Wendle champions public safety

Our police and fire departments are dependent on good policy and the city budget to operate effectively. Currently Spokane is in a crisis with the amount of open drug use, panhandling, and vandalism in downtown Spokane.

In Spokane, the city council sets the tone for how the law is enforced and the public is protected. We need leaders that put public safety as a top priority. Effective leadership and common sense are vital for the prosperity of any community.

There needs to be a compassionate approach, without neglecting the element of personal responsibility, to help restore dignity to those in our community struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, or to reach out and give a hand up to help break the cycle of poverty.

I love Spokane — the parks, the river, and the incredible restaurants and businesses we are blessed to have — which is why I am concerned with the direction our city is heading. As a homeowner, community member and parent of two small children, it is important to me that the future of this beautiful city is in good hands. I believe Cindy Wendle is the woman for the job as our next city council president. She understands the need to focus on public safety, and has the heart, the guts, and the skills to lead the charge.

I urge residents to vote for Cindy Wendle on or before Nov. 5.

Rachel Schad

Spokane