No racism in Spokane Valley?

On Oct. 3 the students at East Valley High School hosted a debate forum to introduce the residents in Spokane Valley to our current candidates running for City Council. One very important question from my perspective was about racism in the Valley. The answers were interesting.

Arne Woodard suggested that he’s seen “no evidence” of racism in the over 60 years he’s lived in the Valley. And Michelle Rasmussen stated that our city government should focus on “financial and public safety issues” only and “not social issues.”

Spokane Valley may have a smaller percentage of “others” than some communities. Intentionally or unintentionally, Valley voters seem to support Matt Shea’s intention to create a Christian white-only state, in several ways: 1) by actively re-electing him or 2) by automatically voting along party lines or 3) assuming that as an incumbent he’s working on our behalf.

Our current City Council has refused to declare a “proclamation” that renounces Shea’s pro-white agenda. Arne Woodard may not “see” anti-black racism but he also doesn’t discourage it.

We the voters need to do our due diligence to elect city council members who consider the best interest of all Spokane Valley citizens.

Arne Woodard and Brandi Peetz are incumbent (9 and 3 years respectively). Check out their records online and also find out what the newbies (Michelle Rasmussen, Lance Gurel, Tim Hattenberg and Bo Tucker) stand for. Your vote counts! Make it an informed vote.

Judy Armes

Spokane Valley