City Council Races Contested

Spangle

A former maintenance worker for Spangle caused enough controversy this year to affect the town’s City Council races on the ballot Tuesday.

Charles Layton left his job after the City Council cut his hours as the town’s all-purpose maintenance man.

Now, his wife Jeneal Layton, is running against Joseph D. Coombs for Position 1.

The Laytons’ neighbor, Phillip Quinn, is taking on incumbent Marcy Cockle for Position 2.

Jeneal Layton, 36, said her decision to run had more to do with the future of Spangle than the departure of her husband from the town’s employment.

She said the development of a new sewer plant has led to high utility rates and may open the door to new housing developments. Like a lot of Spangle residents, she is skeptical about who’s going to pay for growth.

Layton works as a cook and bartender at the Spangle Saloon.

Coombs, a Washington State University graduate, operates a consulting business specializing in professional assessments of crop damage.

He worked with the current council to develop the sewer project.

Coombs, 60, said he wants to make sure that the community takes advantage of grants as it builds new streets and utility lines.

“The town is going to grow whether you like it or not,” he said.

In the Position 2 race, Quinn said he isn’t against growth, but believes existing residents should not be forced to shoulder the financial burden.

He said he didn’t like the way the council dealt with his neighbor. He said council members should have listened to Charles Layton’s suggestions about how to run the city rather than cut his hours.

Quinn, 70, has lived in Spangle for 20 years and works part-time at the Hangman Valley Golf Course.

Cockle, 30, is finishing her first term on the council. She works for New Light Industries in Airway Heights as an office manager and has lived in Spangle for five years.

She said the town had no choice but to replace its aging lagoon sewer system. Spangle residents are going to save money because the contractor is building the new plant for $150,000 less than estimated.

Cockle said Layton’s hours were reduced to save money on city operations.

, DataTimes