Liberty Lake Gets To Work

The first work session for the new city of Liberty Lake will be held early next week.

Everyone in the new city is invited to attend the planning meeting at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Liberty Lake Water and Sewer District building, 22510 E. Mission.

“What we are going to do is start a series of transition teams, not to dictate what will happen because that will be up to the new government, but to start working with the county and others,” said Lud Kramer, a city supporter who will help lead the session. “The transition concept is to get everybody going down the same road.”

Liberty Lake voters approved forming the new city on Nov. 7 by almost 65 percent of those who cast ballots.

Until Liberty Lake elects a city government, Spokane County will keep providing services to the area. The city can hold its first municipal primary election on Feb. 6, 2001, at the earliest. The earliest date available for the final election of city officials is March 13.

Kramer said he hopes the planning will help people who are interested in running for city offices learn more about the issues they will have to tackle if they are elected and the things the city would have control over. He said the transition teams also will be studying the alternatives for services the new city will have.

City backers hope to draw more people to the meeting than the core of supporters that worked to pass the Liberty Lake incorporation.

“We want to give everybody a chance to be part of it,” Kramer said. “If you want to participate, show up.”