Mccaslin Will Seek Re-Election Commissioner Lists ‘Smart Growth,’ Law Enforcement As Two Priorities

Spokane County Commissioner Kate McCaslin declared her intention Wednesday to seek re-election to the District 2 seat.

The first-term Republican announced her bid before about 50 supporters outside the new Mirabeau Point community center in the Valley.

McCaslin listed several accomplishments of commissioners since she’s been in office.

She touted the county’s $16 million reserve as one of the board’s greatest achievements during the past 3-1/2 years.

“We no longer have to borrow money to do business and make ends meet,” said McCaslin, 42. “In the not-too-distant past, it was common practice to have to borrow money in midsummer in order to make payroll and pay the bills.”

A healthy reserve account also helps the county maintain a good credit rating with bond companies and ensures that the county can meet its obligations even if there are major revenue shortfalls like those felt by some governments after voters approved Initiative 695, she said.

“While we have kept spending increases in check and built this healthy reserve, we have done so without gutting services,” she said.

She pointed to the Sheriff’s Office budget, which has increased nearly 20 percent in the past two years to more than $19 million. That included money for 16 new deputies, she said.

McCaslin said continuing support of law enforcement would be a priority if she’s re-elected.

She said she also would work to help the county attract and retain high-paying jobs by keeping taxes as low as possible, streamlining the permit process and maintaining county roads, sewers and other infrastructure.

McCaslin also said “maintaining our high quality of life through smart growth” would be one of her top goals. The county is expected to adopt a new comprehensive land-use plan before the end of the year.

“In the area of growth management, we have worked hard to implement these state-mandated requirements in a fair and evenhanded way, recognizing and balancing the interests of all citizens in the county,” McCaslin said.

“Therein lies our test: to preserve the very best of this familiar, beautiful and very special place we call home, all the while ensuring that we move forward to provide our citizens with ample opportunity to grow, prosper and flourish,” she said.

McCaslin is a Wyoming native but has spent most of her life in Spokane County. She has a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Washington State University and has worked as a political consultant and executive director of the Associated Builders & Contractors of Spokane.

She has raised more than $13,000 in campaign contributions.

Democrat Bill Burke also is running for the seat, which represents most of the Valley.

Republican Bill Evans has said he will move into District 2 before the July 28 filing deadline to challenge McCaslin in the Sept. 19 primary. He lives near the community of Marshall in District 3.

The general election is Nov. 7. All county voters can cast ballots for District 2 commissioner then.