Jonathan Brunt

Congressional candidates take stand on 15 topics

The announcement earlier this year from state Rep. John Ahern that he wouldn’t seek a new term has opened the door for a competitive primary for his Spokane County seat. Ahern, a Republican, represents the 6th Legislative District, which surrounds central Spokane on the south, west and north. It has been a swing district in recent years, but Republicans swept the district’s positions in 2010.

Stuckart: I support Billig

Spokane Mayor David Condon has selected four finalists he’s considering to be the city’s next police chief.

1. Why do you feel that you are the best candidate? My background as a CPA and a public school volunteer gives me the right blend of small business experience, family values and educational advocacy to be an effective voice for all residents of our community.

1. Why do you feel that you are the best candidate? Legislative District 7 is mainly a rural district. I grew up on a small farm in the Yakima Valley. I cut asparagus, picked cherries and even baled hops in the summers while I was at WSU. I am a hunter and hiker and have knowledge of the land through my education and life experience. I have real-life experience and have had to work throughout my life without having anything handed to me. My well-rounded background, my education and my willingness to go against the grain will allow me to institute the changes we need in Washington State.

MARCUS RICCELLI, Democrat 1. Why do you feel that you are the best candidate? I was raised on Spokane’s north side in a middle class home, graduating from Mead High School and Gonzaga—I truly understand the challenges, priorities, and passions of Spokane families. My work with Senator Brown and U.S. Senator Cantwell prepared me to be a strong voice for local businesses, schools and quality of life. I’ve worked alongside and developed strong relationships with regional leaders while advocating for expanding our aerospace industry, investing in the Riverpoint Campus, and developing a 4 year medical school. I have experience navigating Olympia protecting uniquely Spokane programs like Crosswalk, the Guild School and Sally’s House.

JON SNYDER, Democrat 1. Why do you feel that you are the best candidate? I have lived, worked in the 3rd for most of my life and my wife and I are raising our two children here—I know the District. My experience as a local small business owner, community volunteer and now as a Spokane City Council Member give me a unique perspective. I am known as an honest, energetic, and hardworking leader. I know that public servants need to not only communicate, but we also need to know when to listen. I’m not afraid of taking tough stances on hard issues and I have a record of getting things done for Spokane.

TIM BENN, Republican 1. Why do you feel that you are the best candidate? I have lived in Spokane my whole life and would represent the 3rd District with honesty, integrity, and common sense.

1. Why do you feel that you are the best candidate? I would bring a unique perspective to the Legislature. My experience in both business and social services gives me a first-hand understanding of issues facing many 3rd District residents. I would bring an independent and common-sense approach to government that has been sorely lacking in Olympia.

BOB APPLE, Democrat 1. Why do you feel that you are the best candidate? Certainly experience and an ability to get jobs done while understanding the intermixing of associated issues and structures within our existing government.

JEFF HOLY, Republican Why do you feel that you are the best candidate? Residency. I’ve lived here 30 years, having graduated Gonzaga Law, completed a career with Spokane P.D., raised my family and been involved in the community. I’m part of our community, people and issues. Resume. Local public service, community activity, education, existing legislative relationships, institutional memory, political involvement and public safety are all tools that no other candidates possess. Responsibility. I have big budget experience (Trustee for $6 Billion State Retirement System), I’m a small business owner who understands WA business climate and my work as an attorney teaches me to place other’s interests before my own.

BEN OAKLEY, Republican 1. Why do you feel that you are the best candidate? Washington State is at a crossroads. Having worked in the Legislature the last three years as the Legislative Aide to Rep. Kevin Parker, I have the experience and energy to bring sustainable and effective leadership to Olympia. I helped write and pass a Medicaid fraud reform bill in 2012 that could save the state $300 million. I have worked in the private sector, been an executive director of two non-profits, and most recently worked in the Legislature, so I have the ability to bring a responsible balance to Olympia at a time when division and partisanship is plentiful.

LARRY KELLER, Republican 1. Why do you feel that you are the best candidate? I am the only candidate that has been a CEO of mid to large size organizations. I have shown I can bring diverse groups with diverse opinions together to “get things done.” I have demonstrated that I know how to be a good fiscal steward, most recently as the Cheney School superintendent, with a $40 million budget and with $79 million of construction projects. I am also the only candidate who has a background in education and can apply that background on how best to satisfy the January state Supreme Court decision on the adequate funding of K-12 education.

DENNIS DELLWO, Democrat 1. Why do you feel that you are the best candidate? I have been extensively involved in neighborhood and city affairs and have a clear understanding of our community and its concerns. I spent 13 years in the Washington State Legislature. While a legislator I held leadership positions, was chairman of important committees and architect of key legislation. I not only bring this experience to the 6th District, but I will be able to take the 6th and Spokane's concerns to the table when legislation or budgets are considered. I will hit the ground running. I also spent 12 years as the attorney member of the Growth Management Hearing Board.

1. Why do you feel you are the best candidate? My background and values are very representative of Eastern Washington – growing up on a small farm, the first in my family to graduate from college, helping run the family business. It is an honor to represent you in Congress. Today, our country is borrowing over a trillion dollars a year. Our future economic strength and national security depend on putting our fiscal house in order. I’ve balanced budgets at my kitchen table, in small business and in state government; I have the proven skills required to rein in spending by setting priorities so we can live within our means.

1. Why do you feel that you are the best candidate? I have the vision, audacity, and heart to tackle tough issues and fight back when government encroaches on citizens’ rights. By nature and trade I am a caregiver, possessing over a decade of experience working directly with the disabled, aging, and dying of Eastern Washington. I am the author and sponsor of marijuana regulation initiatives circulating in seven regional cities. When the Spokane City Council took steps to impede the initiative process earlier this year, I responded with a counter proposal in the form of a citizens' initiative. I hope to represent a new generation of doers in congress.

1. Why do you feel that you are the best candidate? For 22 years I served as CEO of film company North by Northwest Productions. Our company brought a new industry to the Inland Northwest, and hundreds of family-wage jobs along with it. I know how to create jobs, minimize debt, and build for the long term. Those are the skills we need in Congress. More importantly, I am not a puppet of a political party or corporate interest – I am dedicated to finding solutions to our common problems and fighting for the needs of Eastern Washington. We need a representative for “our” Washington, not the “other” Washington.

1. Why do you feel that you are the best candidate? The general feeling that the federal government has grown too big for its britches has a constitutional remedy, and I appear to be the only candidate who will work towards that remedy. 2. What legislation is your top priority for 2013?