2017 A voter’s guide to Okanogan & Ferry counties
A supplement to The Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle • Oct. 18, 2017
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Election 2017, The Chronicle, Omak, Wash.
Election 2017, The Chronicle, Omak, Wash.
Contested races in
Contested races in
FERRY COUNTY
OKANOGAN COUNTY Page 4
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State Senator District 7 1 Year Unexpired Term Shelly Short (Prefers Republican Party) Karen Hardy (Prefers Democratic Party) State Representative District 7, Position 1 1 Year Unexpired Term Jacquelin Maycumber (Prefers Republican Party) Susan Swanson (Prefers Democratic Party)
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Jon K. Culp Page 7
City of Tonasket, Mayor 4 Year Term Patrick D. Plumb Dennis G. Brown
P.O. Box 553 • 618 Okoma Drive, Omak, WA 98841 509-826-1110 • 800-572-3446 fax 509-826-5819 www.omakchronicle.com
Grand Coulee Dam School District No. 301-304J, Director 1 4 Year Term Tammy James-Pino
Grand Coulee Dam School District No. 301-304J, Director 5 4 Year Term Kelly N. Steffens
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Richard Black Methow Valley School District No. 350, Director District 4 At Large 4 Year Term Gary L. Marchbank
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Paul D. Budrow
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Tonasket School District No. 404, Director District 1 4 Year Term Sharron M. Cox Kent Clark
Fred Netzel
City of Okanogan, Mayor 4 Year Term Chuck Williams
Teresa Myers, editor and publisher Teresa Myers, advertising manager Chris Thew, managing editor
Carla B. Marconi
Larry Price
Bruce Bartoo
Owned and operated by Eagle Newspapers Inc.
David Rinehart
Town of Coulee Dam, Mayor 4 Year Term Gayle Swagerty
Marcia Warnecke
©2017 The Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle
Lake Chelan School District No. 129J, District 3 4 Year Term Ken Brunner
Andrew Denham
Town of Coulee Dam, Council Pos. 3 4 Year Term Timothy Brooks
Jim Burnside
Election 2017 Voter’s Guide
Clark Cooper
Town of Conconully, Council Pos. 1 4 Year Term Christene Scott
Town of Coulee Dam, Council Pos. 1 4 Year Term David Schmidt
Okanogan School District No. 105, Director District 2 4 Year Term Rae Jean Kelley
Brewster School District No. 111-203J, Director District 3 4 Year Term Maria A. Maldonado
City of Brewster, Council Pos. 2 4 Year Term - Vote For One Ramiro Villagrana Emmanuel Hurtado
Jaina Bledsoe
Town of Winthrop, Council Pos. 1 4 Year Term Kirsten Vanderhalf
Jane A. Cline
Hospital District No. 4, Commissioner District 4 At Large 6 Year Term Helen Casey
Matthew (Matt) Alexander
Town of Republic, Councilperson #5 4 Year Short and Full Term
Anne Acheson
Jean Pfeifer
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Marty Rugo
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Wade Culp
Hospital District No. 4, Commissioner District 2 6 Year Term Clarice Nelson
Hospital District No. 4, Commissioner District 5 At Large 2 Year Unexpired Term Adam Tibbs
Town of Republic, Councilperson #4 4 Year Term
Bob DeHart
Jerry Bradley
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Town of Winthrop, Mayor 4 Year Short and Full Term Sally Ranzau
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Tonasket School District No. 404, Director District 2 2 Year Unexpired Term Jeff Yeckel Clint Duchow Tonasket School District No. 404, Director District 4 4 Year Term Ernesto Cerrillo Allen Godwin
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Alpine Veterinary Clinic 741 Riverside Drive, Omak • 509-826-5882
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Election 2017, The Chronicle, Omak, Wash.
State Senator - 7th District built bi-partisan relationships and brought people together in ways that have allowed me to be effective for you and solve problems without compromising your values and principles. Carrying that knowledge and experience forward to the Senate increases your voice.
Shelly Short Republican
Why are you the best choice? First and foremost, I am connected to the people and the customs and culture of the 7th District which has been my family’s home for 26 years. I have not been afraid to fight to protect your values and way of life. I can be the toughest of adversaries when I need to, yet I recognize the value of working with my democratic colleagues, carefully listening, addressing potential concerns and coming to solutions together. Over the past 9 years as your State Representative, and now as your State Senator, I have brought new jobs to the 7th district and have fought tirelessly to preserve your freedom from unnecessary regulations and over-zealous agencies who have far too much authority. I have successfully lead bi-partisan efforts to revise the Growth Management Act and protect affordable housing by ensuring the viability of small group water systems, to name a few. I have gained a tremendous understanding of the legislative process,
What is the biggest challenge facing your district? The Supreme Court’s Hirst decision. It has all but put a halt to new home construction unless a property owner is able to afford the additional tens of thousands of dollars to hire a hydrogeologist to support what you hope is the approval of your water for household consumption. Hirst is causing the devaluation of existing undeveloped property, will cause increased taxes to neighboring properties and exacerbates local housing shortages and affordability. If this decision is left to stand, it will reduce local government’s ability to fund important services and local schools’ ability to provide an education for our students.
What is the biggest challenge facing the state? Over-riding the Supreme Court’s Hirst decision. If left in place, this decision allows tribes and environmental organizations to ultimately control local
See Short Page 11
Karen Hardy Democrat
Why are you the best choice? Continuing to do the same thing while expecting a different result has been called the definition of insanity. In the 7th we’ve been electing people from the same small group for over two decades and getting the same results. We’ve declined economically to such a devastating point that it causes despair for residents who find themselves without a job. There are no jobs for our children once they finish high school, businesses that once filled our main streets have long since left the area and the few that remain are struggling. It’s time for a change. It’s time to stop the decline by not electing the same people and expecting a different result. I know change is difficult and the first step is the hardest-because that’s the step that takes you away from what you know. But we can’t wait any longer; I can’t wait any longer. I have a solid platform and a plan to kick start our economy, I have a proven track record of working cooperatively to achieve difficult goals and I am not beholden to any special interest groups unlike my opponent. She has run unopposed for the last time.
Finally, you have a choice.
What is the biggest challenge facing your district? Our economy hasn’t fully recovered from the recession of 2007. We haven’t created an environment that encourages new business growth and are without any significant industry. The biggest contributor to our economy is the healthcare industry, which depends heavily on the Medicaid expansion allowed through the affordable care act, which the U.S. congress’s has attempted to repeal. If they are successful our district will lose all our rural hospitals and suffer a catastrophic economic collapse on top of a humanitarian crisis. And to add insult to injury, my opponent held hostage the $15mil in capital spending slated for our district.
What is the biggest challenge facing the state? Career politicians and corporate money have left the people of Washington without a voice. Our willingness to put aside our ideological differences and work together for the greater good has become the exception instead of the rule. This lack of cooperation is causing serious issues from the school board to the White House. We have proven that there is no issue too big or challenge too difficult for us to resolve when we work together, but lately we have also proven there is no issue too small or challenge to simple that we will refuse to resolve.
State Representative - 7th District, Position 1 Jacquelin Maycumber Republican
Why are you the best choice? I am humbled and honored to serve the 7th District as Representative. I grew up in the district. I am a biochemist, former law enforcement officer, elected school board member and part of the 7th District Legislative Team. I successfully passed Legislation to assist the district in local wildfire control and the transfer of DNR surplus fire fighting equipment. I co-sponsored Legislation regarding the Hirst tax shift and wrote multiple budget amendments to assist those directly affected by Hirst and local governments by PILT (payment in Lieu of taxes). In addition, I have been tirelessly working on economic development. I wrote HB 2195, to bring the environmental standards placed on manufactures to the state when building capital projects. We
need to remove the overburdening taxes and restrictions and let our innovations and communities thrive. A true public servant, must have a servant’s heart. However, I must confess, I also carry a Warriors Spirit. I love the 7th District and am willing to fight to protect it. We earn every dollar, every wrinkle, every scar. I see the strength of the District, the people, the independence and power of our Unity. I ask for your vote.
What is the biggest challenge facing your district? Economic development is restricted by Olympia legislation and regulations, including taxes, Growth management and Hirst. These westside politics hinder our ability to create and flourish to our true potential. Without Liberty and Freedom we are restricted from creating as God intended. We need to remove the overburdening taxes and restrictions and let our innovations and communities thrive. I am tired of watching businesses close and exporting our greatest commodity, our children. I want to watch my grandkids grow up in the district and have the ability to give back to the community and provide for themselves.
See Maycumber Page 11
Susan Swanson Democrat
Why are you the best choice? I am the best choice for representing the 7th Legislative District (LD) as I have the ability to listen to everyone regardless of political preference and work with ALL legislators in Olympia to find solutions that will work, for Eastern Washington. Further, I am not a one-issue candidate. Rural economies cannot grow without the leadership of government. Leaving that initiative to individual investors in our communities has resulted in little development. Driving across our district I see main-streets of empty businesses and homeless individuals on the streets and that needs to change. We simply cannot rely on the building of retirement homes to completely rescue our rural economies.
I see the need to effectively encourage private sector job creation across the 7th LD, so we can develop opportunities for individuals to gain and use marketable job skills. Currently, employers across the district are telling me they can’t find reliable labor, yet when they do, there is no housing available for them. Our current legislative team has completely ignored these realities for nearly 30 years, leaving the 7th Legislative District to languish and stagnate economically. It‘s time for a change in leadership for the 7th LD because we are long overdue.
What is the biggest challenge facing your district? The biggest challenge in our district is combating nearly 30 years of zero economic growth. Too few communities have looked at ways to recreate themselves so as to thrive during this century. We can strengthen our rural communities by having the capacity to raise and educate our children in an economic market that offers career opportunities at home rather than drawing them away to urban areas. We can accomplish this by creating innovative training programs that develop a skilled labor force; increasing access to mental health services; and amply funding public
See Swanson Page 11
Election 2017, The Chronicle, Omak, Wash.
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Hospital District No. 4, Commissioner District 2 Clarice Nelson Why are you the best choice? We are currently experiencing more change now than I have seen in my fourteen years as a NVHD commissioner. We are facing complicated transformations including Accountable Communities of Health, where the focus is on Whole Person Care, and
Value-based payment method versus Volume-based payment method, which rewards quality and cost effectiveness not volume. As commissioners will be called on to strategize and make decisions on these issues. Spending many more hours outside the regular Board Meeting each month, I attend committee meetings, travel to conferences, view webinars and teleconferences, study educational materials and research for board meetings. This allows me to stay informed in order to make those difficult decisions to insure the provisions of “...quality patient care and education that enhances the health and well-being of our communities” (NVHD Mission Statement)
What is the biggest challenge facing your district? “The best way to deal with the future is to create it.” Abe Lincoln Health care is experiencing a major transition. Therefore, I see our biggest challenge facing NVHD is not to be reactive, but to be proactive. Being proactive is staying informed of state and local health care programs, changes in payment methods, becoming a preferred employer, and most importantly continually maintaining quality health care and meeting our communities needs. All of these challenges are heightened when considering that 60% of our NVHD patients are medicaid dependent. We must retain our financial viability.
Jerry Bradley
Candidate did not submit information
Hospital District No. 4, Commissioner District 4 At Large Helen Casey
common goal. A quote that truly says it all. “A trustee's job today is filled with many challenges, making it incredibility daunting — and incredibility fulfilling.”
Jean Pfeifer
make decisions accordingly. I promise that I will do my best, using my background, accessibility, and strong backbone to represent your interests.
Why are you the best choice?
What is the biggest challenge facing your district?
Why are you the best choice?
What is the biggest challenge facing your district?
I will be the best choice to continue as your commissioner. I strongly believe in our Mission Statement, Vision, and Values. The role of our board is to assume responsibility for our Health Care Community, with oversight in six key areas: financial oversight, setting strategic direction/mission oversight, boards selfassessment and development, management oversight, and advocacy. We are determined to provide quality of care close to home. Having been through the challenges of change It takes a team working for ONE goal. With ONE employee the CEO and listening to the community in which we serve ALL for one
Providing quality care to the community in which we serve, close to home.. 1.4 million saved in bond interest with A rating Sept 17 Success in financial stability and out of warrants! Still a financial fine line, Being the employer of choice. The list is long. Things that keep us up at night... Still a 1952 building.. with aging infrastructure. Geo-Thermal 2013 what choices do we make today. Surgery Suite... 1952. Extended Care — Changes in payments. Exciting things.. new tub — new windows — new roof — new van -- Wonderful staff! State and Federal Mandates... Many unfunded. Technology — systems — mandates.
As a retired Registered Nurse who worked in a hospital setting my entire career, I am well versed in all aspects of hospital based healthcare. This community needs a strong hospital district run by leaders and staff who are passionate about community healthcare. I am committed to helping make this happen by listening to all stakeholders and then working to improve the delivery of quality care. I believe in transparency from the entire hospital district Board and CEO. The Board is accountable to the public it serves and residents deserve to know what steps are being taken to improve hospital viability and patient care. We need to improve dialogue at public meetings and
The biggest challenge facing the district is ensuring that our local hospital is a strong, trusted, and viable presence in the community. Our hospital district is vitally important to the wellbeing of our community and serves as the focal point of a well-functioning health care delivery system. A viable hospital district is realized by having smart, dedicated people work together to achieve a common goal. They must be willing to be flexible and learn to adapt to an ever changing healthcare environment. Funds need to be spent wisely and the hospital administration and board need to use all resources at their disposal to achieve the best outcome. Trust, accountability, and transparency are essential to a beneficial and sustainable outcome.
Hospital District No. 4, Commissioner District 5 At Large Adam Tibbs
Candidate did not submit information
Matthew Alexander Why are you the best choice? I am running for Hospital Commissioner because the hospital is vital to our community, as it provides needed medical care and jobs to the North Valley. For the past few years I have watched the
hospital lose the assisted living, the family clinic and the Veterans clinic. I fought against a $2 million heating system because it does not heat the entire hospital and watched as the current board approved the project. After that I knew I could no longer stand idly by and decided to run for Commissioner. I promise to follow the bylaws of the board and the regulations set forth by the Department of Health. I will vote with integrity and look at all sides before making my decision on what is best for the hospital. I will work hard to bring transparency, and trustworthiness back to the board. Please vote for me, Matt Alexander.
What is the biggest challenge facing your district? I believe the biggest challenge for the North Valley Hospital Board is getting back the trust of the communities we serve. I want to make the board more transparent and open. I hope to be able to live stream all the board meetings so the people in this community know exactly where we stand even if they can not make it to town. I promise to work with integrity to help the hospital be the best it can be and to keep the community apprised of what is going on at all times.
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Election 2017, The Chronicle, Omak, Wash.
Town of Conconully • Council position 1 Christine Scott Why are you the best choice? I have a lot of experience in local government that I want to share with Conconully. My husband and I made Conconully
our home after years of spending weekends and summers here with family. Prior to moving to Conconully, I lived in Poulsbo for 32 years where I served on the Poulsbo City Council for 4 terms and then elected to the Kitsap County Commission. I served the citizens of Kitsap County for over 10 years. I enjoy working with members of a team to produce positive
outcomes. I am a firm believer of using common sense in government decisions.
What is the biggest challenge facing your town?
Andrew Denham
Projecting the town’s needs ahead of time so we can prioritize issues. Working with state and federal agencies for maintenance and protection of the town’s infrastructure.
Candidate did not submit information
City of Okanogan • Mayor Chuck Williams Why are you the best choice? I have owned and operated, with my wife Carol, Big Valley Realty in Okanogan for 37 years. With a lifetime of selling business opportunities, it has given me the experience necessary to encourage new business to locate in Okanogan which is necessary to maintain our schools and city services. As a past Mayor of Okanogan I was known for getting things done. Then and now I will be a working Mayor. Folks are not prone to attend Council meetings with problems and as a result they go unreported. I will again establish an advisory committee so problems that otherwise may not be reported can be dealt
with quickly. I would work to see Okanogan again have a healthy business community where sales taxes and property taxes support our Schools and City Services. Okanogan has a choice,.. maintain the status quo or change.
Jon Culp
What is the biggest challenge facing your town?
Why am I the best choice for our community? I am the best choice for the community because I have dedicated the last 3 plus years as mayor to making improvements in our town. We have acquired hundreds of thousands in grant dollars to infrastructure projects like the 5th Avenue safety road rebuild project and next year’s 2nd Avenue sidewalk project and the Pine Street resurfacing project. I also spent countless hours rewriting the Dog ordinance and the Fire Department ordinance, modernizing both. I’m involved and invested in making our community a place our children will want to come back to. A place where business and community
A healthy business community Look at the Food Depot, we lost $11,000, Valley Care $1,700 a year in property taxes for City services and Schools. The appearance is that Okanogan is dying. Since I was last Mayor we have lost 57 business. However, in that same time period at least 30 business have exchanged hands or opened up. Encouraging, but not enough! We‘ve had inquires to locate businesses in Okanogan but they did not, we need to know why? If there are problems, I want the people of Okanogan to share their ideas, so they can be explored and solved.
Why are you the best choice?
Don’t forget...
thrive.
What is the biggest challenge facing your town? The biggest challenge facing our town is trying to attract new entrepreneurs to start new business in town. We have a beautiful downtown. It is the perfect place to shop, walk, and play but prospective business owners tell us they need to be near the big box stores and shoppers to our north. We need to come together as a community to show support to our local small town, main street businesses.
Drop off or postmark your ballots by November 7th
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Election 2017, The Chronicle, Omak, Wash.
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City of Tonasket • Mayor Patrick Plumb
Incumbent announced earlier this year that he would resign after accepting a job in the Tacoma area. Plumb is living outside the area, but has yet to resign. If Plumb wins, the Tonasket city council would likely select the next mayor.
What is the biggest challenge facing your town?
Dennis Brown
To create new business and expansion for the south end of Tonasket. The loss of the businesses in Tonasket is hurting us. We need to create jobs for our children and our childrens’ children to be able to live in Tonasket. Our industrial jobs are going away. The last warehouse to keep packing fruit quit this year. They’re just going to ship things out and there will be less jobs because of that.
Why are you the best choice? I’ve been on the council 6 years. I’m retired and I am available to the people of Tonasket. I’ve lived in the city of Tonasket for 45 years.
Town of Winthrop • Mayor Sally Ranzau
small mountain communities, being a previous elected official, and addressing tourism issues my entire life has given me a unique logical perspective on governing.
Why are you the best choice?
What is the biggest challenge facing your town?
Experienced by owning Winthrop businesses (retail and hospitality) and working with people. This has given me a wide view of what makes a town work and how problems can be solved. I have lived in Winthrop, WA for 20 years. I love this town, the trails and the active lifestyle. Living in
Communication between town committees, businesses and the community. Law enforcement and maintaining a visible Marshals department. Public works staffing and equipment replacement. Upgrading infrastructure to accommodate growth. Encourage affordable and low income fulltime housing rentals, so we don’t lose our working class, this has happened in many mountain tourist communities.
water pipes need to be deeper, to stop freezing in the winter. This does hurt winter income for the town.
Bob DeHart
What is the biggest challenge facing your town? Why are you the best choice? Why am I the best choice for Mayor of Winthrop? Because there has not been a full time Mayor in Winthrop for decades. I am willing to work eight for eight The infer structure of Winthrop has been neglected for years. The roads are bad. The
The biggest problems I see is raising the money's for the repairs to the town. I hope to get more of the actively we use to have. Car clubs motorcycle clubs. And off site meeting of big companies. That come here to work and play.
Town of Winthrop • Council Position 1 Kirsten Vanderhalf Why are you the best choice? Winthrop Citizens deserve someone who is dedicated to their town even through difficult and challenging times, able to clearly and openly communicate on all aspects of town governance and projects, and someone who is willing to work towards the betterment of the town and all it's contributing
groups: citizens, businesses, and tourists alike. I am all of these. We have faced many challenges this year with high council turnover and very frustrated community members. The best way to move forward is to elect me; someone with new ideas and a fresh desire to help the town move forward.
Anne Acheson
What is the biggest challenge facing your town? Winthrop needs consistency in all facets. Council members need to be dedicated to remain on council and be willing to work with frustrated citizens and businesses with open and honest communication. Town hall and all town employees need clear processes for citizens and businesses for obtaining permits, approvals, and town assistance.
BALLOT DROP BOXES
Candidate did not submit information
OKANOGAN COUNTY FERRY COUNTY •Tonasket City Hall •Parking Lot at 180 Pateros Mall •Republic City Hall 209 S. Whitcomb Ave. •Okanogan County Auditor’s Office •Omak Police Station 149 N Fourth Ave, Okanogan 8 N. Ash St.
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Election 2017, The Chronicle, Omak, Wash.
Okanogan School District No. 105, Director Dist. 2 review facts, and make very difficult decisions. I can do this! I am very passionate about Okanogan High School, of which I am a 1980 graduate, and will do my best to ensure that our children are safe and receive the best education possible.
Rae Jean
Kelley Why are you the best choice? My education, work experience, and previous service of 10 years as an Okanogan School Board Director make me the most qualified and best choice for Okanogan School Director Position #2. I have an AA Degree as a Legal Secretary and an AA Degree as a Paralegal and have been working in law offices since 1980. Currently, I am a Paralegal/Office Manager/Bookkeeper for the Law Offices of Douglas G. Webber. I am professional and have a great understanding of business and finance. There are times in which a Director must gather information and
What is the biggest challenge facing your district? The greatest challenge facing our Okanogan School District is ensuring that the students are receiving the best education possible with the funds available to our District. This means students and staff having access to up-to-date technology and our providing a curriculum to build a solid educational foundation for the students. Not all students will move forward to college; therefore, we must provide basic skills necessary to be successful in the trades and occupations of agriculture, business, construction, welding, plumbing and electricians.
Board Directors. I took the course and received two scholarships to cover the tuition. The classes met 5 weekends over a year in different areas of the state. I have spent time learning to be a good school board director. Being a good board director, you must put in the time it takes to learn how school districts function.
Jane Cline Why are you the best choice? I have served on the Okanogan School Board for 20 years. I have gained tremendous experience at how school districts function. I served on committees when we are interviewing prospective employees. When we had Senior Projects I was a judge. I have attended the Washington State School Director Association (WSSDA) state meetings. I served on the WSSDA State Resolutions Committee for 6 years. I have been our board’s WSSDA Legislative Committee Representative. I have attended Education Service District (ESD) meetings. WSSDA provides a Leadership course for
What is the biggest challenge facing your district? The important challenge for the district is to find a new superintendent. Dr. Johnson is retiring June 30, 2018. We are looking for a person who understands small schools, community needs, school finances and school law. We still have to look at our field and track facilities. The football field and track are used as a classroom every day. The PE classes are outside when weather permits Technology needs updated on a yearly basis. We also need to make sure the faculty has updated teaching materials.
Grand Coulee Dam School District No. 301-304J, Director 1 Carla B. Marconi
Tammy JamesPino
What is the biggest challenge facing your district?
Why are you the best choice?
Candidate did not submit information
My name is Carla Marconi and I am seeking reelection to the Grand Coulee School District Board of Directors. I believe we have made great strides and progress in the nine years I have served on the Board, and that we need to continue to work toward our goals and our vision for the school and community. It has been an honor to serve you, the community, in this capacity. I am a life-long community member who attended and graduated from Lake Roosevelt High School. My children also graduated from Lake Roosevelt. My grandchildren are now students in this school district. My roots are here; my passion and heart are here. I am deeply invested in my community. I believe in the value of education and I am dedicated to serving "all" children in the school district.
I believe the biggest challenge facing our school district is overcrowding, we need more classroom space and we lack financial resources to accomplish this. Classroom is the very important factors of effective learning, it is the heart of any educational system. Overcrowded classrooms can have negative effects on students and teachers. Invasion of personal space and feelings of being crowded both contribute to the lack of focus. Overcrowding also means students don't get the attention they need from teachers. They don't learn as much, some may withdraw or become disruptive and some may even drop out. Impacts of overcrowding need greater attention.
Grand Coulee Dam School District No. 301-304J, Director 5 Kelly N. Steffens
effect the future of my children and all the other children that attend LR Elementary and Jr/Sr High. Those I know that work there can help be my eyes and ears to what’s going well and what needs change.
Why are you the best choice?
What is the biggest challenge facing your district?
I have young children that attend the elementary school and I know several people that work and teach within the district. I have a vested interest in what happens within the district and how that will
Our school district, like many, has several challenges. Funding is always a big one, but is not my main focus at this time. Our district is currently being over taken by violence and lack of discipline. If elected, that will be the first topic I will address.
Richard Black Candidate did not submit information
Election 2017, The Chronicle, Omak, Wash.
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Tonasket School District No. 404, Director District 1 Sharron M. Cox
What is the biggest challenge facing your district?
Why are you the best choice? I believe my experience as a classroom teacher for 38 years has given me insight to become a school board member. I am a team player, familiar with my community, its economy and history of this area. My desire to help students succeed is top priority with awareness of unique and basic avenues for progress and success. I understand budgeting and how to use resources wisely.
Facilities at present are top priority! The bonds have not been approved recently and that is a concern. Also, we need to attract and be able to keep great/competent teachers. Quality and contact time equal greater success for students. Testing has been overdone, taking away too much teaching time. Communication with community to keep them fully informed and what would they like to see in our schools is necessary. The culture of our district is diverse therefore the students’ education needs are diverse. Not all students’ needs are the same. Tonasket has been a preferred school, referenced by the number of students whose families chose to have their children attend. I want to maintain that status.
Kent Clark
viewpoints of the community to make the best decisions for our students' education.
What is the biggest challenge facing your district? Why are you the best choice? My wife and I have four children attending school in Tonasket, so I have a vested interest in the district offering the best K-12 education they can with the resources available. I have a desire to see the Tonasket School District continue to build a program that educates our children in the community to be productive citizens of this area and the world. I plan to take an active role on the board and listen to all
The biggest challenge facing all school districts in Washington is to have stable and sufficient funding. We are still awaiting final fallout from the recent state budget and what it means both short term and long term for school funding. Once those cards are dealt, the district then has to play them in a way that provides the biggest bang for our buck. We are not a financially rich district, and we need to make sure that we are spending taxpayer funds in a responsible way that benefits our students directly and indirectly.
Tonasket School District No. 404 • Director District 2 Jeff Yeckel Why are you the best choice? Following what is ethically and morally sound will put all opinions to the test. In a way, we become witnesses for the next generation, we are beneficiaries of the past people’s faithfulness, and we “pay it forward” as examples to the next generation.
Everyone is an example. The question is, an example of what? Give it some thought to who is watching you and what they are seeing.
Clint Duchow
What is the biggest challenge facing your school district?
Why are you the best choice?
Our school district’s challenges are many. Our community needs the school district to be truthful, factual, and address the many diversified needs of all the community members. Keeping up with and following the changing state and federal laws and recommendations requires our district to be diligent in its thought process, in matching requirements with the desires and needs of our community.
My diversity of experience is one of my strongest assets. My wife and I are both 4th generation from Tonasket, although serving in the Air Force took us to southern Idaho, eastern North Dakota, and Baltimore, Maryland. My sister in law is currently an elementary school Principal and my brother works in education technology and security. I have worked for small independent companies
and billion-dollar companies. I taught welding for several years and for the last 11 have worked in education technology myself. I have coached at some level for the last 8 years here in Tonasket and have served on multiple advisory boards and hiring committees. Through all of that I have gained a wide array of experiences that I rely on in my decision-making process. That diversity, coupled with my desire to see the best for my community, make me the best choice for this position.
What is the biggest challenge facing your school district? I believe balance is the biggest challenge for
See Duchow Page 11
Town of Republic • Councilperson No. 5 Jaina Bledsoe Why are you the best choice? Simple, I don't think of this campaign like that. I may be a different opinion, a different idea, or a different perspective but that doesn't warrant the description of "best". One of those differences is that I do not seek to turn the seriousness of the issues facing Republic into a dramatic side show as some political candidates choose to in their campaigns elsewhere. My opponent was not challenged based on his character or his 12
years of service to this community. He was challenged because I believe Republic desperately needs more. More opinions, ideas, and perspectives. I don't believe in politics as a sprint towards a goal. It's more of a relay race, where you pass the baton at intervals. I entered the race after submitting a very pointed LTE in our local paper encouraging others to step up and offer to get involved and invested in their community. It seemed only fitting to put my name where my mouth is.
What is the biggest challenge facing your school district? Our economy. Everything ties to our economy. Jobs, healthcare, infrastructure, public safety, education, tourism and
See Bledsoe Page 11
Jim Burnside Why are you the best choice? My name is Jim Burnside. I have been a resident of the City of Republic my entire life. What makes me the best choice for candidate for City Council position #5 is that I served as a council member for several years, I then ran and was elected Mayor of the City and held that position for 4 years. Upon the end of my term I took a few months off and then was re-appointed to the council. I feel I am the best candidate due to my knowledge of City
government and my many years of experience as a council member and Mayor. I care how things are managed and want to continue to work on current projects that are pending within the city, for example: Repairing City streets, Continue to work on grant funding for repairing the City’s storm water systems, as well as building new infrastructure projects like sidewalks. I have good knowledge of the City’s budget and how it functions, so I would help in streamlining the budget to find match money for the projects. Therefore, I ask for your vote this November.
What is the biggest challenge facing your school district? The biggest challenge is balancing the
See Burnside Page 11
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Election 2017, The Chronicle, Omak, Wash.
Uncontested races in Okanogan and Ferry counties OKANOGAN COUNTY Hospital District 1 Commissioner Pos. 1 At Large Vicki Orford Hospital District 1 Commissioner Pos. 5 At Large Tracy Shrable Hospital District 3 Commissioner District 3 Ellen Delaney Hospital District 3 Commissioner District 4 At Large Brent G. Yusi Hospital District Commissioner No. 3 Jerry Kennedy
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Hospital District Commissioner No. 4 Geary Oliver
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City of Omak Council Pos. 3 Nattalie Cariker City of Omak Council Pos. 4 David A. Womack City of Oroville Mayor Jon Robert Neal City of Oroville Council Pos. 1 Ed Naillon City of Oroville Council Pos. 2 Anthony Calvin Koepke City of Oroville Council Pos. 5 Robert Fuchs
District 3 P. Jolene Marchand Nespelem School 14 Director District 4 Mitzi L. Adolph Nespelem School 14 Director District 5 At Large Nancy J. Armstrong-Montes Omak School 19 Director District 1 At Large Dennis D Carlton Curlew School 50J School Director No. 1 Will Beedle
Hospital City of Pateros Mayor Carlene R. Anders Hospital
City of Brewster Mayor Arthur (Art) Smyth City of Brewster Council Pos. 1 Jan May City of Brewster Council Pos. 3 John Marcus Housden Town of Conconully Mayor Sam Martin Town of Conconully Council Pos. 2 Cheryl A. Russell Town of Conconully Council Pos. 3 Geno Zinani Town of Coulee Dam Council Pos.
City of Pateros Council Pos. 1 Christine Perry City of Pateros Council Pos. 4 Michael L. Harding Town of Riverside Council Pos. 1 Margie Mefford Town of Riverside Council Pos. 2 Bill Bond Town of Riverside Council Pos. 3 Joshua Crofoot City of Tonasket Council Pos. 1 Christa (Teagan) Levine City of Tonasket Council Pos. 3 Jill Ritter Town of Twisp Council Pos. 2 Aaron Studen
2 Bob Poch Town of Elmer City Mayor Gail Morin Town of Elmer City Council Pos. 1 Joaquin Marchand Town of Elmer City Council Pos. 3 Clara Carson City of Okanogan Council Pos. 2 Angelee Brown-Nanamkin City of Okanogan Council Pos. 3 Cory D. Costello City of Okanogan Council Pos. 6 Denise Varner City of Omak Mayor Cindy Gagne City of Omak Council Pos. 1 Michael Foth City of Omak Council Pos. 2 Michelle Gaines
Curlew School 50J School Director No. 2 Daniale Harbick Curlew School 50J School Director No. 3 Brad L Miller Curlew School 50J School Director No. 5 Daniel (Mac) McElheran Orient School District 65 School Director No. 1 Gabe Kerr Orient School District 65 School Director No. 4 Justin Eslick Inchelium School District 70 School Director No. 5 Richard Whitney Bridgeport School 75J Director No. 2 At Large Maggie Ochoa
Town of Twisp Council Pos. 3 Alan Caswell
Bridgeport School 75J Director No.
Kettle Falls School District 212 Director District No. 3 Matt Langrehr
Pos. 1 Mike Morris Fire District 4 Commissioner Pos. 1
Kettle Falls School District 212 Director At-Large #5 Jerry Antoine
Dan McCarthy Fire District 6 Commissioner Pos. 3
Grand Coulee Dam School 301304J School Director No. 02 Kenneth W. Stanger
Jerry Palm Fire District 7 Commissioner Pos. 1
Grand Coulee Dam School 301304J School Director At Large No. 3 George LaPlace
Walter Mefford Fire District 7 Commissioner Pos. 3
Republic School 309 School Director No. 1 Ralph C. Ellingson
David Allen Stansbury Fire District 8 Commissioner Pos. 3 Bradley M. Derting
Republic School 309 School Director No. 2 Neal Martin
Fire District 11 Commissioner Pos. 1 Steve A. Leslie
Republic School 309 School Director No. 5 Travis Fletcher
2
Methow Valley School 350 Director District 2 Dana Stromberger
3
Oroville School 410 Director District 2 Kolo B. Moser
2
Oroville School 410 Director District 3 Travis Loudon
Ferry-Okanogan Fire District 14 Fire Commissioner No. 3 Bob Lattin
Oroville School 410 Director District 4 At Large Mike Egerton
Douglas-Okanogan Fire District 15 Commissioner Pos. 1 Ivan (Ike) Vallance
Tonasket Parks and Rec District Commissioner Pos. 1 Rick Massey
Douglas-Okanogan Fire District 15 Commissioner Pos. 5 F. Eric Zahn
Tonasket Parks and Rec District Commissioner Pos. 4 Stacey Kester
3
Tonasket Parks and Rec District Commissioner Pos. 5 David Stangland
Lake Osoyoos Water District Commissioner Pos. 2 Lee Chapman
Cemetery District 1 Commissioner Pos. 3 Leanna Melton
FERRY COUNTY
Fire District 11 Commissioner Pos. Bill Myers Fire District 11 Commissioner Pos. Ken Davidson Fire District 12 Commissioner Pos. Tom Stevens
5 Town of Winthrop Council Pos. 2 Joseph O'Driscoll Town of Winthrop Council Pos. 3 Ben Nelson Town of Winthrop Council Pos. 4 William Kilby Town of Winthrop Council Pos. 5 Bill McAdow Keller School District 3 School Director No. 1 Brandy Katich Keller School District 3 School Director No. 2 Katherine Walden Nespelem School 14 Director District 1 Anna M. Vargas Nespelem School 14 Director
Tracy Zahn Okanogan School 105 Director District 3 Monte Andrews Brewster School 111-203J Director District 5 At Large Mario Camacho Pateros School 122-70J Director District 3 Parker Barth Pateros School 122-70J Director District 4 At Large Grace Larsen Lake Chelan School 129J School Board Member Director District No. 1 Lynda Foster Kettle Falls School District 212 Director District No. 2 Tyler Starr Edwards
Cemetery District 2 Commissioner Pos. 2 Leone C. Edson Cemetery District 3 Commissioner Pos. 1 Jacob Cales Cemetery District 3 Commissioner Pos. 2 Adam Fritz Cemetery District 4 Commissioner
Fire District 16 Commissioner Pos. Denise Nikulla-Binnie
Town of Republic Councilperson #1 Loni Simone Town of Republic Councilperson #3 Rachel D. Siracuse Curlew Water-Sewer District No. 1 Water Commissioner No. 2 Dennis C. Wuerth Curlew Water-Sewer District No. 1 Water Commissioner No. 3 Michael Stanton
Election 2017, The Chronicle, Omak, Wash.
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Advisory votes Advisory Votes Advisory Vote No. 16 Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1597
Advisory Votes Advisory Vote No. 17 Advisory Votes Advisory Vote No. 18 Engrossed House Bill 2163 Engrossed House Bill 2242
The legislature increased, without a vote of the people, the food fish excise tax rate on certain salmon and game fish, costing less than $1,000,000 in the first ten years, for government spending
The legislature expanded, without a vote of the people, the business and occupation tax and narrowed certain retail sales and use tax exemptions, costing $565,000,000 in the first ten years, for government spending.
This tax increase should be: Repealed or Maintained
This tax increase should be: Repealed or Maintained
Propositions and bonds Special Election – Proposition No. 1 Okanogan County sales tax for juvenile detention facilities and jails The Board of County Commissioners of Okanogan County adopted Resolution No. 70-2017 concerning a proposition for the juvenile detention facilities and jails sales and use tax. The proposition would impose a one-tenth of one percent sales and use tax, the proceeds to be used solely for the purpose of operating, maintaining, repairing, equipping, re-equipping, and financing of juvenile detention facilities and jails commencing January 1, 2018. Should this proposition be approved?
Burnside From Page 9 budget. Working with the engineers to resolve our storm water Infiltration problems. With the straining economy conditions, the loss of Kinross Mine, and the loss of many jobs, there will be a tremendous economic effect on the City businesses. To help counter that I want to help increase tourism, and support any local events during our summer and winter seasons that bring people from out of town to help support those City Businesses and local economy.
City of Brewster Proposition No 1 Sales and Use Tax Levy within the City of Brewster for Criminal Justice Purposes ••••• Republic School 309 Bonds to Construct and Remodel School Facilities Proposition 1 ••••• Inchelium School District 70 Replacement Maintenance and Operation Levy Proposition 1
Bledsoe From Page 9 recreation... it's all interdependent. While I believe my time in the military has prepared me for holding an elected position, it's my time as a business owner that prepared me for it's economic challenges. Not only for my success at either, but also for the difficulties I faced and learned from. Nothing motivates success more than a challenge. Our economy is challenged, and I'd like to help towards fixing that.
The legislature imposed, without a vote of the people, an additional state property tax for common schools, costing $12,949,000,000 in the first ten years, for government spending. This tax increase should be: Repealed or Maintained
Duchow From Page 9
Maycumber From Page 4
the Tonasket School District. Whether it is walking the line of pushing cutting edge technology and teaching methodology with honoring tradition, focusing on academics while recognizing the need for diverse extracurricular activities, or recognizing and embracing the vast cultural identities throughout the students, staff, and administrators, the District has an opportunity to be a leader on many fronts. That opportunity, however, must be recognized, understood, and embraced. If that balance is not maintained, the District as a whole and all individuals within it will miss the opportunity for growth and learning.
What is the biggest challenge facing the state?
Swanson From Page 4 education and the opportunities it provides for our children.
What is the biggest challenge facing the state? We have the “Red” and “Blue” sides of our state; however, it’s OUR “purple mountains majesty” that separates us. To
Hirst is the biggest issue in the state. Not just for the devastation of economic growth, affordable housing, $346 million in property tax shift, lost McCleary education funding, $37 Billion in lost property values, but for the $6.9 billion in lost economic activity yearly in mostly rural areas. Hirst equates to a multigenerational desegregation of rural Washington. It does not address water, or municipalities would not be drawing from the same water sheds unregulated. We are being Litigated out of our Liberties. move past the polarization of political posturing, we need to find the middle ground to work toward reasonable solutions. We cannot afford for divisional politics to become our new norm. We need to end gridlock to address the needs of our beloved Eastern Washington with cooperation. One of the most effective ways to accomplish this is to elect me, who will stand up to Western Washington Democrats in explaining why some initiatives won’t work for our rural lifestyles and values.
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Short From Page 4 growth and private property development in rural communities across the state. Urban cities, however, have no restrictions on the amount of water it consumes or its development. The state has a duty to fix this gross inequity. Further, it will cause billions of dollars in damage to the state and loss of critical jobs in our rural communities according to a new study, thereby limiting the state in funding education, healthcare, caring for the needy and future capital projects.
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Election 2017, The Chronicle, Omak, Wash.