Spokane elections

Spokane mayor

They agree on a lot, but that hasn’t made this high-profile campaign friendly. Incumbent Mayor Dennis Hession and challenger Mary Verner, a councilwoman, are in a tough battle with charges of dirty politics being leveled on both sides. The job pays $138,768 annually. The city has about 2,000 employees and an annual budget of about $533 million.

Supporters of Hession argue that he came into office at a fragile time and has brought stability and fiscal conservatism to the state’s second-largest city and promises to keep city spending under control. His campaign has sought to label Verner as wishy-washy.

Verner’s camp argues that Hession has too often ignored the public and that he’s a poor communicator with his employees and the citizens. They say her experience in government and educational background give her the background necessary for the city’s top office.

Hession has raised more than double the amount of campaign contributions as Verner, with strong donations from Avista, residential contractors and others in the development community. Verner has received her biggest contributions from public employees unions and has financial backing from the tribes she represents in her non-council job.

“Hession, 57, attorney; former parks board member; elected to City Council in 2001; elected council president in 2003; appointed mayor in 2005.

“Verner, 51, attorney; executive director of Upper Columbia United Tribes; appointed to City Council in 2004, elected in 2005.

Spokane City Council

Finding long-term solutions to the city’s perennial budget woes, resolving worsening angst over issues as seemingly innocuous as garbage collection, and balancing neighborhood expectations against the demands and desires of rapid development have kept City Council races active. Council members are paid $18,000 annually; the council president earns $40,000 annually.

Council president: Incumbent Joe Shogan faces perennial candidate Barbara Lampert in the race for the City Council’s top seat. Lampert says she’ll be better at running meetings and wants to hire an additional 100 police officers but has been unable to say how she would pay for them. Shogan says he’s been a fair and steady hand at running council business. He calls Lampert’s public safety plan unrealistic and has instead suggested adding 2 1/2 positions for Spokane public high schools on top of the 24 suggested earlier this year by police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick.

“Shogan, 59, attorney; elected to northwest City Council seat, 2003; appointed City Council president in 2006.

“Lampert, 61, retired insurance claims representative and former nurse’s assistant; Lampert has run for office each year for more than a decade.

District 1: Covers the third of the city east of Division and south of Interstate 90, plus a portion of downtown east of Monroe Street.

Incumbent Bob Apple faces a challenge from Logan Neighborhood activist and former EWU instructor Donna McKereghan. They argue over who’s the best “watchdog” for City Hall, with Apple saying he’s done that job for four years and McKereghan saying he’s lost his energy. He wants the city to do more to fight drugs, particularly methamphetamine, with a special “meth jail.” She wants the city to be more transparent and open.

“Apple, 51, operates a small contracting and roofing firm; elected in 2003.

“McKereghan, 54, college instructor and lecturer; making first run for office.

Disrict 2: Covers the third of the city generally south of I-90 plus Browne’s Addition and downtown west of Monroe.

Councilman Brad Stark has been pointing to the city’s recent bright economy as proof that the city is in good hands with him on City Council. His opponent, Richard Rush, argues city officials have too long ignored the city’s comprehensive plan – long-term growth guide – to the detriment of citizens. Rush says he’ll be a fresh voice who will put the plan front and center.

Stark labels Rush as a one-issue candidate, while Rush questions the influence of contributions from development interests made to Stark’s campaign. Stark has received about $40,000 in contributions, including an $11,000 in-kind contribution from the state Realtors political action committee. Rush has raised about half of Stark’s total.

“Rush, 56, stay-at-home dad, property manager; active in Cliff-Cannon Neighborhood Council.

“Stark, 28, former membership and marketing director at Associated Builders and Contractors. Elected to Spokane City Council in 2003. District 3: Covers third of the city west of Division and north of the Spokane River.

Steve Corker is touting his experience as a former city councilman as a plus for voters. Lewis Griffin is touting his experience as a former city manager in Colfax and Liberty Lake as a plus. Both are supporting some type of impact fees to help pay for road improvements in rapidly growing areas. Corker is a long-time proponent of the city’s strong-mayor system; Griffin thinks Spokane would do better with its old council-city manager system but doesn’t advocate switching back. Both think the council needs more authority to balance against the power of the mayor.

“Corker, 66, adjunct instructor in communications at Gonzaga, former public relations executive; elected to council in 2003, ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2003 and council in 2005.

“Griffin, 66, retired Air Force senior NCO, former city manager; making his first run for elected office.

Spokane Valley City Council

Growth is, again, playing a prominent role in Spokane Valley’s relatively young council politics. Two seats on the council are being contested. The positions pay $750 per month.

Position 2: Councilman Steve Taylor was running unopposed until late September when he began to face criticism from neighborhood leaders for his employment with Spokane Home Builders Association and his support for greater housing density. Challenger Tom Towey launched a write-in campaign emphasizing cooperation between neighborhoods and development with strong support from neighbors in Ponderosa, Greenacres and the Central Valley.

“ Taylor, 31, SHBA and Spokane Association of Realtors legislative director; elected in 2002 and 2005; appointed deputy mayor in 2006.

“ Towey, 64, retired Rosauers manager, sheriff’s office volunteer and first-time candidate.

Position 3: This spring, political unknown Rose Dempsey surged ahead in the primary for the seat opened by departing Councilman Mike DeVleming. Realtor David Crosby has consistently stuck to his campaign platform of affordable housing, a revitalized Sprague Avenue and the development of a Spokane Valley City Center. Dempsey argues that neighborhoods need more protection from encroaching subdivisions.

“Crosby, 47, American Dream Homes owner, served on finance transition committee during incorporation, appointed to Planning Commission in 2003 and served as its chairman in 2005.

“Dempsey, 63, Church music director and organist; first-time candidate.

Airway Heights City Council

This West Plains city has had some political turmoil in recent years, with a former mayor indicted for taking bribes and a switch to the council-city manager form of government. This year, however, the challenge has been getting candidates for the ballot.

Position 5: Ron Welker filed for office then tried to withdraw; he said he might move at the end of the school year because of concerns over sex offenders moving into the area. Kevin Richey also filed but recently discovered he’s ineligible because he hasn’t lived in the city for at least one full year. If Richey wins, the office will be declared vacant and the council will appoint a new member.

“Welker, 44, corrections center vocational instructor; serves on the city Planning Commission.

“Richey, 33, deputy sheriff; spent four years in the U.S. Air Force.

Position 7: Incumbent John Holloway believes voters should consider his experience. Challenger Clancy Mullins promises to bring more youth activities to the city.

“ Holloway, 78, retired Air Force noncommissioned officer; worked 18 years for the city after retiring from the military.

“ Mullins, 28, vocational teacher; turned his MySpace Web page into a campaign Web site.

Cheney City Council

In a city where growth and public safety have been dominant issues, Cheney voters will choose between six candidates vying for three City Council seats, all of whom survived contested primaries. A seventh candidate, councilman and former Mayor Tom Trulove, is running unopposed. The positions pay $310 per month.

Position 2: Incumbent Patrick Rast is promising to continue his “conservative approach” to city government but is playing catch-up to challenger Doug Nixon, who drew 52 percent of the ballots cast in August’s three-way primary. Nixon says he wants to maintain Cheney’s small-town quality of life.

“Rast, 57, electrician at EWU; telling voters he wants just one more term.

“Nixon, 61, insurance agent; moved to Cheney about 8 1/2 years ago from Everett and serves on the planning committee.

Position 5: Challenger Rich Crystalwolfe Baker promises to bring “fresh ideas and balance” to the council. The incumbent, Robert Stockton, is seeking his second term. As the only two candidates to file for the seat, no primary was necessary and they’re facing each other for the first time in the general election.

“Baker, 45, bookstore manager; studies and provides alternative health treatments.

“Stockton, 58, dentist; completing his first four-year term on the council.

Position 6: Two newcomers are facing off to replace retiring Councilman Les Harris. Annette Mather promises to protect Cheney’s “high quality small city life” and emerged from the five-way primary battle with a commanding 57 percent of the vote. Tim Gainer, who finished a distant second in the primary, wants to bring “change, enthusiasm, inspiration, passion and common sense” to the council.

“Mather, 43, SFCC security program assistant and unpaid Cheney reserve police officer; raised triplets that are now 20-year-old adults.

“Gainer, 44, cable system engineer; his brother is Cheney Mayor Allan Gainer.

Deer Park City Council

Growth and jobs are key issues in this year’s only contested race for Deer Park City Council. Two candidates, Don Stevens and Steven Hughes, are running unopposed. Positions pay $200 per month.

Position 2: Incumbent Randy Bean promises to bring better jobs to Deer Park. Challenger Mary J. Gray promises to improve streets, public safety and schools.

“Bean, 42, paramedic; has 12 children, including biological, adopted and foster kids.

“Gray, 61, former restaurant cook; plans to attend more council meetings than her opponent has.

Fairfield Town Council

One of the three seats up for election this fall features a contested race.

Position 3: Incumbent Mary Branon, 38, is facing a challenge from 33-year-old Kami Michelle Thieren, a postal carrier drawn to Fairfield by its small-town charm.

Liberty Lake mayor

In a growing city of upscale neighborhoods and swelling business districts filled with good-paying, light-manufacturing jobs, Liberty Lake voters are facing their first contested mayoral race. The job pays $700 per month.

Incumbent Steve Peterson promises to continue building on the city’s success as a progressive community with equal portions of leisure, business and home life, as well as add a 10th hole to the city’s nine-hole golf course. Challenger Wendy Van Orman, a city councilwoman, wants to establish an arboretum and put greater focus on development of the community’s historical role as a gathering place for the Spokane region.

“Peterson, 57, pharmaceutical sales representative; describes himself as a “centrist Republican fiscal conservative.”

“Van Orman, 47, office manager; considers connected neighborhoods, walking paths and open spaces as important as low taxes and jobs.

Medical Lake City Council

In the only Spokane County city to impose a building moratorium, growth and municipal water supplies are driving the political agenda. Just one of the three council seats up for election this year features a contested race. The positions pay $200 per month.

Position 6: Incumbent Sam Julagay promises to help find solutions to the inadequate water supplies available to the city. Challenger John Paikuli also wants to help tackle the water issue but is critical of a low-income housing proposal in town.

“Julagay, 73, military retiree and psychiatric social worker at Lakeland Village; 12 years on the council.

“Paikuli, 37, insurance agency owner; involved in youth sports.

Rockford mayor

A contested mayoral race in this town of 500 has candidates and others talking about growth and the future. The winner will serve out the remaining two years of a term left vacant by the resignation of former Mayor Ed Baune. The position pays $75 per council meeting.

Incumbent Gary Wagner, a former Rockford mayor appointed to the position earlier, wants to improve the town’s water system and recruit more businesses. Challenger Howard Brutschy promises to prepare the small town for future growth.

“Wagner, 57, service manager for St. John Hardware and Implement; served previously as mayor from 2000 to 2002 and served 10 years on the Town Council.

“Brutschy, 51, owner of Sotally Tober wedding music service; former public works director, served four years on the Town Council and currently serves on the planning commission.

Spokane School Board

Dwindling money and enrollment in Eastern Washington’s largest school district is shaping much of the debate in contested races among a diverse field of candidates seeking three seats on the District 81 board. Board terms are six years. Members are paid $50 per meeting.

Position 1: Incumbent Susan Chapin promises to push for more state money to help curb cuts to popular school programs. Challenger Kitara McClure wants to crack down on school bullies and gangs.

“Chapin, 51, registered nurse; Ferris High School graduate, appointed to a vacant board seat in 2005.

“McClure, 29, special projects consultant at SCC; founded a youth advocacy group, filed civil rights complaint against Davenport School District in 2005.

Position 2: Two newcomers are facing off. Bob Douthitt promises to push state lawmakers to spend more on education. David Keller’s top goal is less defined but supporters say he’s committed to teachers.

“Douthitt, 57, lawyer and hair salon owner; served on Spokane Schools Foundation, a group created to help raise money for schools.

“Keller, 71, retired Air Force officer; comes from a family of educators.

Position 3: Incumbent Christie Querna promises she’ll help find a good superintendent for the district, while challenger Norbert Leute wants to improve special education.

“Querna, 62, former high school teacher; served on the school board 12 years.

“Leute, 52, retired Air Force and substitute teacher; although he’s a special education advocate, he’s barred from substituting in Spokane Public Schools special education classes.

Central Valley School Board

One of the three seats open this fall features a contested race. Positions pay $50 per meeting, up to $4,800 annually.

District 4: Incumbent Lynn Trantow wants to make sure the district remains a recognized leader in providing quality education. Challenger Keith Clark promises greater accountability and wants to restructure the busing system as well as restore traditional math instruction.

“Trantow, 53, office manager; has volunteered in schools since 1991.

“Clark, 49, veterinarian; served on the district’s facilities committee.

Cheney School Board

Incumbent John C. “Charlie” Weber and challenger Larry Haskell both want to keep educational standards high.

“Weber, 55, electrical contracting project manager; has served 10 years on school board, including four as board president.

“Haskell, 53, Spokane County deputy prosecutor; serves as Airway Heights City Council member.

Deer Park School Board

How best to contend with the community’s strong growth is shaping much of the debate in the race for the District 1 seat on the Deer Park School Board. Two other seats are being sought by candidates facing no opposition. The positions pay $50 per meeting.

District 1: Incumbent David Franklin promises to stay focused on keeping up with the demands of a growing student population. Challenger Joseph Nadeau promises to include parents in regular evaluations of educational policy, budgetary and personnel issues.

“Franklin, 64, accountant; also has served on the Deer Park City Council.

“Nadeau, 46, physician’s assistant; serves on regional faculty for American Heart Association.

East Valley School Board

In a district struggling with budget shortfalls and searching for a new superintendent, just one of the two seats up for election this fall is contested. Positions pay $50 per meeting, up to $4,800 annually.

District 2: Incumbent Michael King wants greater budget efficiency and continued recruitment of skilled teachers. Challenger Mike Harris promises to find a strong leader to serve as superintendent and to bring a fresh approach to finding solutions for the district’s financial woes.

“King, 57, library clerk; served six years in the Navy and 14 years in the Washington Air National Guard.

“Harris, 42, medical device manufacturer; active in the Trentwood Elementary PTO and other volunteer organizations.

Freeman School Board

Finding enough money to keep schools open and popular programs running are key issues driving much of the election season debate over Freeman’s educational future. Positions are unpaid.

District 1: Vicki Krogseth Sellers promises to make Freeman schools a hub for community activities and to encourage service projects among students. Bill Adams wants to build greater community support for an upcoming proposed bond measure and to ensure a healthy learning environment for students.

“Sellers, 47, masonry business co-owner; longtime PTSA member and helped draft the school district’s strategic goals.

“Adams, 56, photographer; served on the Freeman School Board for eight years prior to 2003.

District 3: Incumbent Sue Cronk promises to push for more state money or fewer mandates from Olympia, and to provide a safe environment for students and staff. Challenger Randy Primmer promises to be involved in day-to-day activities in the schools.

“Cronk, 51, farmer; longtime community volunteer and member of state and national school leadership organizations.

“Primmer, 47, office manager at U.S. Department of Agriculture; has volunteered as either chairman of co-chairman of the past four proposed Freeman construction bond issues.

District 5: Incumbent Kathleen Lundy wants to remodel and upgrade school facilities. Challenger Brent Fetsch is mounting a write-in campaign and promises to push for improved school facilities as well. As a write-in candidate, Fetsch’s name won’t appear on the ballot.

“Lundy, 52, medical secretary; also serves as a volunteer EMT with Fire District 8.

“Fetsch, 43, senior vice president at Northwest Farm Credit Services; his wife, Candy, teaches leadership at the middle school.

Nine Mile Falls School Board

The search for a new superintendent and questions over school bonds are driving the debate over two contested seats on the board. Running unopposed for the Position 2 seat is Debbie Williams. Board members can earn $50 per meeting.

Position 1: Cori Reeves promises to be objective about issues confronted by the board. Scott Chaney promises to improve curriculum and crack down on bullying.

“Reeves, 48, notary; takes classes at SFCC.

“Chaney, 51, software engineer; dislikes the school block schedule.

Position 3: Kyle Yancey wants to influence the direction of the district before he has kids who would be educated in it. Pete Joplin promises to help find the best new superintendent possible regardless of whether he wins the race.

“Yancey, 25, real estate agent; first ran for the school board when he was 19 and lost by just 11 votes.

“Joplin, 47, retired U.S. Army major; now manages the drug-testing program at Fairchild AFB as a civilian employee.

Orchard Prairie School Board

Debate over how this tiny school district north of Spokane should approach the 21st century has grown testy. All three board seats up for election this fall are contested.

Position 3: Incumbent Dan Cutler wants to compare how other school districts operate as part of figuring out what works best in Orchard Prairie. Challenger Ron Ilg promises to let his dedication to children be his guide.

“Cutler, 56, software engineer; says personal agendas have no place on school boards.

“Ilg, 41, pediatrician and neonatal specialist; says board members should be advocates for children.

Position 4: Incumbent Tina Sowl promises to improve communication between the board, teachers and parents. Challenger Lorna St. John promises to oppose any move to consolidate or merge the district into any larger neighboring districts.

“Sowl, 41, pharmaceutical sales representative; appointed to current board position to fill a vacancy.

“St. John, 61, owns photography studio; advocates preserving the district, which has battled consolidation efforts for years.

Position 5: Incumbent Carol Ann Hollar wants students to graduate proficient in a second language. Challenger Erik Highberg wants greater emphasis on school security, academic rigor, athletics and music programs.

“Hollar, 67, Whitworth University instructor; has served seven years on the board.

“Highberg, 41, attorney; also serves as a volunteer firefighter.

Riverside School Board

Declining enrollments and budget concerns are shaping the campaign in this district north of Spokane, where three seats are up for election. Incumbent Scott M. Robinson is running unopposed for his District 4 seat. The positions pay $50 per meeting.

District 2: Incumbent Larry Moskwik wants to continue helping the new district superintendent grow into the job, as well as continue to build on successes such as expanding advanced academics and vocational education. Challenger Jim Fairbanks wants full-day kindergarten, and greater commitment to reading and to building athletics.

“Moskwik, 60, employed by Jensen Distribution; former Scoutmaster and longtime community volunteer.

“Fairbanks, 40; active in youth sports.

District 3: Incumbent John E. Paul promises to push for establishing greater priorities to help cope with tight budgets. Challenger John Zentz promises to spend as much time as necessary to learn about the district and notes as a retiree he’s got the time available.

“Paul, 44, airline pilot; wife serves as high school cheerleading adviser.

“Zentz, 60, retired engineer; figured he would run for school board or find someplace to volunteer.

Fire District 3

Two candidates are vying for the remaining four years of a six-year term in the Position 3 seat of the commission overseeing Spokane County’s largest fire protection district. A second seat is up for election this fall but candidate Sharon J. Colby is running unopposed. The positions pay $90 per monthly meeting.

Position 3: Incumbent Howard Marsh Jr. promises to keep the district operating smoothly. Challenger Raymond Pendell, a longtime volunteer firefighter, promises a cost-effective approach to running the district.

“Marsh, 60, rancher; longtime volunteer with Cheney School District.

“Pendell, 53, contractor; has 35 years of firefighting and disaster relief experience.

Fire District 5

After an unsuccessful attempt last year to recall two fire commissioners in this small rural district, this fall’s election season features two hotly contested races. The positions pay $50 per monthly meeting.

Position 1: Incumbent Greg Lucht promises to continue improving training and equipment. Challenger Todd Lehman also is promising improvements as well as a commitment to greater openness and accountability.

“Lucht, 47, farmer; father and grandfather previously served as fire commissioners.

“Lehman, 38, works for Spokane County Road Department; former chief with 18 years of experience in the district.

Position 3: Incumbent Sheri Rhoads promises greater teamwork among fire commissioners, the department and the northwestern Spokane County community it serves. Challenger Marvin Davis promises to give residents greater access to the information they need to comment on and understand district issues. The winner will serve the remaining four years of a term that Rhoads was appointed to fill temporarily last year.

“Rhoads, 63, retired; has worked with several volunteer programs, including SCOPE.

“Davis, 49, construction; previously served as district fire commissioner from 1993 to 1999.

Fire District 10

Two candidates, each with considerable experience, are seeking an open seat on commission overseeing the fire protection district surrounding the Medical Lake area. The position pays $70 per monthly meeting.

Position 1: Former Medical Lake Mayor Jim Hill promises to bring greater long-range and strategic planning to the district. Longtime volunteer firefighter Jerry McCoury promises to streamline operations, replace aging vehicles and expand training and recruiting.

“Hill, 54, WSP trooper; served two terms as Medical Lake mayor.

“McCoury, 52, truck driver; has 35 years of firefighting experience at four different agencies.