Candidates on the issues: Spokane Valley City Council position 3
Should Spokane Valley have its own police department? (The city currently pays the county Sheriff's Office to provide law enforcement)
Arne Woodard Eventually, yes. Not necessarily in the near future.
Al Merkel No, contracting with the Sheriff's Office comes with great benefits.
Should Spokane Valley impose a new tax to pay for overdue road maintenance?
Arne Woodard Yes, a fee on license plate tabs or a sales tax are possible options. Would only support a new tax that's exclusively dedicated to road projects.
Al Merkel Yes, a fee on license plate tabs would be a good idea.
Should Spokane Valley start taking the 1% annual property tax increase allowed by state law? (The city has foregone the increase in each of the last 14 years)
Arne Woodard Yes, voted for it in 2022. Taking it helps the city's bond rating and improves the likelihood of winning state and federal grants.
Al Merkel Maybe someday, if the money is needed and real estate market volatility has died down.
Should Spokane Valley have more homeless shelter beds?
Arne Woodard New shelters are OK, so long as they're small and spread out — as required by city code.
Al Merkel No, although the region as a whole needs more shelter space.
Should Spokane Valley City Council seats have term limits?
Arne Woodard No.
Al Merkel No.
Do you support Measure 1, a 0.2% sales tax on the November ballot that would raise an estimated $1.7 billion over 30 years and allow the county to build two new jails? (Spokane Valley would directly receive an estimated $3 million from the tax in 2024 and $187 million over 30 years.)
Arne Woodard No, a new jail is needed but voters need more information on how money would be spent.
