Andy Rathbun, Jeff Martin, Christopher Savage, Ken Side and Jeff Rugan have filed against the incumbent councilwoman, who’s been in office since 2015 and has, at times, butted heads with Mayor David Condon as a member of the council’s perceived liberal supermajority.