2024 October Splash

DOCKSIDE

Valiant

Falcon – Rasmussen shines as teacher, coach, mom

By Craig Howard

Splash Contributing Editor

Alyssa Rasmussen is a Bulldog among Falcons at Ridgeline High School.

The California native played fastpitch softball on scholarship at the University of Georgia, home of the Bulldogs. In her life as a teacher, coach and mom of three, Rasmussen is known as a bulldog advocate for the well-being of kids.

Rasmussen was part of the original staff that opened Ridgeline in the fall of 2020, the year marked by the onset of the COVID-19 crisis. She came over from Central Valley High School where she was a P.E. instructor and helped with the cheer and fastpitch softball teams.

At Ridgeline, Rasmussen has established herself as an innovative teacher, the dynamic head coach of a competitive fastpitch program and a catalyst for events that continue to cement the culture of Spokane County’s newest high school.

“Alyssa doesn’t know anything less than 110 percent,” said Kara Twining, a counselor at Ridgeline. “She is always looking for ways to do more and make everything better. Her energy is limitless and contagious.”

Rasmussen grew up in Mission Viejo, California, a commuter city in Orange County, 50 miles southeast of Los Angeles. She was one of four kids in her family, the second oldest. When she was in fifth grade, her parents divorced.

Softball became a positive outlet for Rasmussen with her dad helping out as a coach of her youth teams. By her junior year of high school, she was drawing recruiting interest from schools like Arizona, Florida, Hawaii and Villanova. She played club softball on an elite team that included Jennie Finch, generally acknowledged as the best fastpitch pitcher of all time who would go

on to win a national title at Arizona and a gold medal for Team USA.

“I knew I could better my situation by getting a scholarship in softball,” Rasmussen said.

She would eventually sign on with an emerging softball program in the Southeast Conference, the University of Georgia. When she arrived on the campus in Athens, the team was only in its fourth year.

“College was a big change, Georgia was a culture change,” Rasmussen recalls.

Rasmussen adapted to life as a Bulldog, serving as team captain for two seasons and contributing to the program’s first appearance in the NCAA tournament her junior year. In the classroom, she began as an Exercise Science major but switched to Business/Marketing. She earned her degree in 2002.

“I was a good student but school never came easy for me,” she said. “I had to work hard.”

Rasmussen’s first job out of college was in marketing with the California Angels, one of three Major League Baseball teams in Southern California.

After a brief stint with the Angels, Rasmussen accepted a job in event marketing at the exclusive Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach. She spent three years there but began to feel she had a different calling.

“As a kid I wanted to be a teacher and coach but I got sidetracked,” she said.

Rasmussen started attending night classes to earn her teaching credential. In 2005, she completed a degree in Education from Concordia University. She would later earn her master’s from the same school. In 2006, Rasmussen met her future husband Chase who had ties to the Inland Northwest as a graduate of Central Valley High School and Washington State University. A third generation native of Liberty Lake, Chase had ventured south to work for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He now works as the athletic director at Selkirk Middle School in Liberty Lake.

Rasmussen’s first job in education was at Huntington Beach Elementary School as a thirdgrade teacher. By June 2010, she had married Chase and the two relocated to the Inland Northwest. She latched on with Evergreen Middle School in a part-time role before moving to Trent Elementary. She would spend the next eight years in the East Valley School District with stops at East Farms and Otis Orchards Elementary.

By September 2018, Rasmussen had made the transition back to the Central Valley School District, signing on to teach and coach at Central Valley High School.

Being a mom to three sons –Cade, Luke and Tripp – is central to Rasmussen’s life. Tripp faced a series of health challenges when he was younger but is now a healthy, happy and energetic 7 year old.

Photo by Craig Howard

Alyssa Rasmussen is a teacher and fastpitch softball head coach at Ridgeline High School. The California native is a mom of three and contributes to community causes like Light Up Liberty Lake. At Ridgeline, Rasmussen introduced a yoga/mindfulness class that helps students develop constructive ways

stress.

RASMUSSEN

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When he was an infant, Tripp was brought back to life by his mom who used CPR as the paramedics were on their way.

“I just did what I had to do to bring him back,” Rasmussen said.

The experience translated into Rasmussen working with the Spokane Valley Fire Department to provide CPR training in schools. There have been at least two instances of students reviving relatives thanks to the program.

In the fall of 2020, Rasmussen joined the inaugural staff at Ridgeline. She has been a pillar there ever since, teaching P.E. coordinating events, coaching softball and introducing a yoga/ mindfulness class that focuses on helping students manage stress through self-care.

Rasmussen is also active with causes like Light Up Liberty Lake, a campaign to generate nutrition and personal hygiene resources for less fortunate students through funds donated by the community. The project, under the banner of Liberty Lake Better Together, will roll out this holiday season.

“We want to create safe spots for food and hygiene throughout the year,” she said

Q: It sounds like the Fourth of July in Liberty Lake made quite an impression on you during your first visit to this area with Chase years ago. What was it about that celebration that made it seem like Liberty Lake might make a good place to live and raise a family?

A: There is something very special about summer in Liberty Lake but especially around the Fourth of July time. My husband knew what he was doing when he invited me to Liberty Lake for the first time for that special week. The community is something very special. The friendly people, the beautiful scenery and the intentionality of family is what changed my heart posture and helped me to visualize raising a family here.

Q: That said, are there things you miss about your native California?

A: The biggest thing I miss

is the weather. After 14 years in Washington, I am no longer excited for the winter months and/or for the snowfall. I thrive in the sun and love a good day at the beach.

Q: You grew up participating in sports and excelling in fastpitch softball. While your competitive playing days may be over, are their lessons derived from your experience as an athlete that have carried over into your adult life?

A: Absolutely. Everyday. Softball did so much to help me become the person I am today. Hard work, consistency, leadership and the never-quit mentality. I preach to our athletes that my main job is to help create good humans through the avenue of softball/ sport and I believe in that to the fullest. A sport can only take you so far, but the opportunity to grow and learn in life using the lessons learned from sport will be with you for the rest of your life.

Q: It seems like school was never a walk in the park for you. How do you think your journey as a student has impacted the teacher you are today?

A: School was something I always had to work harder at than those around me. I truly believe that it helps me build empathy for my own children and students and their struggles. It also gives me a platform to share that with hard work and a “stick to it” attitude you can accomplish anything. We all struggle in life in one way or another, but as I teach my student – we can do hard things.

Q: You were part of the original crew of educators that helped open Ridgeline High School in the fall of 2020. Why did you decide to make the transition from an established school like Central Valley to a new campus?

A: The Rasmussens exude all things Central Valley High School, from grandpa/principal, fatherin-law/graduate and teacher and husband/graduate, so when the opportunity presented itself, it was a hard decision to make! The staff at CV are very special humans to me that will forever hold a place in my heart. I wanted to continue my family legacy there, but the opportunity to be a part of something new and help to grow the high school that my own kids

would attend was an opportunity I had dreamt about when deciding to become a teacher.

Q: You are recognized as someone adept at coordinating a variety of popular events at Ridgeline. What are some of the keys to organizing and sustaining a successful event in your opinion?

A: A fabulous group of people that go above and beyond to make Ridgeline High School an extra special place to work and play. It is a team effort. I could not do any of this on my own. Everyone that works at Ridgeline really believes in the mission statement of Belong, Inspire and Grow and it shows.

Q: Speaking of events. You are part of a team promoting the Light Up Liberty Lake campaign that will be part of the holiday season this year. What can you tell us about this grassroots effort?

A: The holidays are such a special time and our community is so amazing at supporting when there is a need. I am always so blown away by how amazing this community is to love those around them. Therefore, when I saw a need arise within our local schools for food and hygiene products, I knew that I wanted to help. I teamed up with an amazing group of humans that are selfless and willing. We are raising funds to not just take care of our students at the holiday time, but throughout the year. With the increasing price of food and hygiene, those in need need our help. By donating to the Light Up Liberty Lake fundraiser, you will be helping students in need all year long and as our thank you and reminder of all the blessings we will be lighting up the streets of Liberty Lake!

Q: What do you like best about being a wife and mom?

A: I am so blessed to be a wife to a phenomenal husband, Chase, who invests fully and intentionally in raising responsible, respectful, loving young men. I am the mama of three fabulous boys, Cade, 12, Luke, 11, Tripp, 7. They inspire me daily to be better, serve others and love well. I think any mom would agree, this gig is hard but worth it! Watching my boys grow, love God and serve others is the best thing I have ever been a part of.

Q: As you’ve taught yoga and

mindfulness at RHS, what are some of the benefits you’ve seen for those who can calm that inner dialogue and manage everyday stress?

A: Getting the opportunity to teach yoga in high school is such a blessing. Yoga at Ridgeline is not just teaching students to care for their physical health, but equally the necessity of caring for their mental health. The rigors of education mixed with the pull of various extracurricular activities is real for our students. Looking at statistics where teens today are more stressed than their parents, it’s imperative for students to have the skills to not only deal with adversity, but to thrive in this world. As a lifelong activity, yoga is a terrific foundation that provides this outlet for all students.

Q: It seems like you face a lot of demands in your professional and personal life. How do you practice self-care and find a healthy, sustainable balance?

A: As much as I wish I could say I’m an expert at this, I am not! I overextend myself. I take on too much. I struggle with stress and anxiety. However, that is exactly why, I too, need self-care, daily. Life is hard for us all. We are all going through something but the simple reminder that we have the power over ourselves to change and be positive is what makes us successful.

Q: Finally, a new school year has just kicked off. What are you looking forward to most about being part of Falcon Nation as a teacher, coach, event organizer and more?

A: The staff, students, and opportunities offered at Ridgeline High School make this a very special place to work, attend and play! I look forward to helping make this place better every year and being a piece of the puzzle in helping students feel like they belong, that they are inspired daily and grow exponentially in all aspects of who they are. This year is extra special as this will be the first graduating class of seniors that have been with us since the opening of RHS. Big shoutout to all the 2025 graduates and a big thank you for helping us to grow this school and creating a legacy that will last a lifetime.

Introducing the Safety Awareness Channel

Police Report - August 2024

Splash news sources

2024-88006405, DV, 08/21/2024:

Total incidents generated by Officers and emergency calls for service last month 1163

Traffic Collisions/Hit & Runs / Injury Collisions 9

Citations (Traffic/Criminal/NonCriminal) 81

DUI (Driving Under Influence) 3

Thefts / Vehicle Prowls / Vehicle Theft / Burglaries 26

Malicious Mischief 4

Argument / Assault DV / Simple Assault / Assault w/a Weapon 6

Parking Violations 10

Suspicious Vehicles 36

Officers responded to the 21000 block of E Country Vista Avenue for two male subjects screaming and yelling at each other. During the argument, one of the subjects pushed the other subject to the ground. The male subject who pushed the other male left prior to the officers arriving. Officers completed a warrant for the arrest of the male for Domestic Violence after they were unable to locate him that night.

male was contacted by the officers, and they learned he had a warrant for his arrest. The male was transported to the Spokane County Jail for his warrants and trespassed from the property.

2024-88006510, Recovered Stolen/ Theft, 8/26/2024:

2024-88006411, Disorderly Conduct, 8/21/2024:

Officers responded to the 22000 block of E Appleway Avenue for a report of a disorderly male. The officers learned the male had been yelling and screaming in the parking lot and was creating a hazard for traffic. An adult

also recovered. The male was originally booked for his warrants at the Spokane County Jail and was further charged with the theft of the items along with identity theft.

Officers received a FLOCK hit on a possible stolen vehicle in the 1300 block of Liberty Lake Road. Officers responded to the area and located the vehicle and an adult male driver. Officers learned the male had a warrant for his arrest and located several items of mail that didn’t appear to belong to him. The vehicle was seized, and a warrant was retrieved to search the contents of the vehicle. The warrant was completed on the vehicle and several stolen items along with various pieces of mail and identification were

Officers have responded to numerous complaints of reckless drivers throughout the Liberty Lake Community during the month of August. There were three separate DUI arrests along with multiple citations issued for various infractions by officers while on proactive patrol. Officers are continuing to make proactive contacts with the violators to keep the community safe. The Liberty Lake Police Department would like to remind everyone to drive safely and report any reckless driving so we can remain focused on any areas of concern. Stay safe and take care of each other.

The Lookout

October

Meet the city’s new Public Works director

After serving as a public works officer in the Navy, Ben Turner has now docked into Liberty Lake as the city’s first Public Works director.

Turner joined the city’s staff on Aug. 12 in a newly created position in which he oversees the city’s roadside, facilities and streets operations. Activities involving trail cleanup, mowing of city roads and roundabouts, striping and repairs to city streets, oversight of storm drainage systems and maintenance and landscaping at the city’s library and other government buildings. He oversees a Public Works staff of 14 people, more than half of whom have – like him – been with the city for less than 18 months.

The city’s public works operations were previously part of a larger department overseen by Operations and Maintenance Director Jen Camp. With the ongoing growth in services and staff, city leaders in 2023 decided to split off Public Works into its own separate department, effective this year. Those activities are now headquartered out of Liberty Lake’s new Public Works Building that opened last fall at 375 N. Kramer Parkway.

The new Public Works director grew up in The Dalles, Oregon, and obtained his bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University

City seeking applicants for board and commission openings

The city of Liberty Lake currently has openings on three of its citizen groups: The Library Board of Trustees, Parks and Arts Commission and Community Engagement Commission.

The Library Board of Trustees is responsible for helping determine and oversee the mission, policies and general management of the

of Oregon. Inspired by a mentor who had been in the Navy as well as having his own interest to serve the country after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Turner decided to enlist in the military.

His initial assignments with the Navy were in construction management, and eventually he

migrated into the public works area. Turner’s stops throughout his Navy life included Norfolk, Virginia; Guam; Port Hueneme, California; San Diego and Washington, D.C. Just before coming to Liberty Lake, he had been a public works officer from 2021 to 2024 at Naval Air Weapons Station in China Lake, California.

“I know how the Navy does public works,” said Turner, who

city’s municipal library. The Parks and Arts Commission is an advisory group that reviews and makes recommendations on the city’s recreation programs, park use and public artwork. The Community Engagement Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the mayor and City Council on methods and resources to actively and sustainably engage residents on city projects, initiatives and community input.

Further information about these groups – as well as the application form for city advisory board and commissions – can be found under the “Your Government” main menu tab on the city’s home page at www.libertylakewa.gov.

Public invited to Oct. 21 kickoff meeting on Comprehensive Plan

Area residents can learn what’s in store with the development of the city’s roadmap for 2026-2046 during kickoff meeting about Liberty Lake’s Comprehensive Plan that will be held Monday, Oct. 21. The session at the Rotary Room of the Trailhead Golf Course clubhouse will start at 7 p.m. and is expected to last at least an hour.

retired from his military service as a commander. “There’s a lot of overlap. Jen Camp has taught me a lot of the more city-related systems here.”

Interested in returning north to be closer to his family and his wife’s family, Turner felt Liberty Lake would be a great place to work. The opening with the city was the first for which he interviewed when he started his post-Navy career pursuits. He had never been to the Spokane area before and appreciated the change to green surroundings after his most recent years in the Mojave Desert.

Turner says he’s also interested in being part of the work of a growing city. His similarly growing list of strategic planning activities includes a docket of one major road replacement throughout each of the next four years. After some work this October on Appleway Avenue involving a new turn lane to Country Vista, design will start this fall on next year’s $1.4 million overlay project on East Mission Avenue. Projects involving East Sprague Avenue and East Country Vista Avenue are coming in the years ahead.

“The new position gives you a little bit of freedom,” said the Navy veteran. “There’s a little bit of uncharted water. It gives you an opportunity to help mold the organization.”

During the Oct. 21 gathering, members of the city’s Planning, Engineering and Building Services team will explain the purpose of the Comprehensive Plan and offer some context with a look back at the city’s previous Comprehensive Plan. Attendees will also hear some initial details about the public engagement efforts that will be used to help guide the creation of the new plan.

The interactive meeting will include opportunities for attendees to ask questions and offer their ideas about the 2026-2046 Comprehensive Plan.

Detailed survey gathers citizen feedback, helps shape policy

By Craig Howard Splash Contributing Editor

Most of us are familiar with the customer feedback surveys that have become a trademark of modern-day commerce. From restaurants to hotels to oil change shops, businesses want to know how they are doing. Fill out a quick form and you may even get a discount code for a free sandwich.

What happens though, when the city you live in asks you to comment on how it is contributing to your overall quality of life?

Liberty Lake City Administrator Mark McAvoy has a thought or two.

“A survey like this is a common process that a lot of municipalities use to get input from their residents,” McAvoy said. “It tells us how we’re doing.”

The 2024 Community Satisfaction Survey went out to 660 households at the beginning of the year. A total of 175 were returned. For the last comprehensive assessment of this kind conducted by the city, you have to go back to 2005, Liberty Lake’s fourth year of incorporation when a bevy of surveys blanketed 2,100 households.

“I was encouraged by the response we did get,” McAvoy said of the latest effort. “This was the first one that had gone out in a while.”

Residents who received the survey were given preliminary notice, followed by the mailer itself with a return envelope. Several reminders were also part of the process. The sixpage inquiry featured 32 questions. The survey closed June 30.

McAvoy said questions in the survey were “based largely on getting feedback to validate the success of the Strategic Plan,” a municipal road map that McAvoy characterized as “a high-level, five-year horizon, priority-based document.” The city’s annual budget is meant to align with key points of the Strategic Plan.

Even if residents who filled out the survey have never heard of the

Strategic Plan, McAvoy said the feedback “tells us how well we’re focusing on those priorities and how we can do better.”

Along with the efforts of McAvoy and Communications Specialist David Goehner, the city’s Community Engagement Commission pitched in on the project, forming a sub-committee that helped with the methodology of getting the survey out.

“They did really good work,” McAvoy said.

The first question on the survey dealt with overall satisfaction with quality of life in Liberty Lake. Nearly 90 percent (89.6) of respondents said they were either satisfied or extremely satisfied with the quality of life in their community.

In response to the one thing that has the greatest positive impact on quality of life, 35.7 percent referred to safety. Another 9.7 said trails. Parks (9.2), sense of community (8.2) and cleanliness (7.1) rounded out the top five.

“What we found was that people are mostly concerned with safety, cleanliness and amenities,” McAvoy said.

When asked to name the one thing that had the most negative impact on quality of life, 10 percent of respondents said traffic, followed by local politics at 9.4 percent.

Nearly 90 percent indicated they would be likely or extremely likely to continue living in Liberty Lake over the next three years while almost 80 percent said they would be likely or extremely likely to recommend the community to someone who does

not reside here.

Close to 60 percent of those surveyed said they would be likely or extremely likely to participate in a community event sometime in the next year although that rate dropped to less than 20 percent when asked if they expected to attend a City Council meeting in the next 12 months.

Property crime and traffic safety topped the list of community safety concerns although law enforcement and fire/EMS earned high marks with nearly 80 percent of respondents saying they were satisfied or extremely satisfied with the level of services.

When asked about their individual economic opportunities in Liberty Lake, less than 40 percent indicated they were satisfied or extremely satisfied. The majority (close to 50 percent) rang in at neutral.

A clear winner emerged in the question about the one thing that has the greatest positive impact on economic opportunities in Liberty Lake with 23.5 percent pointing to proximity to jobs with 9.9 saying proximity to Idaho.

Property tax (27.9 percent), cost of living (18.3) and inflation (11.5) checked in as the top negative influences on economic opportunities.

Property taxes, inflation and infrastructure needed to support growth led the way in general concerns, followed by the cost of housing and the local economy.

Local governance emerged with nearly 46.3 percent of respondents saying they were at least somewhat

confident in the ability of Liberty Lake city government, as an organization, to act in the best interest of the people of Liberty Lake with 23.1 percent saying they were confident and 10.1 percent extremely confident.

Community events, parks maintenance, library services and trails maintenance earned the highest marks from respondents asked about quality of core city services.

Cost of the survey rang in at $3,300 – a bargain considering surveys conducted by a professional consulting firm at one of McAvoy’s previous career stops, Ft. Worth, Texas. The survey had become a staple in that city every year for 20 years and developed a better response rate over that period, McAvoy said.

“We talked about that kind of option in Liberty Lake but it was too expensive,” McAvoy said.

McAvoy first discussed the idea of the survey with Mayor Cris Kaminskas before it was brought before City Council.

“I don’t recall any naysayers on council,” McAvoy said.

Kaminskas acknowledged that those who completed the survey “needed some dedicated time to fill it out.”

“Then there’s the question of whether the people who filled it out are the happy ones or unhappy ones,” the mayor added. “It is a representative sample?”

Kaminskas suggested the idea of temporary kiosks at local events or in front of stores to gather more feedback.

The plan is to have the survey be an annual occurrence with the next version tentatively scheduled to go out in January 2025.

“I would support having it each year if we can figure out how to get more engagement on it,” Kaminskas said. “I think this one provided some valuable starting information.”

The city is offering another opportunity for citizens to contribute input, this time through an online forum that deals with priorities in the 2025 city budget. McAvoy said certain topics from the Community Satisfaction Survey helped formed questions for the budget discussion in areas like public safety and street maintenance.

“We want people to tell us what they expect to see,” McAvoy said.

Photo by Craig Howard Maintenance of municipal parks and trails earned high marks in a Community Satisfaction Survey conducted by the city of Liberty Lake earlier this year. Feedback from the questionnaire will assist city leaders in locking in priorities for the Strategic Plan and 2025 budget.

in this holiday guide aimed at area consumers and businesses — and as a bonus we’ll include your idea as part of our story featuring can’t-miss local gift ideas. Restaurants are encouraged to advertise and contribute a tantalizing menu item for our article on dining out.

A total of 50,000 copies of this guide will be included in the December issues of The Current, The Splash and The Stream. That’s right-be part of all three publications for one price!

On November 25 and 26, the guides will be distributed throughout the greater Valley and West Plains areas via The Splash, The Current and The Stream. The December issues are strategically scheduled to land before Thanksgiving, just in time to remind residents about supporting local businesses on Small Business Saturday (Nov. 30) and throughout the holiday season. A holiday guide for the Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Millwood, Otis Orchards, Newman Lake, Airway Heights, Medical Lake, and West Plains areas Display ad with submitted menu item or gift idea: Display ad (submitted

or

Special Election Guide 2024

Dear Readers:

With the upcoming election heating up and the sea of political signs filling our streets, we at The Splash wanted to take the opportunity to provide you with some information about the candidates seeking your vote this election cycle. It had become a tradition to bring you this election guide that showcases as many candidates as we can get to respond.

In order to give you more insight into who these people are we reached out to all of the contenders appearing on your ballot and asked them to please provide a 300-word response to

the following questions (which we would publish at no cost).

1. What best qualifies you for this position?

2. What is the most important issue that needs addressed?

Again this year we added some fun questions to also get to know more about the candidates personality!

1. What is your favorite restaurant?

2. What is your favorite book?

3. What is your favorite quote?

While not everyone chose to respond to our request, a good number have and we

hope that you find their unedited responses helpful for your voting consideration. For those who live south of Liberty Lake City Limits who are now in the 9th Washington State Legislative District, we did reach out to all of the candidates for those positions and most declined. We would encourage you to reach out to your state elected officials and let them know you would like to hear from them (and feel free to mention your favorite news source, the Liberty Lake Splash as one they might want engage with). Senator Mark Schoesler, mschoesler@

Representative Mary Dye gmail.com;electmarydye@ and Representative Joe Schmick people4schmick@ gmail.com

For those who haven’t registered to vote or accidently lose your ballot, you can register all the way upto election day and/ or get a replacement ballot in person by going to CenterPlace Regional Event Center in Spokane Valley.

Thanks for reading The Splash, we hope you enjoy it!

The

Splash

Vote by November 5th

Where is your favorite restaurant?

Dave Reichert - Sorrento’s Ristorante in Chelan

Dan Matthews - Rusty Moose (Spokane)

Michael Baumgartner - Anywhere with my wife

Carmela Conroy - familyowned

Sharon Hanek - local Thai Restaurant in Bonney Lake

Dr. Pam Kohlmeier-Taste of India in Spokane

Jaime Herrera Beutler - I like home cooking

Dave Upthegrove - Pho Vina Vietnamese Restaurant in Burien

Chris Reykdal - The Brick (Tumwater, WA)

Leonard Christian - Texas Roadhouse

Miguel Valencia - Tacos El Cabron

Matt Hawkins- Arbys

Ted Cummings - loves trying new places

Suzanne Schmidt - Ambrosia Bistro

Kristopher Pockell - Market Street Pizza

Marla Polin - Fiesta Mexicana

Brandon Casey - Hogan’s Café/Diner

Tim Fennessy - Salty’s

Andrew Van Winkle - Trailbreaker Cider

Washington governor

Dave Reichert -R Candidate

What best qualifies you for this position?

For nearly 40 years our state has been lost in a wilderness of one-party rule. What has that gotten us? The highest violent crime rate in our history, friends and family dying from fentanyl, record homelessness, and the worst maintained roads, highways, and ferries in America.

From the United States Air Force to the King County Sheriff’s Office, I witnessed examples of selfless sacrifice,

individuals who put others before themselves. That experience taught me what it means to have a servant’s heart, honored by an opportunity to help, and driven to show the courage and humility it takes to get things done. As King County Sheriff, I arrested violent criminals and locked up human traffickers who preyed on women and children. On my watch crime was down as we enforced the law, and everyone was accountable. This experience served me well when the people of Washington sent me to Congress where I worked with Republicans and Democrats to pass big and bold policies on everything from taxes to trade to protecting our beautiful environment

What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?

Now, Washington families

Washington Lt. Governor

What best qualifies you for this position?

My education, training, professional career, and public service have been focused on leadership and service. Government is in the people business, and I have had a life of leadership, responsibility, and working with countless people in varied efforts.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, and Master’s in Public Administration. I have served as a Legislative Intern to a Senator.

Veteran – a retired USAF Pilot and Lt. Colonel – with 22 years of service, having flown in both Vietnam and Desert Storm.

31 years at Northwest Airlines, retired 747 Captain, Instructor Pilot, and Examiner; served 8 years at Boeing consulting in Pilot Instruction and Leadership. Service on various Boards and Commissions,

are struggling to make ends meet. I entered this race to help those families. Not because of any political ambition, but because I saw families struggling and I have a record of fighting for them.

We must focus on lowering property and energy taxes. We need to pass the stalled legislation that will make childcare more affordable with tax credits and subsidies; streamline zoning laws and speed up permitting to bring down housing costs by increasing supply; and use tax credits to incentivize rent relief.

As your governor, I will work tirelessly to foster an economy that works for everyone, safe streets and neighborhoods, and ensure the children in our state get a world class education.

including as a STEM Educator, and Church Board leader. Also served in elective office: 4-years on a local School Board, and as a Commissioner, always seeking to make a constructive difference.

Professionally, my role has been to safely navigate to every destination, knowing people’s lives depended on me; my skills, judgment, and professionalism, and the crew I led.

As Lt Governor, I see my role, among others, as a Bridge-Builder and Unifier; a Communicator, Team-Builder, Peacemaker and Statesman. My goal: restoring respect, civility, and accountability in our State government.

What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?

We live in an era – surrounded with information and nearly instant news; with facts and figures at our fingertips – yet, both politics and culture are dominated by deception and misinformation,

empowered by a malignant complacency, and media determined to lead us astray.

If it makes one feel good, or righteous; assuages some inner guilt; or allows you to virtue signal – it is embraced, even called TRUE – though facts and real truth often tell another story.

The antidote for those who are unaware, or those who don’t care, is a well-informed electorate. Without this, the lie, and liars, will succeed.

Dan Matthews - R Candidate

U.s. Congress, 5th district

Michael Baumgartner - R Candidate

What best qualifies you for this position?

Eastern Washington is my home. I was born here, and got my degree in Economics from WSU.

I have a proven record fighting for Eastern Washington and winning. Over eight years serving in the State Senate, I passed balanced budgets, fought for lower taxes and helped bring a WSU medical school to Spokane. I helped secure funding for vital local highway projects, and we cut

college tuition for the first time in state history.

As Spokane County Treasurer my office has returned $120 million to taxpayers through our Public Investment Fund. I don’t set taxes, but I successfully opposed the recent “monster tax” proposal and I’ve offered the longest tax extensions in the state.

I’m honored by the support of Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Sen. Mike Padden, Phil Altmeyer, David Condon, members of law enforcement, veterans and groups representing business and agriculture.

My wife Eleanor and I make our home in Spokane. We met working in Afghanistan (she was British), and now we live here with our five children.

If elected to Congress, I will work for all of Eastern Washington and my door will always be open.

What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?

My agenda and values reflect Eastern Washington priorities. I’ll work hard to secure our borders, make our neighborhoods safe, protect Fairchild Air Force Base, and champion hydropower and agriculture.

One of my greatest concerns is stopping inflation. Families are feeling the steep rises in prices of everything from gas to groceries - and businesses are struggling. The government is spending too much, taxing too much and borrowing too much – it’s got to stop before everything becomes unaffordable.

We must tackle our spiraling national debt, stop spending more than our means, and refocus our federal government on its core functions.

Wa Attorney General

What best qualifies you for this position?

“Raised by a teacher and a police officer, I learned early on the value of service and giving back to my community. I’m running for Attorney General to restore public safety, bring back transparency, and protect your rights.

As an environmental lawyer with the Department of Energy, I led impactful projects, such as converting government land into renewable energy and overseeing the cleanup of the Hanford Site. These experiences reinforced my belief in accountability and transparency—principles I live by.

What best qualifies you for this position?

I am a third generation Eastern Washingtonian and union member, and for nearly 30 years I was an apolitical public servant. After graduating Central Valley High School, putting myself through college and law school, I was a Spokane County Deputy Prosecutor for four years. As a deputy prosecutor I held accountable impaired drivers and violent offenders and sought justice for survivors of sexual assault.

From there I joined the U.S. State Department as a Foreign Service Officer, helping American Citizens in trouble, ensuring our Military had access to facilities guaranteed by treaty, and promoted democratic values and open and inclusive economies. While working for Ambassador Tom Foley in

Japan, I became proficient in the language of WA05’s third most valuable agricultural export market, and then and ever since have applied our local values to find common sense solutions to complex problems.

What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?

The House of Representatives must focus on its Constitutional responsibilities to find common sense solutions to provide for national defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and future generations. We must restore the freedoms of individuals to make personal decisions and organize for better working conditions. Congress must address affordability, lowering the cost of housing, childcare, medical care, and prescription drugs. Public money belongs in public schools; we must properly support

veterans and their families.

Extremists grinding the government to a halt for any single issue, or on behalf of one segment of the electorate to the exclusion of others, make the current Congress the least productive in history. Eastern Washington can contribute to a moderate, accountable federal government by electing a moderate candidate with broad experience in tough negotiations on behalf of the United States. I would be humbled to have your vote.

Since 2018, I’ve served on the Pasco City Council, where I’ve championed public safety, inclusivity, and transparent governance, making sure government works for the people. I founded the Silent Majority Foundation to push back against government overreach and protect individual rights. I understand what it takes to tackle tough issues, and I’m ready to bring that same resolve to the Attorney General’s office.

What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?

The most urgent issue facing our state is public safety. I’ll work to support law enforcement while protecting individual rights. I’ll fight to get fentanyl and other dangerous drugs off our streets and take decisive action to combat human trafficking in Washington.

As your Attorney General, I will prioritize public safety, ensure government transparency, and defend your rights. I’m ready to bring my experience, passion, and commitment to serve and protect all Washingtonians.”

Carmela Conroy - D Candidate

Pete Serrano - R Candidate

Tim Judge Fennessy

EXPERIENCED. RESPECTED. EFFECTIVE.

Choosing the right person for the critical job of Judge can sometimes be a challenge. For this race, the choice is clear.

Here’s Why : Judge Fennessy

• has the most judicial and legal experience;

• has the endorsements of every other sitting Superior Court Judge in Spokane County as well as more than 80 attorneys and over 100 community members;

• was elected Presiding Judge to lead the bench for 2024 and 2025;

• received a Well Qualified rating in the Spokane County Bar Association poll evaluating integrity, temperament, legal ability, relevant experience and suitability.

SUPERIOR COURT JUDGES FOR FENNESSY

Judge Rachelle E. Anderson

Judge Breean L. Beggs

Judge Charnelle M. Bjelkengren

Judge Dean T. Chuang

Judge Raymond F. Clary

Judge Tony Hazel

Judge Jacquelyn High-Edward

Judge Julie M. McKay

Judge Marla L. Polin

Judge Annette S. Plese

Judge Jeremy T. Schmidt

Judge Michelle D. Szambelan

WA State treasurer

Sharon Hanek - R Candidate

What best qualifies you for this position?

My career started as a CPA working for a medium local firm then I started my family. I continued my career as a private practice while raising three children and caring for aging parents. I enjoyed serving my community as a board member of family service organizations, PTA, and my local Little League then I turned to politics running for office, serving on my county’s Planning Commission, Redistricting Commission, Charter Review Commission and our Birth to 25 Advisory Board.

Now I am hoping to use my CPA experience in accounting, financial systems analysist, investment advisor, and internal control management combined with an understanding of government systems to be your next State Treasurer.

What is the most

Wa State 9th Leg Dist pos 2

What best qualifies you for this position?

important issue that needs to be addressed?

The role of State Treasurer is to manage the State’s investments, maintain a healthy debt structure and oversee the State’s cash flow system. There has never been a CPA from the private sector as State Treasurer and according to our State Auditor’s reports; our State is suffering from mismanagement of cash flows, expenditures that cannot be accounted for and embezzlement from foreign nationals. Taxpayer’s are being asked to step up and pay for these costs at a time when the government agencies and schools should be closing loopholes from lack of proper financial controls.

I am asking for your vote so that I can be your next State Treasurer that has the knowledge and experience to strengthen the internal control structures of Washington State.

Our healthcare system is in crisis (including inadequate access to care, unsustainable costs, etc.). As an emergency physician and an attorney, I understand the complexity of this issue and will provide a needed perspective to help stabilize the crisis. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?

access to mental health services and addressing the opioid epidemic.

The most important issue involves stabilizing our healthcare system including improving

Dr. Pam Kohlmeier - D Candidate

wa public lands commissioner

Jaime Herrera Beutler - R Candidate

What best qualifies you for this position?

Serving as a U.S. Congresswoman, where I advanced bipartisan laws to improve our wildland firefighting capabilities, increase pay for firefighters, improve proactive and sciencebased forest management, improve forest roads and expand access to public lands, protect wildlife habitat and salmon runs, support shellfish habitat,

protect family wage jobs and secure funding for Washington schools. I’ve worked with Republicans and Democrats to advance legislation important to Washington state. My legislation has been signed into law by three presidents. In addition, I served in the Washington State House of Representatives from 20072010.

What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?

Reducing catastrophic wildfires before they start by cleaning up our forests. We should be attaining the sustainable harvest calculations. Active forest management will make our forests healthy; more fire resilient, abundant with a diverse array of animals and habitat.

LowerTaxes-SafeCommunities

R • 4TH LEG DIST SENATE

ENDORSED BY

Former Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich

Liberty Lake Mayor Cris Kaminskas

Councilmember Ben Wick

Mainstream Republicans of WA

Commissioner Mary Kuney

Assessor Tom Konis

Director Phil Altmeyer

Public School Employees of WA

Associated General Contractors

WA Council of Fire Fighters

Washington Farm Bureau

Washington Optometric Association

Washington Hospitality Association

Republicans of Spokane County

Former Valley City Councilmember Brandi Peetz

Fire Commissioner Patrick Burch

Fire Commissioner John Guarisco

Michael Pearson Ret. Spokane Valley Fire

Maurice Piersol (Piersol Construction)

Representative Bryan Sandlin

Representative Stephanie Barnard

Representative Travis Couture

Representative Spencer Hutchins

Representative Sam Low

What best qualifies you for this position?

Managing our public lands in the public interest for all the people of the State of Washington will be my goal. Our state lands don’t belong to industry. They don’t belong to big business. They belong to “We the People.” They are public lands. Our lands.

As an experienced manager who gets results, I’ve dedicated my life to preserving Washington’s clean air, clean water, and public lands to support habitat, recreation and jobs. With deep experience leading the House Environment Committee and spearheading conservation efforts while representing a diverse suburban community, I will be ready to effectively manage our 6 million acres of public lands on day one. Throughout my career, I’ve found

common ground across divides to help clean up Puget Sound and the Spokane River and protect public lands, and I’m committed to adding working class jobs. From preventing wildfires to expanding recreational opportunities, my commitment to balancing our environment and economic health will continue as your Lands Commissioner.

What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?

The most important issue that needs to be addressed is improving wildfire prevention and response. This is a critical issue of public safety. We must improve our prevention efforts on state lands. This means increasing our investments in prescribed burns, commercial thinning and noncommercial thinning. It also means not neglecting routine land management like invasive

weed removal. I will nurture and steward our lands to prevent wildfire and disease while growing them healthy for the next generation. I also will support our fire professionals and use my state legislative experience to fight to get them the resources they need. That’s why the WA State Council of Firefighters has endorsed my campaign. They know what’s at stake and know I am best prepared to keep our state safe.

Paid for by the Leonard Christian Campaign

What is your favorite book?

Dave Reichert - Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin

Dan Matthews - The Bible

Michael Baumgartner - Cassell’s Tales of Endurance (Fleming)

Carmela Conroy - Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury

Sharon Hanek - Anything by J. A. Jance

Dr. Pam KohlmeierWonder by R.J. Palacio

Jaime Herrera Beutler - John Adams, by David McCullough

Dave Upthegrove - Sooley by John Grisham

Chris Reykdal - Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey

Leonard Christian - The Bible

Miguel Valencia - The Enduring Debate by David T. Canon, John J. Coleman, and Kenneth R. Mayer

Matt Hawkins - The Three Year Swim Club

Ted Cummings - One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey

Suzanne Schmidt - The Ester Anointing by Michelle McClain-Walters

Kristopher Pockell - Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin

Marla Polin - To Kill a Mockingbird

Brandon Casey - Suspect by Robert Crais

Tim Fennessy - Dune

Andrew Van WinkleAgatha Christie’s And Then There Were None

Superintendent of Public Instruction

Chris Reykdal Incumbant

What best qualifies you for this position?

I would start with my life experience. Not only did I grow up in public schools, but I did so as a child dependent on public assistance. I’ve seen the barriers even to public schools when you don’t have financial resources, and I’ve dedicated my entire life to public education so that I can break down barriers for every child.

I would also add my

Initiative 2117

Repeal the Hidden Gas Tax

The CCA was enacted in 2023 and prices at the gas pump, in the grocery store and the costs to power homes and businesses immediately increased. This tax trickles down to consumers in a number of ways: The carbon auction has increased prices on gasoline to the tune of $0.30-$0.50 per gallon of gas - the average household will spend upwards of $500 per year on the gas tax. Delivery services and drivers are forced to pay more to deliver goods - when their prices increase, so do prices in stores and for their services. Energy costs have increased nearly 40%

professional experience. I’m a first-generation college student and I’ve worked as a summer custodian, teacher, coach, school board member, college executive, foundation trustee, legislator, and K-12 executive. I’ve worked in and supported the K-12 system from every angle. I’ve built coalitions to achieve budget and policy success, and these strong coalitions and relationships are absolutely essential in being successful in this State Superintendent role.

What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?

We must maintain our focus in all policy and budget matters on closing opportunity gaps! This includes increasing access to comprehensive and effective mental health care for all students that need it. Having

for most Washingtonians and energy providers are restricted from listing the CCA as the reason on your bill. All of this amounts to the most regressive tax in state history because the lower the income, the more it hurts. Governor Inslee and his administration lied to residents by claiming that the CCA would only increase costs by “pennies” even when he knew it would increase about $0.50 per gallon. Inslee and his administration haven’t released any metrics on their environmental policy successes since 2019 and there is no mechanism to track the success or failure of the CCA. Our state constitution guarantees funding for schools and the state has a $19

support at school, where our kids spend most of their weekdays, is so important to their health, wellbeing, and learning. We have made measurable progress closing gaps, but the work must persist, and it must be embedded in every aspect of our education system. I am the only candidate in this race that has experience closing these opportunity gaps in every aspect of the K-12 system. I am also the only candidate that truly needed public services and education to break the cycle of poverty in my family, and I think this gives me a deeper perspective to leading that is truly necessary when you are talking about closing opportunity gaps.

OPPONENT DID NOT RESPOND

billion surplus over the last 6 years so there is ample money to dole out to transportation and climate-supporting projects. The only thing the CCA has successfully accomplished is increasing costs and taking more of Washingtonian’s hardearned money - it’s time to stop paying for programs that don’t work. Vote “yes” on I-2117.

4th leg. District Senate

Leonard Christian - R Candidate

What best qualifies you for this position?

In 2005 I retired from a 20-year career serving in the US Air Force. Shortly after my retirement I found myself involved as a Precinct Committee Officer and elected to the Spokane County Republican Board as a District Leader. My involvement on the board and several candidates’ campaigns allowed me to build relationships and in 2014 I was appointed to

the State Legislature as a Representative and assigned to five committees where I was able to pass my first bill. In 2022 I ran for the State Representative position again and was elected and assigned as the assistant ranking member on State Government & Tribal Relations, and member of the Capital Budget, and Innovation, Community & Economic Development & Veterans Affairs committees.

I also served on the Spokane County Property Tax Appeals board and the Solid Waste Advisory committee. When I am not serving in a government roll, I work as a professional Relator where I help families fulfill their dreams and build generational wealth through home ownership.

What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?

There are several issues

that are important to me and our community, it would be impossible to pick just one. I believe our taxes are too high and I point to the fact that our state budget has doubled since I was first in office in 2014. We are last in the nation for number of police officers. Crime is still too high with no accountability for criminals. People are dying on the streets from drug overdoses and our teachers are overburdened with regulations that hinder their ability to teach and discourage parental involvement. Besides high inflation and credit card debt, many parents cannot find affordable daycare when they want to work. As you can see Legislators’ jobs have never been harder than right now, and we must stop kicking the can down the road and work together to fix these issues.

wa state auditor

Matt Hawkins - R Candidate

What best qualifies you for this position?

My 35 + years of Private industry experience along with my community involvement in raising a family with my wife Paula of 38 years, and 10 children.

What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?

We have a multitude of challenges within this state; However the core issue is Trust.

What best qualifies you for this position?

What best qualifies me for this position is that I’m a middle-class guy who truly understands the challenges that everyday people face. As an Army veteran, a student, a husband, and a father of two, I’ve lived through the same experiences as many Washingtonians. I grew up in a small town, where I learned the values of hard work, community, and caring for my neighbors.

I know what it’s like to juggle responsibilities, work to support a family, and face the struggles of rising costs. My experiences have shaped my perspective, and I’m committed to bringing those values to the State Senate, where I’ll fight for policies that benefit working

families, like lowering healthcare costs, improving access to education, and supporting union jobs that provide stability. I’m not a career politician—I’m someone who wants to make a real difference for people like me, my family, and my neighbors.

What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?

For me, the most important issue is public safety, but it goes beyond just ensuring full funding for our police departments. True public safety means ensuring that no child goes hungry in school, that no one avoids going to the doctor because of the cost, and that everyone has a roof over their heads. It’s about creating a community where working people earn enough to survive and thrive.

When people feel secure in their health, housing, and income, our communities are safer, stronger, and more resilient. That’s the vision of public safety I’ll fight for.

From the Auditors role, Trust can be regained as Audits are comprehensive and complete. When we are told that we lost “At Least” $647 Million in the Nigerian Scam, the real question is how much did we really lose? Our schools are funded on average with $18,000/ student, statewide, yet our scores are declining. We are losing Billions, with no clear path to recovery.

Further challenges are in being overregulated in all industries, a homelessness crisis, Elections, as well as our transportation corridors. As I dig deeper into these challenges, I recognize that our problems are not centered so much on Financial challenges, but one of Process and Systems that need to be changed. Better Audits can make this happen. As for Elections, we have not had an audit of the election system in the past 25 years, to the same standards as are experienced in the private sector.

As Auditor, I can help ensure that funds are accounted for, as well as being applied correctly and that policies are being followed, including Parental Notification within our schools. I will find the Process & Systems that will lead to better outcomes, in all program deliveries. I will ensure that ALL Citizens have access to government resources, to find the answers expected.

Miguel Valencia - D Candidate

Rep

Ted

Cummings - D Candidate 4th

Leg District

Pos 2

What best qualifies you for this position?

I am the best qualified candidate for this position because I am the only candidate in the race that will use science and verifiable data along with seeking input from proven experts while trying to make the best possible decisions. I believe that we can trust mainstream media, that vaccines are safe and are an integral part of public health care, and our elections are secure and accurate. I believe that we can trust the various US institutions that are filled with dedicated experts in their fields, and we can trust in our justice system. I believe in protecting everyone’s constitutional right to live their life free from government interference. I believe that we have serious challenges facing us, and we need a serious, rational candidate to deal with those challenges, we do not need a someone who deals in conspiracy theories and wants to create a 51st state.

What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?

I want to focus on the lack of affordable housing, housing is not a partisan issue, we cannot have a healthy community if we do not have an inventory of affordable homes that allow everyone living in the 4th LD the opportunity to live the American dream. I will work with every State Representative to identify and obtain funds to help support and create new homes, and apartments along with the infrastructure to support those homes. We must ensure that we plan for commute times and all the support factors we need like grocery stores, parks and schools. I will support legislation that streamlines permitting and work to remove any other barriers that hold up construction of new homes. Housing is a complicated issue but because the lack of housing is causing such dire consequences, we must move quickly to resolve this issue.

4th Leg District State Rep pos 1

Suzanne Schmidt - R Incumbant

What best qualifies you for this position?

I have lived in the 4th Legislative District for 27 years. My children and now grandchildren have attended schools in the Central Valley School District. I am very involved in my community, having volunteered hundreds of hours serving my community.

As the daughter of a small business owner, I know how hard it is to

start a business and stay in business. As the President/ CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors for six years, I dedicated my career to representing businesses and their employees. Having worked with nearly every agency in Washington, I know we can do better as a state to cut red tape and empower families, workers, and small businesses to succeed. Since being elected, I sponsored and passed 2 bills that streamlined the unemployment insurance adjudication process. Another bill that will help get injured workers back sooner while extending time in which an employer can be reimburse for providing light duty was one that I helped get through the legislature. If re-elected, I will continue to fight for small businesses and oppose government

overreach.

What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?

While inflation is on the rise and driving the cost of everything going up from gas to housing and groceries our state has collected more tax dollars than ever before. I believe we should be cutting taxes to give relief to hard working families and our senior citizens. I will continue to fight for accountability with government spending.

In Olympia, I am focused on restoring Public Safety. I will support legislation that funds more law enforcement officers and provide state of the art training and equipment. . People deserve to feel safe in their own homes and neighborhoods.

What best qualifies you for this position?

My experience in business, both as a business owner and a software engineer, have given me a unique skillset when it comes to advocating for the people of Eastern Washington. In the quickly changing landscape of the technology sector, I practice creative problem solving, adaptability, and careful resource management every day. I plan to leverage these skills in Olympia to ensure that tax dollars are being spent responsibly and that the needs of all the people of District 4 are taken seriously.

What is the most important issue that

needs to be addressed?

The most important issue facing this community is the widening political divide. Though this issue may not be as hot of a topic as the affordable housing crisis or snag as many headlines as public safety issues, it permeates our lives and can impact everyday interactions with our neighbors. Though it’s temping to think that one party or the other is trying to destroy the country we all care about so much, the truth of the matter is much more nuanced than that. By running as an independent candidate, I hope to demonstrate the spirit of Civil Reciprocity and show people that by assuming the best intention in others, we

can work together to arrive at solutions that benefit everyone. I think the path to healing the division starts with communicating with dignity and respect, and seeing the good in others, especially those we don’t agree with.

Kristopher Pockell Candidate

Initiative 2109

• The Washington State legislature enacted the additional 7% tax on small businesses and innovators in 2021

• Just this year, the majority party authored a bill this year that would have lowered the threshold for capital gains income taxes to $15,000 instead of only applying to sales of $250,000

• The official start date of the capital gains income tax was pushed back because a Washington State superior court struck down the law as unconstitutional, since our state constitution makes progressive income taxes illegal

• The implications from such a ruling is that the government could theoretically start taxing Washingtonians for purchasing products outside of the state

• Voters have voted down an

• The backdoor income tax applies to sales on capital gains over $250,000 and is a direct attack on innovators coming into the state, successful residents staying in the state, and tech industry workers and small businesses.

No On 2109: Stop Cuts To Education, School Construction, and Childcare

I-2109 eliminates billions of dedicated education dollars–worsening our school funding crisis, reducing access to affordable childcare and early learning, and cutting repairs to our crumbling schools. I-2109 also eliminates funds from pre-K, special education, job training, and community colleges, and school construction projects across the state including 40 here in Eastern Washington.

Over 1,200 families in Spokane County will lose subsidized childcare and pre-K, costing Spokane’s economy $55 million annually. Cuts will force job losses in childcare, education, and more at a time when we need more support for kids and families– not less.

Less Than 1% Of Washingtonians Pay Extraordinary Profits Tax

Retirement funds, real estate, small family owned businesses, and farms are all exempt from the capital gains tax. In fact, less than 1% of Washingtonians will pay this tax; it only applies to stock sale profits over $250,000 per year. 84% of the capital gains tax is paid by wealthy individuals in King County.

Reject Washington’s Upside

Down Tax Code

Washington has the nation’s second most upside down tax code, with middle-class families paying a 3xs larger share of their income on state and local taxes than the wealthiest households. Super wealthy Washingtonians should pay what they owe for education and early learning.

Spokane Teachers And Childcare Providers: “Don’t Let A Hedge Fund Millionaire Buy This Election”

I-2109 is sponsored by California hedge fund millionaire Brian Heywood, who will personally benefit from this initiative. Spokane teachers, childcare providers, early learning experts, K-12 leaders, parents, and small business owners are united in urging you to vote No. Don’t give the super wealthy a tax cut that will harm kids, and shift the tax bill to the rest of us.

income tax 7 times before and if the law and the courts honored the true meaning of a capital gains tax, this measure wouldn’t be up for a vote in the first place.

• The capital gains income tax has already forced many successful residents out of the state because they would rather move than have their assets taxed so unfairly.

• The same will happen for small businesses, innovators and successful residents in the state who are the most mobile and can decide to take their tax dollars, innovation, and job creation elsewhere – we must encourage innovation instead of taxing the successful out of moving to the state.

BALLOTS DUE

NOVEMBER

5TH

ENDORSED BY:

Spokane superior court judge pos

Marla Polin Incumbant

What best qualifies you for this position?

Judge where my responsibilities include – dissolutions, child custody, minor guardianships, and child support.

I earned my Juris Doctor at Gonzaga University School of Law in 2005 and opened my own law firm in Spokane a few years later. As an attorney, I practiced both criminal law and complex civil litigation. I was appointed a judge in 2022 and elected in 2023. I have presided over civil and criminal matters, juvenile cases, unlawful detainer actions, reviews of warrants for law enforcement, and sentenced those convicted of crimes. For the last thirteen months, I have acted as the Chief Family Law

From my experience as both an attorney and as a judicial officer, I have respect for the need for the prompt administration of justice and the opportunity for litigants to be heard. I understand the lasting impact of a judge’s decisions and the importance of careful consideration of the law to ensure that fair and just decisions are reached.

What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?

The continued need for improvement in the timeliness of the administration of justice is critical but this cannot be accomplished by any singular individual. To do my part in addressing these important issues, I became a member of the Spokane Superior Court’s Budget and Planning Committee and the Spokane Volunteer Lawyers Standing Committee.

What best qualifies you for this position?

I have 20 years of experience as a trial lawyer, primarily focused on litigating cases in federal, district, appellate, and Superior Courts. I’ve represented individuals and small business owners, giving me a broad understanding of various areas of law and how they impact citizens. For instance, one case may involve government overreach, property loss, business issues, contract breaches, and family law matters all at once. This experience allows me to collaborate effectively with other legal professionals when needed.

As a business owner managing attorneys and staff, I’ve developed efficient systems to meet client needs and improve productivity. Most of my clients pay on a contingency basis, so wasted time affects me, not them. This has honed my focus on delivering high-quality results efficiently. I believe bringing this perspective to the Superior Court will help reduce unnecessary delays and improve case resolution.

What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?

Our court must serve the people. Spokane Superior Court’s inefficiency is creating substantial problems for the ‘court users.’ Court users include attorneys, parties, and public officials, such as police officer, or anyone using the Superior Court’s services. This causes additional suffering to the most vulnerable who need justice, which can only be provided through our court system. Our Washington Constitution requires justice without unnecessary delay. Olympia has done a poor job of choosing judges who are focused on this growing problem. This problem costs Spokane County taxpayers. Spokane County voters need to pick our judges instead of Olympia.

Brandon Casey Candidate

Spokane Superior Court Judge pos 11

Tim Fennessy Incumbant

What best qualifies you for this position?

Doing the initial research toI believe my experience is what best qualifies me for this position. I have been a part of the Spokane legal community since 1983, initially practicing alongside top lawyers throughout the area. Over 33 years as a trial attorney, I represented clients for a fee and for free (doing pro bono work), learning about advocacy, compassion and hard work. Those experiences helped me understand the justice system from the attorney and client perspectives. When I ran for Judge eight years ago, it was because of a conviction that these experiences and my temperament would enable me to provide every litigant with a fair hearing. Since that election, I have presided over hundreds of civil and criminal cases and was elected

by my colleagues to serve our bench as the Presiding Judge for ‘24/‘25, an honor and responsibility.

What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?

As a judicial candidate in a non-partisan election, the most important issue today is the same as it was when I was first elected in 2016. The Spokane Superior Court bench needs judicial officers committed to strengthen the justice system for our county. As an independent branch of the government, our Judiciary must work with one another and with the Executive and Legislative branches of the county and State. With more than 41 years experience, I remain committed to serving the community from the bench. We have recently seen unprecedented turnover and presently have only one Judge that has been on this bench more than 10 years. I have the institutional knowledge, position, service history and desire necessary to participate in all that must be done to continue to strengthen and improve our justice system in Spokane County. Spokane needs a judiciary committed to upholding the laws that ensure public safety, to following the Constitution and to protecting individual rights. We need a judiciary with the experience to balance those issues and to participate in the administrative duties necessary as well. With the support of every other Superior Court judge in Spokane County, my commitment is evident and I respectfully ask for your Vote.

What best qualifies you for this position?

I have served most of my legal career in a neutral, nonpartisan capacity working in-house for Washington’s courts. I currently serve as senior staff attorney at the Washington State Court of Appeals, where I help the court’s judges decide cases from every superior court east of the Cascades. The Court of Appeals decides cases covering all areas of state law, including criminal, civil, and family.

For three years, I also served parttime in Spokane County Superior Court as a pro tem court commissioner, where I presided over hundreds of cases and numerous bench trials. Prior to my service at the Court of Appeals, I was deputy prosecutor in Chelan County where I was in court almost daily. As a prosecutor, I tried dozens of cases, from theft to homicide and everything in between, and argued numerous cases in the Court of Appeals and Washington’s Supreme Court.

I have been rated “well qualified” or higher by several independent bar associations. I am endorsed by judges at all levels, including on Washington’s Supreme Court. I am the only candidate with bipartisan endorsements from

What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?

The most pressing issue we face is the growing court delays. Even with stable caseloads, cases are consistently taking longer to resolve. Current judges insist that more money and additional judges are the only solution, yet an efficiency study by the National Center for State Courts last year identified several ways to improve without costly spending. Spokane County needs judges who will take action now, using the resources we already have, instead of those waiting on a solution that may never come

What is your favorite Quote?

Dave Reichert - “America is great because she is good. If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.” Alexis de Tocqueville

Dan Matthews - “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” – JFK

Michael Baumgartner - “My dream is of a place and a time where America will once again be seen as the last best hope of earth” -Abraham Lincoln

Carmela Conroy - “Faith without works is as lifeless as a body without breath. “

Sharon Hanek - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)

Dr. Pam Kohlmeier - “Comparison is the thief of joy” by President Theodore Roosevelt

Jaime Herrera Beutler - “You cannot be, I know, nor do I wish to see you, an inactive spectator.... We have too many high sounding words, and too few actions that correspond with them.” Abigail Adams

Dave Upthegrove - “Something hidden. Go and find it. Go and look behind the ranges. Something lost behind the ranges. Lost and waiting for you. Go!” -Rudyard Kipling, the Explorer

Chris Reykdal - “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” -Eleanor Roosevelt

Leonard Christian - Get er done

Miguel Valencia - “There are many ways of going forward, but only way of standing still” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

Matt Hawkins - “Trust, but verify.” Ronald Reagan

Ted Cummings - “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” - Martin Luther King Jr

Suzanne Schmidt - Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. The only way they can inherit the freedom we have known is if we fight for it, protect it, defend it, and then hand it to them with the well fought lessons of how they in their lifetime must do the same. And if you and I don’t do this, then you and I may well spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it once was like in America when men were free. – President Ronald Reagan

Kristopher Pockell - “Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” Winston Churchill

Marla Polin - “Right is right even if no one is doing it; wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it.” ― Saint Augustine

Brandon Casey - “ I see no reason I should [choose to] be consciously wrong today, because I was unconsciously wrong yesterday.” Robert H. Jackson

Tim Fennessy - Start where you are; use what you have; and do what you can. Arthur Ashe

our local elected officials.

Andrew Van Winkle Candidate

initiative 2066

• Washingtonians across the state called their legislators to oppose the bill since more than 1.3 million homes and more than a third of manufacturers in the state rely on natural gas. When the legislature passed the bill anyway, I-2066 was introduced to protect natural gas and energy choice and go beyond the restrictions of HB 1589.

• It would cost each individual home or business owner anywhere from $40,000-$70,000 to retrofit their building to electric, and based on the fact that 40% of PSE customers already require assistance on their bills, it’s not likely that most people would be able to afford that unnecessary cost.

• Natural gas is the most reliable and cheapest option for most residents in the state

• Its impact on the environment is so negligible that just a few years ago, the Washington State Department of Transportation was transitioning all public transit off of diesel and onto clean natural gas.

• In rural parts of the state, natural gas is all residents have in freezing winters when their electric heat pumps fail or stop producing adequate heat.

• Many small businesses and locally owned shops need natural gas to provide the top-tier products they create: breweries, bakeries, pizza shops, construction companies, culturally diverse restaurants, grocery stores, laundromats, and more all rely on the availability of natural gas.

• Over 550,000 signatures were turned in to support I-2066 because it provides a choice for Washingtonians, not a blanket mandate that was instituted by Inslee’s climate mob working to make people’s lives more difficult.

I-2066 would increase energy bills. It would require utility companies to continue investing in outdated technology, and the costs would be passed onto families and businesses.

I-2066 attacks energy efficiency. It would roll back modern protections that make homes and businesses more energy efficient. It jeopardizes energy efficiency programs and would take away important customer rebates, raising costs for Washingtonians.

I-2066 is funded by powerful interest groups. It is part of a nationwide effort by fossil fuel corporations and wellfunded interest groups that want to make as much money as possible while Washington families pay higher energy bills.

I-2066 would stop towns, cities and counties from making decisions that work best for their communities. It’s an overreach designed to prevent local decisionmaking.

Spokane Co Commissioner Mary Kuney

Spokane Co Commissioner Josh Kerns

Spokane Co Commissioner Al French

Spokane Co Sheriff John Nowels

Spokane Co Treasurer Michael Baumgartner

WILL CONTINUE TO ADVOCATE FOR:

• Public Safety to Ensure Safe Neighborhoods

• Tax Relief for Working Families

• Supporting Small Business and Workforce Development

Spokane Co Assessor Tom Konis

Spokane Valley Council Member Ben Wick

Spokane Valley Police Chief Dave Ellis

State Senator Jeff Holy

State Representative Mike Volz

Liberty Lake Mayor Cris Kaminskas

Liberty Lake Council Member Chris Cargill

Millwood Mayor Kevin Freeman

Former Spokane Valley Mayor Diana Wilhite

Former Spokane Valley Council Brandi Peetz

Former Spokane Co Commissioner Kate McCaslin

Former Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward

Barry Baker

LaVerne Biel

Kim & Scott Chaffin

Tanner Chaffin

Sarah Cottam

Bill & Pam Gothmann

Gayle Jaqueth

Frances Lykins Arin LaMountain

Brenda McKinley

Jeff McMorris

Shane Miller

Deb Moddy

Bonnie Quinn

Susan Schuler

Rick Scott

Chud Wendle

Tyson West

Scott Wetzel

Rick Wilhite

Steve Wulf

Make WA Cares Optional

WA Cares is the state’s one-size-fits-all solution to long-term care that requires a 10 year continuous pay-in period in order to receive a $36,500 lifetime benefit. The program became operational after two years of delay even though voters rejected the funding mechanism twice.

The payroll tax takes 0.58% out of every paycheck, or $0.58 on every $100 earned and requires every worker to be optedin to the program, even if it isn’t suitable for them. The average cost of long term care in Washington State is anywhere from $7,500$14,000 per month: that means that WA Cares will only cover about 5 months of long term care for residents at best. The state actuary released a report

that proved WA Cares is in such a bad financial state that it will take millions of dollars over the next 75 years for people to actually see benefits from the program. The program is predatory and doesn’t make sense for:

The working population nearing retirement age who have been forced to pay into the program to see no benefits from it.

Mothers and fathers who take 5 years or more out of the workforce to raise their families. Private caregivers who take time away from their jobs to care for a loved one.

Disabled workers who have to take time away from their jobs for their own health.

I-2124 simply makes WA Cares optional instead of forcing all workers to pay a mandatory payroll tax that they will likely never see benefits from.

Each person’s health and wellness is their own business and people should have the authority to select a healthcare program that works for their needs and their bottom line. Give workers a choice by voting “yes” on I-2124.

i-2124 hurts Working Women The Most

I-2124 will cause more people, mostly women, to leave their jobs to provide unpaid care for loved ones with disabilities, or who are sick or aging, by shutting down Washington’s long-term care benefit fund for 3.9 million working Washingtonians.

Women are 73% more likely to permanently leave jobs and five times more likely to cut back to part-time work due to caregiving demands for loved ones who have inadequate long-term care coverage. This impacts their ability to advance in their careers and to support their families.

More than 800,000 Washingtonians, mostly women, are currently unpaid family caregivers. By ending our long-term care insurance program, I-2124 worsens the care crisis that’s causing huge

financial stress for families, and hurting our economy.

i-2124 increases costs, family Debt

I-2124 will send more people into debt when faced with expensive long-term care bills and private insurance premiums they can’t afford.

Middle and low income families are least able to afford private long term care insurance or to pay out of pocket for care, especially because the vast majority of people have less than $5,000 in savings. Only the superrich can afford to pay out of pocket for long-term care.

I-2124 will throw us back into the expensive insurance market, which routinely jacks up premiums by 50%, 100%, even 300% without warning, and delays and denies claims. I-2124 leaves out people with cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and other preexisting conditions - about 57% of us over 50 - because they cannot get private insurance, even if they can afford the expensive premiums. And it hurts women who are discriminated against by private insurance companies, which charge women up to 70% more than men.

Student of the Month

Mackenzie Munn continues to make exceptional strides as a student and runner at Central Valley High School. The junior maintains a 4.0 grade point average and is a member of the National Honor Society. She has contributed to community service projects through CV’s NHS chapter and also volunteers at her church. Munn has lettered in cross country since her freshman year. She was part of CV’s state qualifying team as a freshman and made it to state as an individual runner last year. She was named to the All Greater Spokane League cross country first team as sophomore. Munn placed third in a field of 131 runners at the Wenatchee Cross Country Invite on Sept. 21. She is a two-year letterwinner in track where she competes in the 1,600 and 3,200-meters. She advanced to districts in both events last year.

Athlete of the Month

After Tanner Hamblin moved to Liberty Lake during his freshman year, he found a “welcoming community” at Ridgeline High School. Now a senior, Hamblin is part of the supportive culture at RHS. “It’s important to be inclusive,” he said. “I try to be kind to everyone because that’s what they deserve.” The senior has volunteered with Link Crew, mentoring freshmen. Hamblin has played football since his sophomore year and is currently a starter for the Falcons on offense and defense. He has participated in golf and competed in track in the 110-meter hurdles, 200 and 4 x 100 relay. The senior maintains a 3.83 grade point average and is a member of National Honor Society. He is a volunteer at Valley Real Life Church and part of the Worship Team. He would like to pursue a career as a firefighter/EMT.

Citizen of the Month

Katy Allen has been a fixture in Liberty Lake for the last four decades. She and her husband Randy have called the community home since July 1984. Allen served as Liberty Lake city administrator from 2012 to early 2022. She began her career as an engineering technician for the city of Spokane and worked 25 years there, rising to the position of director of Engineering. She transitioned to San Jose, California as Public Works manager and city engineer in 2002 and was part of a design-build team that earned recognition from the State of California for bringing an airport project in six months early and $200 million under budget. Allen has volunteered with Liberty Lake Centennial Rotary and currently donates time at the Spokane Valley Senior Center. She and Randy are proud parents of two grown sons and have four grandchildren.

By John McCallum Splash sports correspondent

Cross country

Falcons fall sports teams off and running

Ridgeline competed in a pair of larger, multi-team meets in preparation for their first Greater Spokane League meet on Sept. 25, results too late for this edition.

At the Timberlake Farragut Invitational on Sept. 7, the Falcon men were 27th out of 30 total teams while the women finished 12th out of 25 teams.

Senior Paige Huntsinger led the Falcon women, placing 22nd overall in the field of 168 with a time of 20 minutes, 50.65 seconds. Junior Gretchyn Carter was 48th, with junior Rachel Christensen 83rd, sophomore Kayla Jensen 96th and senior Courtney Jeppson 99th.

Sophomore Keean Huntsinger led the Ridgeline men, placing 80th in the field of 239 in 18:14.62. Freshman Dayton Mowrer was 160th, junior JJ Hosig was 162nd, junior Russell Allen 175th and junior Landon Spinning 183rd to round out the top-five scorers.

The Falcons also competed in the annual Highlander Invitational on Sept. 14 on the 2.5-mile course at Shadle Park High School. The Highlander is run according to class standing.

For the Ridgeline women, the senior team placed third overall with the juniors sixth and the sophomores also. Huntsinger led the seniors, placing sixth overall, while Jensen was 12th for the sophomores and Carter 15th for the juniors.

Football

The Ridgeline sophomore men were the only squad with enough runners to score as a team, placing eighth overall, with Huntsinger placing 12th. Nolan Rabe was 24th in the senior race, while Hosig was 34th in the juniors race and Mowrer 11th in the freshmen race.

While off to a 1-2 start, the Falcons are still in a position to help themselves return to the post season — a mark they reached for the first time last year in the three short years of the schools existence.

Senior wide receiver Brayden Allen has caught seven touchdown passes in Ridgeline’s three games, three each in losses to Gonzaga Prep (48-21) and Lewis and Clark (31-27) and one in the Falcons lone win, 31-24 over Cheney. For his efforts, the senior was recently named the GSL’s Athlete of the week.

The Falcons schedule doesn’t get easy over the next several weeks. Ridgeline hosted cosecond-place Shadle Park (3-0) on Sept. 27, followed by games against Central Valley (2-1) Oct. 4 and at co-second-place Mead (30) Oct. 10 before wrapping up the season against currently winless University (Oct. 18), Mt. Spokane (Oct. 25) and Ferris (Nov. 1).

Girls soccer

The Falcons are still trying to find their footing on the pitch as the seek to retain their GSL championship from last season. One month into the 2024 campaign, Ridgeline has a 1-32 record, with league play just around the corner.

The Falcons only win came Sept. 17, beating Ferris 4-0 in nonleague action at ONE Stadium in Spokane. Junior midfielder/ forward Quinn Mueller had a

pair of goals.

www.hubsportscenter.org

Ridgeline also battled West Valley and Bothel from Seattle to a pair of ties, 2-2 in the seasonopener with the 2A classification Eagles on Sept. 6 and 1-1 against the 4A Cougars Sept. 13. Mueller had a goal and assist to lead the Falcons against the Eagles.

Ridgeline is relying on experience in its quest to defend its title. The Falcons have 10 seniors, three juniors and a pair of sophomores back from last year’s team, along with 17 newcomers.

“The duo up front, Quinn Mueller and (senior) Natalie Thompson will be adding newcomer (sophomore) Lydia Lynn to create an explosive attack who are not afraid to take defenders on and shoot from anywhere in the attacking third,” head coach Tiera Como said.

Slowpitch softball

Ridgeline is off to a solid start in its quest for a first-ever postseason berth. After just missing one in 2023, the Falcons are currently tied with University for second in the GSL standings at 5-1, 6-1 overall, and riding a five-game winning streak as of Sept. 24.

Ridgeline has been pummeling teams offensively, outscoring opponents 157-50, with senior shortstop Emma Myers leading the way with 21 RBIs in wins over North Central (39-0), Shadle Park (12-5), Rogers (160) and Gonzaga Prep (38-4). The Falcons are also led offensively by junior infielder/outfielder/ pitcher Quincy Coder and senior outfielders Izabella Hernandez and Lilley Triplett.

Ridgeline’s only loss came in their GSL opener, a 13-6 setback on the road at league-leader and unbeaten Mt. Spokane on Sept. 12.

“This team is senior led with great attitudes and an awesome positive outlook,” head coach Lori Maupin said of her team that returns six seniors, two juniors and four sophomores.

Ridgeline opened a 5-2 lead against Mead — at the time tied with the Falcons, University and Central Valley for second in the GSL — on Sept. 24. The Panthers rallied to take a 6-5 lead with four runs in the bottom of the third.

The Falcons answered back in the top of the fourth, scoring six runs, and held on for the 13-7 win. Myers led offensively with three hits — including a pair of doubles — two RBIs and three runs.

Ridgeline faced University in a key matchup of second-place teams on Sept. 30. Another big game could take place Oct. 8 as the Falcons host Central Valley in next to the last game of the regular season.

“We are hoping for a topthree finish in the GSL this year,” Maupin said.

Volleyball

The Falcons were sitting in second in the GSL standings as of Sept. 24, 1-1 in league matches, 3-1 overall. Ridgeline opened with a nonleague win over Coeur d’Alene in five sets, winning the finale 15-13 on Sept. 10.

The Falcons knocked off Mead 3-2 in nonleague action on Sept. 12, and opened the GSL regular season with a 3-1 win over Lewis and Clark, Sept. 19. Senior right side/middle hitter Brooklyn Hillman had 12 kills for Ridgeline against the Tigers.

The Falcons traveled to coGSL leader at the time, Shadle Park, on Sept. 24, and suffered their first loss of the season, 3-1 to the Highlanders. Hillman had nine kills for Ridgeline.

Liberty Lake’s Presidential connection

By Ross Schneidmiller

The “ring-ring-ring” of a telephone had never pierced the silence or interrupted a conversation in the Joy cottage on South Lilac Lane along Liberty Lake’s westside. It was the way the Wicomico developers had envisioned and promoted Spokane’s fist summer colony – “a respite from everyday life.” Harper, the family’s patriarch preferred it this way. For twenty-six years he had been successful in keeping this annoyance away. But things change in “New Frontiers” and that was the presidential campaign slogan that ushered “Camelot” into the White House.

Harper’s son-in-law Pierre got a new job title when John F. Kennedy was elected President of the United States. When the Press Secretary came to vacation at Liberty Lake in August of 1961 for the first time since assuming this role, he noted the change in his reception. Pierre Salinger told the Spokesman Review after his arrival: “I’ve been coming to Spokane with my wife and family for several years, but this is the first time it brought all this attention.”

Daily contact with the leader of the free world required the installation of a phone in the Joy summer home at the lake. The land line was set up to handle long distant calls which at Liberty Lake in 1961 was a time-consuming process which involved multiple telephone operators. When Kennedy told his personal secretary Evelyn Lincoln to get Salinger on the line, she would dial the long-distance operator and provide the destination city name and called number. The operator would contact a rate-and-route operator for a numerical routing. Because Liberty Lake had Direct Dial for local calls, the original operator would often be able to complete the call from there. The following Spring on April 15, 1962, this process became simpler and quicker when Direct Distance Dialing (D.D.D.) came to the Inland Empire including Liberty Lake. With D.D.D. Kennedy or Salinger could make the call without operator assistance.

The Press Secretary arrived with his family on Friday evening the 25th of August. Before the weekend was over, he had granted interviews to both Spokane newspapers, attended a dinner party thrown for him and his wife Nancy, and played golf with a Cy Young winner who had a program proposal for the President.

The reporters were most interested in his role at the White House and policy. It’s a 24 hour a day job in which Salinger said, “every time you open your mouth, what you say may gravitate around the world.” Thus, when he speaks, he must carefully weigh his words and be sure to “sort out” which is confidential and that which can be discussed freely.

Salinger’s arrival to the Inland Empire came nearly four months after a muchdebated speech Kennedy gave to the Bureau of Advertising of the American Newspaper Publishers Association. Considering the Cold War and its global dangers he asked the nation’s newspapers in his speech “to heed the duty of self-restraint” in presenting the news. The debate centered on the roles of the press and of the government about secrecy and censorship.

The Press Secretary said, “that speech has been widely misinterpreted. What the President urged was a policy of cooperation, not censorship.” The arguments made in this debate were well stated, noteworthy and spoke to a time when the press was considered more trustworthy (according to Gallup Polls) and therefore served a greater purpose.

Saturday evening, the day after they arrived, the Salingers’ were the honored guests at a dinner party given by friends of Mrs. Salinger’s (the former Nancy Joy) parents. From their home on the northside of the lake the host & hostess served a twenty-five-pound salmon the host had caught the week before. Several couples from around the lake and Spokane attended the affair.

Unlike the inauguration where Nancy wore a novel dress with fabric created for her by famed textile designer Boris Kroll, we do not know what she was wearing for that dinner. We also don’t know if her hair was styled in the Artichoke Hairdo as it was for a theater visit earlier in the year. Our local reporters may have been letting their readers down.

What we do know is Nancy preferred substantive conversations about world affairs to fashion. She felt there was a better chance for that in mixed company. Her opinion had been detailed in an article in a Washington D.C. newspaper that prior March. She bemoaned the capital city’s custom where men and woman separated for drinks after dinner. What those males in Washington had to say was of foremost interest to her because they were running the country.

Contributed photo

Pierre Salinger enjoys time with sons Marc (11) and Stephen (8) in front of the Joys’ Liberty Lake summer home in this 1961 photo.

His proposal was an “Athletic Corps” which would travel to troubled spots in the world and ease tensions by teaching sports and sportsmanship. He was encouraged with his idea after visiting with Louis Armstrong and learning of the goodwill the entertainer’s world band tours promoted. “Why couldn’t we athletes do as much?” said Newcombe. Salinger was favorable to the concept and would share it with Kennedy.

Swimming in the lake was toward the top of his schedule. Monday may have allowed time for this and possibly the fishing he was considering. On Tuesday his father-in-law had arranged for him to speak to a group of civic, business, and political leaders at the Ridpath Hotel. In his address to the 60 leaders gathered, Salinger spoke to the multiplicity of problems Kennedy faced when he took office earlier that year. Stating that the President was tackling them with ability and claimed noticeable improvements had been made. One of the most crucial problems at that time was in Latin America where communism was making inroads by promising social reforms to better people’s lives.

The topics of conversation at dinner that night may have included the reworked education bill Salinger thought was close to passing. They may also have included recent developments on the nearby Columbia Basin Project. However, it is hard to imagine Nancy was not asked about the White House Social Calendar and the fairytale kind of events she had already been part of. She may even have worn a sleeveless dress like Jackie Kennedy was making popular and Nancy had been wearing to social events as had been reported in the National news.

Enjoying golf was part of his vacation plans and even though he did not get to play often the activity was not as far from his desk job as one would think. Rarely if ever, I imagine do players at Liberty Lake Golf Course get paired with a former MLB Cy Young award winner. But when you have direct and regular access to the Commander in Chief of the nation the achievements of your foursome generally improve. Ace pitcher Don Newcomb won three of the most coveted awards in Major League Baseball – Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player for the National League, and the Cy Young Award. Most of his success came as a Brooklyn Dodger. In the twilight of his career, he was sent down to the minors to the Spokane Indians the AAA club for the Dodger organization, now based in Los Angeles.

Salinger and Newcombe played Golf at the Liberty Lake Course the Sunday after the dinner party. With a few tips from the former Major League hurler the Press Secretary broke 100 for the first time in a while. After the round Newcombe’s idea was shared with Salinger.

The following evening Salinger, an avid baseball fan, took in the double header between the Spokane Indians and the Portland Beavers. While visiting the press box he was asked if he had ever participated in any of the Kennedy family football games. He responded, “I did for a while, but that game was too bruising for me.”

We know where the Press Secretary was that Wednesday night, but we do not know what was captivating his thoughts. You see, less than two hours before the umpire called out “batter-up” a situation of national security was developing at the White House. Did the phone ring in the Joy cabin? If so, was anybody there to answer it?

At 3:50pm PST The White House became aware Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev had announced his intention to resume nuclear weapons testing. About three hours later Kennedy issued a response. It is doubtful the first inning at the Spokane Fairgrounds had concluded before the President responded. It is not known to me when Salinger became apprised of the situation, but it is likely his council was sought by Kennedy. This opinion is bolstered by the fact that it was the Press Secretary himself that was sent to meet with Khrushchev the following Fall, demonstrating the confidence J.F.K. had in him.

Salinger headed back to Washington D.C. on that following Monday. How much of a respite he got is debatable. But knowing the world turmoil and crises that unfolded over the next few years he probably got more than he would for a while.

In researching this article, I was reminded that some of the rhetoric, issues and promises of 6 plus decades ago are still part of our current national and international discussions. But today we have the benefit of history to help determine what is true. So, know your history!

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CONTRIBUTORS

Craig Howard, Nina Culver, Ross Schneidmiller

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Liberty Lake Athletic Club makes some changes

By Nina Culver Splash contributor

News has hit residents of Liberty Lake that the indoor pool at the Liberty Lake Athletic Club is closing, reducing pool access in a community that does not have a municipal pool.

The pool has hosted swim lessons, lap swimmers and water aerobics classes since 1999. It’s been prominently featured on the club’s website and is a main draw for some club members.

Many in the community are upset about the loss of the pool, said club owner Grant Bafus. However, it became clear this summer that the club couldn’t keep the pool open after the new Washington State Energy Code took effect in March, Bafus said.

Among other things, the code requires new levels of energy efficiency in buildings. “I knew this energy code was coming down the pipeline,” Bafus said. “It sets new rules and regulations for construction but it will trickle down to existing buildings depending on their square footage.”

Bafus said it’s been a bit of a “moving target” as to when the new rules will apply to existing buildings, though it appears to be about two years away at this point. Trying to be proactive, Bafus brought in a team of experts to go over the athletic club and test its energy efficiency and how it might be improved. It quickly became clear that the pool was the biggest energy user, even after Bafus spent $30,000 to purchase two new pool heaters three months ago.

“It’s the biggest privately owned pool in Spokane and Kootenai Counties,” he said. “It takes an enormous amount of energy to pump that water and dehumidify that air.”

The dehumidifier in the pool room is currently not working properly and would need to be replaced before colder weather

BUSINESS

begins. It would be a large expense that would likely be for nothing if the athletic club can’t pass an energy audit under the new law, Bafus said. The new law states that if a business fails an audit, they must pay a fine, plus show that they’re taking steps to reduce their energy consumption, Bafus said.

“Even if I install the latest and greatest system, I might still fail,” he said. “It takes too much energy.”

There are also other issues in running the pool. Lifeguards can be hard to find and service technicians are usually booked weeks in advance, making quick repairs nearly impossible, Bafus said. “It’s gotten worse and worse over the years,” he said. “It’s an extremely burdensome challenge to get service.”

With all that in mind, Bafus made the decision to close the pool at the end of September. It simply didn't make sense to spend a lot of money on upgrades that might not pass muster, forcing closure of the pool anyway. “We didn’t take it lightly,” he said. “I’ve been working on this for three months, trying to come up with a solution that would be a win for everyone. It’s a pure business decision and I know it’s not a popular one with a certain group and I sympathize with them.”

The city of Liberty Lake does not have a municipal pool, though there have been discussions for years about whether the city should have one. One of the arguments against a city pool has been the ready availability of the pool at the Liberty Lake Athletic Club. Liberty Lake Mayor Cris Kaminskas said she’s not sure if the closure of the club’s pool will add urgency to the city’s discussion.

“It may,” she said. “I’ve gotten emails and I know the council members have been getting calls and emails.”

As it stands, the council previously voted to spend $150,000 in 2027 on a feasibility study on a pool that would examine questions like what kind of a pool it would be and where it might go. A municipal pool was also added to the city’s unfunded projects list, she said.

“If a grant opportunity comes along, it has to be on that list,” she said. “It’s kind of a wish list.”

Bafus plans to rip out the pool and use the space to expand the area that houses the weight and cardio machines. Those are by far the most popular in the club and during peak times the current area can be quite crowded, Bafus said.

Demolition will start this fall and Bafus said he expects the work to cost him $600,000.

Bafus said he expects other pools might close as the new rules fully take effect and said he’s already heard about one that might close soon. “It’s going to be a challenge for everybody with an indoor pool, for sure,” he said.

The city is also working on a facilities plan, which includes renovating the new building purchased to house the library. “I don’t get the feeling at this time that the council will do anything until we finish that capital facilities master plan. There’s so many moving parts and it's like dominos.”

People contacting the city and the athletic club have suggested some sort of public-private partnership in operating a pool, but Bafus said he doesn’t know how that would help his current situation. “It’s not a money issue,” he said. “It’s an Energy Code issue. There’s no amount of money that could fix this problem.”

Photo by Nina Culver

Now a historical image, the pool at the Liberty Lake Athletic Club officially closed at the end of September due to changing state laws on energy efficiency.