When Cammy Presho tells people about the motivating factors behind Greater Good Northwest, a new nonprofit formed to bring businesses, government entities, churches and nonprofits together to address pressing community needs, she often hears a response that lands somewhere between astonishment and admiration.
“They say, ‘Wow, that is a huge goal but so needed,’” Presho said.
Greater Good Northwest officially took flight in January, based out of donated space at Sun City Church in Spokane Valley. It was at the church that the idea for the nonprofit began to gather momentum in early 2021 when Presho was employed at Banner Bank,
“Initially, I was just going to help with grant writing and just getting it off the ground,” Presho said.
The committee that had been discussing the concept eventually approached Presho about leading the cause. She left a successful, 21-year career in banking to become executive director.
“I’ve always had a heart of giving back,” she said. “I believe in making our community a better place.”
Greater Good Northwest’s ambitious mission statement has set the stage for Presho’s work since the start of the year: “To amplify awareness of the needs of the community and facilitate collaborative impact for the greater good.”
The open-ended challenge has come into focus for Presho in part through a schedule that includes weekly focus groups and holding court twice a week at the downtown Spokane Library where she offers guidance to existing nonprofits as well as people interested in starting new nonprofits. Greater Good Northwest, a stand-alone 501c3 nonprofit, is also connected with groups like Together Washington, the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce and Business Network International.
“I’ve always had the spirit of
collaboration,” said Presho, a Spokane Valley resident. “My logo doesn’t have to be the biggest one. I don’t have all the answers but I do know how to bring people together. We’re really trying to be that impartial third-party switchboard to connect people.”
Presho says another priority is to offer trainings to nonprofits, such as the Management Academy course recently provided to several employees at Family Promise of Spokane courtesy of Greater Good Northwest. Intended to improve the skill set for first-time managers. The program was provided free of charge to Family Promise with only a donation suggested.
“Our goal is to secure sponsorships to fund training for nonprofits,” Presho said.
Along with connecting volunteers to causes they care about, Presho is also prioritizing the pursuit of efficiencies on the nonprofit front, looking for ways to avoid duplication of services and helping those in need secure the assistance that will transform despair into hope.
As a young mother, Presho fled domestic violence with her daughter and experienced, first-hand, the importance of a safety net. She found support through therapy, a Bible study group and a women’s support group.
“I learned there is a lot of power in healing,” she said. “It was something that happened, similar to a car crash that left damage that needed to be
healed. It doesn’t define me. It taught me you can have a voice.”
As Presho rose the ladder in banking, from teller, to assistant manager, to branch manager to personal banker, she looked for ways to help those who had experienced similar trauma. She volunteered with the YWCA’s Hope and Power program and taught financial literacy to fellow survivors of domestic violence.
“I’d healed enough that I wanted to give back,” she said. “I knew what it was like for me.”
In 2012, Presho was honored with the YWCA Woman of Achievement Award for Community Involvement. That same year, she married Josh Presho. The couple have three children in their blended family.
Q: You left the security of a long career in banking to lead a nonprofit starting from scratch. What were the major factors that contributed to your decision?
A: The opportunity to make a difference and change the trajectory of the lives of those in my community was too compelling to walk away from. Giving back has always been something I was intentional about and was able to do alongside my career for many years. Joining Greater Good Northwest allows me to focus my attention on a daily basis and is truly a dream come true. I was always asked by peers and co-workers how and where they could volunteer. My first suggestion was to think about what they were passionate about and reach out to an organization. One of the main goals of Greater Good Northwest is to help our community with this very question.
Q: What’s your elevator speech for Greater Good Northwest?
A: Our goal is to amplify awareness of the needs of the community and facilitate collaborative impact for the greater good. Whether you are an individual looking for a nonprofit to serve or a nonprofit looking for support in meeting your mission, we want to be a resource for our community as we all make Spokane an amazing place to live.
Q: You are a survivor of domestic violence who has given back to causes that support those who have
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affected in similar ways.
to individuals
need for more living wage jobs and affordable housing in our community over the last several years. Is Greater Good Northwest planning to address any of those overarching needs in the course of your work?
A: First and foremost, what your life is today is not what it has to be tomorrow. You can be the one who changes it. I say that knowing the fear, control and uncertainty that is truly the battle of a domestic violence victim. I had a realization one day that no one was going to ride in on a white horse and rescue me, that if I wanted my life to exist outside of this prison and create a safe environment for my daughter, I would have to be the one to do it. I also don’t let it define who I am. It is an event that occurred in my life but I don’t give it any power over me.
Q: The Inland Northwest is often referred to as a “nonprofit hub” with hundreds of organizations addressing a wide variety of concerns. What are you and Greater Good Northwest trying to focus on in terms of helping the average person navigate this vast network?
A: Our goal is to be a place our community can come to get connected in various ways. Volunteer opportunities for individuals, grant opportunities, leadership opportunities and general resources for nonprofit organizations. We want to provide a space that makes it easy for individuals to learn about the needs of our community and how they can easily partner with organizations to bring their time, talent and resources to them. We want to eliminate the “needle in a haystack” feeling that can come when trying to find the right organization.
Q: What have you learned about the local nonprofit arena in your job as executive director that maybe you didn’t realize before?
A: The warmth of the community has been absolutely amazing, not that I expected it not to be but to experience it is such a blessing. With the number of organizations that we have in Spokane, I’ve barely scratched the surface in connecting with them and ascertaining who is doing what. One goal we have at Greater Good Northwest is to determine who is currently meeting the needs of the community and what gaps still exist that need solutions found. We will create the collaborative spaces needed to help start and continue the necessary conversations to accomplish this. We are committed to staying in these spaces until the solution is found.
Q: We’ve heard a lot about the
A: Yes, we are currently partnering with Together Washington to bring a Summit for the Common Good to Spokane in February 2023. The summit focuses on finding common ground with innovative ideas to solve our greatest challenges. While the summit lasts one day, working groups are created to stretch through the following year to tackle issues like affordable housing, homelessness and other important issues our community is facing. The leadership committee is currently meeting on a monthly basis to determine the exact topics that will be featured at the summit.
Q: What have you enjoyed most about this work so far?
A: There is nothing more rewarding than to connect two parties that are trying to make a difference in our community but weren’t aware of each other or that they could partner with each other. We have been fortunate enough ourselves to create an amazing connection with The Hutton Settlement and, as a result, connect several other individuals or organizations with them to help further the amazing work they are doing for children in our community. One example of this is a connection we made with Indaba Coffee Roasters, providing business mentorship to ensure the continued success of H.O.P.E. Coffee Roasters. This program was started in October 2020 by three ambitious Hutton students looking for a solution to everyone’s favorite drink during the midst of the COVID pandemic.
Q: Finally, what would you tell the everyday citizen who has an interest in contributing to the greater good but doesn’t necessarily know where to start?
A: Start with what you are passionate about. What drives you? What do you care about? What keeps you up at night? Whatever the answer to those questions are should start to point you in the right direction. Once you have determined this, if you are already aware of an organization that is serving a need in this area, reach out and see how your talents can contribute to their goals. If you are still in the dark, but have a heart to serve, please contact Greater Good Northwest and we can help connect you with one of the amazing organizations in Spokane that need the help of our community each and every day.
Oct 22 | HUB Drive in Move
Double Header - 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. HUB Sports Center. HUB Sports Center is taking you back to the good old days! 6.p.m. show featuring Beetlejuice and 8:30 p.m. show is Friday the 13th. $25 per movie per carload (carload = number of seatbelts in car) and is recommended to be purchased ahead of time at https://www.hubsportscenter.org/ drive-in-movies/
Oct 29 | HUB Drive in Move
Double Header - 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. HUB Sports Center. HUB Sports Center is taking you back to the good old days! 6.p.m. show featuring Coco Sponsored by Greenstone Homes and Hocus Pocus at 8:30 p.m. $25 per movie per carload (carload = number of seatbelts in car) and is recommended to be purchased ahead of time at https:// www.hubsportscenter.org/drivein-movies/
Oct 7 | Spokane Valley Arts Council Soiree – 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Centerplace Regional Event Center. Come Meet the artists with live quick finish demonstrations, auction preview, live music, hors d’oeuvres and a no host bar. Free to attend, more information can be found at spokanevalleyarts.org
Oct 8 | 13th Annual Artist Showcase and Art Auction – 5 p.m. at CenterPace Regional Event Center. An annual fundraiser for the Spokane Valley Arts Council featuring art, live music, and dinner. Tickets are $65 per person available on their website at spokanevalleyarts.org or by contacting Gail Bongiovanni at 509-
Oct 15 | Spokane Showdown Wheelchair Basketball Tournament – ParaSport Spokane and Team St. Luke’s welcome wheelchair basketball teams from Seattle, Portland, Tacoma, Boise, Salt Lake and EWU! Come and watch athletes of all ages and abilities play the super exciting sport of wheelchair basketball at the HUB Sports Center. This will be the largest Spokane Showdown ever! Free to attend, for more information see https://www. parasportspokane.org/spokaneshowdown.html
Oct 22 | Trick-Or-Trot 5k Monster Fun Run – 9 a.m. at the Pines Cemetery. Join Fairmount Memorial Association for their second annual Trick-or-Trot 5k Monster Fun Run. Costumes are not mandatory but are strongly encouraged! Age-Based Pricing: Kids 6 and Under are Free, Ages 7-16 $10, Ages 16+ $20. T-Shirts Are Available for an extra fee. All Race proceeds will be benefiting Valley Fest. Registration and more information can be found at: https:// runsignup.com/Race/WA/ Spokane/FMAMonsterDash5k
Oct 12 | Candidate Forum – 5 p.m. at Ridgeline High School. Come learn about all of the candidates asking for your vote in November. Ridgeline Students will be asking questions of each of the County Commissioner candidates but candidates for all races have been invited in an open house format to answer any questions you may have. Sponsored by The Liberty Lake Splash and Free to attend.
Oct 13 | Electric Transportation Grant Community Celebration –2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at The Hive Public Library, 2904 E Sprague Ave. Join the Spokane Regional Transportation Council (SRTC), Avista, project sponsors, and community members to celebrate a grant win that will help install electric charging stations throughout the region. Free to attend. For more information srtc. org/ev
Oct 13 | Candidate Forum – 5 p.m. at East Valley High School. Come learn about all of the candidates asking for your vote in November. East Valley Students will be asking questions of each of the State Legislature and County Sheriff Candidates but candidates for all races have been invited in an open house format to answer any questions you may have. Sponsored by The Liberty Lake Splash and Free to attend.
Oct 13 | CVSD Community Conversation – 6 p.m. at Horizon Middle School, 3915 S Pines. These events are an opportunity for twoway conversations with your School Board Directors and Superintendent John Parker in an open house format. Join us as we talk about our upcoming plans and hear your feedback about what you want to see for our students in the future as part of our upcoming five-year strategic plan. For more information visit cvsd.org/communityconversations
Oct 15 | Candidate Forum – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Valley Assembly Church, 15618 E Broadway Ave. A series of forums for candidates to share their ideas on a variety of subjects, featuring candidates for State Representative Dist. 3 & 4, Sheriff, County Auditor and Prosecuting Attorney.
Oct 27 | CVSD Community Conversation – 6 p.m. at North Pines Middle School, 11900 E Broadway. These events are an opportunity for two-way conversations with
your School Board Directors and Superintendent John Parker in an open house format. Join us as we talk about our upcoming plans and hear your feedback about what you want to see for our students in the future as part of our upcoming five-year strategic plan. For more information visit cvsd.org/ communityconversations
Spokane Valley City Council | Regular meetings held the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at Spokane Valley City Hall, 11707 E. Sprague Ave., Ste. 101. Council study sessions are held the first, third and sometimes fifth Tuesdays at 6 p.m., also in Council Chambers.
Millwood City Council | Regular meetings at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at Millwood City Hall, 9103 E. Frederick Ave.
Spokane Flag Museum | Sponsored by the Sons of the American Revolution and the Fairmount Memorial Association, details the rich history of the American flag, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Pines Cemetery, 1402 S. Pines Road, Spokane Valley. For more, call 9262753 or visit fairmountmemorial. com/south-pines-cemetery.
Spokane Valley Kiwanis | 6:45 a.m. Tuesdays via Zoom or in person, For more information contact: President Ben Wick, 509-928-2641, ben_wick@ hotmail.com. More at Spokanevalley.kiwanisone.org
Greater Spokane Valley Rotary | Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays, Darcy’s, 10502 E. Sprague Ave. More at svrotary.org.
Submit items for The Current Community Calendar by the 15th of the previous month by emailing editor@ valleycurrent.com. Priority is given to noncommercial local events open to the public.
events are an opportunity for two-way conversations with your School Board Directors and Superintendent John Parker
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With an exceptional security system and extensive camera surveillance throughout the facility, along with extra wide drive aisles, Eagle Rock wants to be your storage facility for your boat, your RV, or any of your toys. Or if you just need extra garage space at home, we have you covered. With unit sizes available from 12 x 24 up to 18 x 50, we’re sure to have what you need. And all our indoor units have electricity available and come with extra wide and high doors to accommodate all vehicle sizes. We also offer easily accessible and maneuverable outside parking. Give us a call or better yet, come visit and let us show you around.
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After giving formal notice of the Cities intent to withdraw from the regional Tourism Promotion Area (TPA), a special taxing district that levy’s a tax upon hotel room stays within its boundaries in order to promote additional tourism, back in October of2021, with the hope that a new separate TPA would be established focusing on the City of Spokane Valley Boundaries. Hoteliers from across the Spokane Valley came together and presented the City Council with a petition signed by a majority of the owner / operators of hotels in Spokane Valley requesting a Spokane Valley specific TPA be established. After a public hearing and two readings of the proposed ordinance the City Council unanimously passed the ordinance establishing a Spokane Valley Tourism Promotion Area effective January 1st the day immediately following the official withdrawal of Spokane Valley from the regional Tourism Promotion Area.
temporarily increase these patrols for the last two to three months. Chief Ellis requested that Spokane Valley also consider providing $100,000 to extend these additional patrols for another two to three months. The City Council agreed and gave consensus to allocate $100,000 of their CLFR (or COVID funding) towards this emphasis.
at the shoppers and businesses of the greater Spok ane Valley — and as a bonus we will include your gift idea as par t of our stor y listing can’t-miss local gift ideas. (Restaurants, don’t feel left out. You can contribute a tantalizing menu item to be included in our ar ticle on dining out.) Either way, submitted photos are encouraged!
“Eat, Shop and Be Merr y ” is a special cover sec tion that will be included in the December issues of both The Current and The Splash. That ’s right — be a par t of both publications for one price
Each year the City prepares an annual budget and in the 2023 budget development cycle the council will prioritize how the money in the Capital Reserve Fund 312 should be allocated. At the June 14th, 2022 budget workshop it was identified that there was $5,747,804 available in this fund after reducing the allocation set aside for the Fair and Expo Center Expansion. While numerous different ideas had been thrown out from City Hall Basement improvements (an effort to establish a locker and shower facilities in the basement for city employees use) to a street surface treatment pilot program the City Council seemed to come to consensus around allocating the funding to: $250,000 for a street surface treatment pilot program, $4,543,804 towards repairs on the City Hall Building, and leaving $950,000 unallocated depending on how the bids come back on the phase one of the Balfour Park project (anticipated in January of2023).
The Spokane Valley TPA establishes a $4 per room night tax on all hotel room stays within the boundaries of the City of Spokane Valley and is projected to generate $800,000 per year in revenue and be overseen by a Spokane Valley Hotel/ Motel Commission that will provide recommendations to the City Council on its uses.
This guide is strategically scheduled to land November 21 and 22 the Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving and Small Business Saturday
Back in August Police Chief Ellis provided an update to the City Council on their Gang Enforcement Task Force which is a regional multi-agency task force where Spokane Valley Police Department and the Spokane County Sheriffs office share four officers with that task force.
While things fluctuate, the city council is anticipating the following items during its meetings in October.
I t will be distributed in The Splash (12,000 copies delivered to ever y address in Liber ty Lake and available for free at more than 120 newsstands through Christmas) as well as The Current (27,000 copies delivered to 20,000 homes in Spok ane Valley and at more than 220 newsstands throughout the greater Spok ane Valley).
Tuesday Oct 4th: getting administrative reports on MultiFamily Residential Parking Regulations Update, Sullivan and Trent Interchange Update, Stormwater Utility Plan Update, and the City Manager’s Presentation of the 2023 Preliminary Budget.
That ’s a total of 39,000 copies of this holiday guide distributed throughout the greater Valley through our already popular monthly publications.
Tuesday Oct 11th, First reading on the proposed Property Taxes, First Reading on the Multi-Family Residential Parking Regulations, and Solid Waste Management Plan Consultant Agreement, and administrative reports on a 2022 budget amendment, and Governance Manual Revisions,
Due to the in increases in shootings across the region this task force was reorganized to focus more locally on the Spokane / Spokane Valley region and more proactive street patrols were tasked with combatting the rise in gang violence.
The increased in proactive patrols is being handled as overtime requests for the officers. Spokane County has provided an additional $100,000 in funding for the Sheriffs office to
Oct 18th will have an update on the Spokane Regional Emergency Communications (SREC).
Oct 25th will have the 2nd reading of the Property Tax Ordinance and Multi-Family Parking as well as the first reading on the 2023 Budget, and motion consideration for the Outside Agency Grant Awards and an administrative report on the Retail Strategies Annual Update and the Stormwater Utility Rates.
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FULL PAG
1/2 PAGE: $875 (normally$1440)*
at the shoppers and businesses of the greater Spok ane Valley — and as a bonus we will include your gift idea as par t of our stor y listing can’t-miss local gift ideas. (Restaurants, don’t feel left out You can contribute a tantalizing menu item to be included in our ar ticle on dining out.) Either way, submitted photos are encouraged!
still available):
“Eat, Shop and Be Merr y ” is a special cover sec tion that will be included in the December issues of both The Current and The Splash. That ’s right — be a par t of both publications for one price.
Reser ve your spot today at 509-242-7752
This guide is strategically scheduled to land November 21 and 22 the Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving and Small Business Saturday.
I t will be distributed in The Splash (12,000 copies delivered to ever y address in Liber ty Lake and available for free at more than 120 newsstands through Christmas) as well as The Current (27,000 copies delivered to 20,000 homes in Spok ane Valley and at more than 220 newsstands throughout the greater Spok ane Valley).
“Eat, Shop and Be Merry” is a community-minded project of The Splash and The Current encouraging spending holiday money.
That ’s a total of 39,000 copies of this holiday guide distributed throughout the greater Valley through our already popular monthly publications.
4.83˝w 1/4 PA (normal
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Whether it’s in the classroom, on the softball field or as a volunteer, Tayla Eliason excels. The senior at University High School maintains a 3.9 grade point average and is a member of the National Honor Society. Her Advanced Placement schedule has included Language Arts, Calculus, Research, Computer Science and more. Eliason volunteers 20 to 40 hours a year through U-Hi’s Key Club chapter and has donated time at Ronald McDonald House, making sandwiches for residents experiencing homelessness and at the Spokane Valley Library where she has sorted books for book fairs. Eliason has competed in slowpitch and fastpitch softball since her freshman year. She was part of the Titans’ Greater Spokane League slowpitch championship last year. She also plays club softball. After high school, Eliason is leaning toward pursuit of a degree in animation, computer science or graphic design.
Tre Buchanan is accustomed to overcoming challenges as a standout athlete at University High School but the passing of his mother during his sophomore year represented a different kind of adversity. Now a senior, Buchanan said his faith and being part of Titan Nation helped him cope and heal. “God and sports helped keep my mind straight,” he said.
Buchanan was the first U-Hi freshman in five years to play in a varsity football game. As a junior, Buchanan started at cornerback, receiver and punter, earning All Greater Spokane League Honorable Mention as a receiver and Second Team recognition as a punter. This season, Buchanan leads the GSL in punting at nearly 40 yards a kick. He has also participated in basketball, track, baseball and wrestling. He serves as senior class president and is part of Crimson Crew, mentoring freshmen.
From 1964 to 2005, Martin “Marty” Eberle worked behind the scenes at the Valley Herald and Spokane Valley News Herald as a linotype operator, photo compositor and layout designer. The North Dakota native has also been a humble contributor to a variety of impactful causes, including Meals on Wheels where he volunteered with his wife Sandy for 18 years and Spokane Central Lions Club where he has been a member since 2006. As a Lion, he donates time as a driver, transporting donated corneas from the hospital to the airport for transplantation. He has also contributed to club efforts to collect school supplies and recycle eyeglasses.
A U.S. Army veteran, Eberle has been part of the Hobnailers, a walking/ hiking club, since 1998. He is the proud dad of four kids. His family tree also includes seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
With the upcoming election heating up and the sea of political signs filling our streets, we at The Current 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?
This year we have also added some fun questions!
1. Where is your favorite local place to eat?
2. Most admired public servant?
3. Favorite hobby/ activity?
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.
This year you can register to vote even on election day by going to CenterPlace in Spokane Valley.
Thanks for reading
The Current, we hope you enjoy it!
P.S. If you have any feedback on how we can enhance the voter’s guide or if you found it valuable please let us know by emailing us at elections@ libertylakesplash.com or by calling our office at 509-242-7752
Tiffany SmileyWild Sage
Cathy McMorris RodgersHay J’s Bistro
Natasha HillCascadia Public House
Julie AndersonEast-West Café
Ted CummingsHay J’s Bistro
Suzanne SchmidtThe Max at Mirabeau
Leonard ChristianCafé Rio
Josh KernsThe Backyard
Wild Bill SchreinerGolden Corral
Mary KuneyTrailbreaker Cider
Paul Brian Noble - Vaqueros
Mexican Restaurant & Taqueria
Tom KonisHome
Vicky DaltonBBQ in my back yard
Bob McCaslinApplebee’s
Tim FitzgeraldFirst Street Bar & Grille
Larry HaskellOutback
John NowelsPryor’s
Wade NelsonBrownes Bistro
Jenny ZapponeSteamplant
Deanna CrullRincon Tapitio
Andrew BivianoRon’s
to advocate for veterans, hydropower, reducing the tax burden, supporting law enforcement, and rural communities across Eastern Washington. My mission is to restore trust and confidence in representative government.
I am proud to run on my record of delivering results for you and your families. I’ve had a productive two years, getting things done for the people of Eastern Washington. I have cosponsored 23 bills that have passed the House, seven of which have been signed into law. I am committed to continuing
What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?
I am committed to prioritizing real solutions to win the future and restore hope in the American Dream.
From rural broadband expansion, to flipping the switch on American energy here at home, I believe in an all-of-theabove strategy. Families across Eastern Washington are feeling the pain of the
Biden administration and one-party-rule. Inflation has hit a 40-year high, and prices have risen across the board – everywhere from the gas pump to the grocery store. We need to balance the budget, remove burdensome regulations, unleash American energy to bring down gas prices, and stop out of control government spending to reduce costs for families in Eastern Washington. It’s time for Congress to start working for the people and reverse the damage the Biden administration’s supply chain and inflation crisis has caused, so families can afford to put food on the table. The American people are counting on us.
I have been an advocate for over 15 years as a civil litigation attorney, primarily representing plaintiffs against Fortune 500 companies and Insurance companies. I know how to work hard, strategize and when to compromise to get the best result. I also bring a unique perspective as a mixed race black woman who is a fourth generation eastern Washingtonians from Spokane’s Hillyard neighborhood. My four siblings and I were raised by our Mom and Grandma, and three of us still live here and are raising our kids here. I am deeply invested in making sure we have a safer and healthier community to raise our children and better pathways for them to pursue their dreams.
That is why I am actively organizing in my community
for change and have wound down my practice to run for office against CMR. After serving on Spokane County’s Redistricting committee and drawing 5 new districts, I also know we have an opportunity to turn out the Democratic vote this mid term in the largest county in our district and get Democrats elected up and down the ballot. We need to capitalize on this momentum now.
What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?
The most important issue is strengthening unions and labor protections. Every issue that’s on the table is a labor issue, from inflation, farming, the environment, racial equity, criminal justice reform, police accountability, child care, and reproductive rights. If people are not protected and have the resources and protections necessary to live, work and thrive, our labor force is
destabilized and our economy suffers. To make communities healthier and stronger, we need collective action and that is what Unions can provide by educating and training our workforce to organize and leverage their value as bargaining power. We also need to ensure equity within the Unions to make sure that women, BI-POC, and LGBTQAI2+ communities are not discriminated against within these system.
taken over by extremists who seek to move us into a fascist and authoritarian controlled nation.
What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?
I grew up on a farm in rural Washington, where I learned the value of hard work at a young age. Growing up, I always dreamed of becoming a nurse so I could help other families in my community. After I graduated from Whitworth College, I realized my dream of becoming a nurse and later married my high school sweetheart Scotty Smiley. At the time, it seemed like I had achieved the American Dream. But that dream shattered in 2005 when I learned that my husband had been blinded by a suicide car bomber while serving in Iraq.
I immediately flew to Walter Reed Army Medical Center to be by Scott’s side. Much to my surprise, I had to stand up to the federal government and fight for Scotty, his dreams and the care he had earned. My experience with the military bureaucracy highlighted the challenges facing so many other service members and their families. That’s when I began my fight -- not only for my husband -- but for all veterans in America.
I took on the federal government – and I won. Not only did I make sure Scotty received the care that he needed, but I fought the VA to ensure my husband could one day serve our country in uniform again. Scotty later became America’s first blind activeduty Army officer, breaking barriers for many who followed along the way.
What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?
I’m now running for the U.S. Senate because Washington state needs someone who will fight for them in Washington, D.C. – and that’s exactly what I’ll do. I will draw on my life’s experiences to build coalitions and work for policies that improve public safety and protect Washington families, combat spiraling gas prices and the inflation that’s hurting the middle class, and address the homeless crisis plaguing our communities.
We have an important election this year, one that could decide the fate of our democratic way of life, if that sounds, silly and dramatic, I would say that is exactly why I am running. I announced my campaign by saying that I was running against a Republican party that I viewed as a terrorist organization and a hate group; I left out my view that the party has been
Here just days before this midterm election and after many heated discussions, I am more convinced than ever that the Republican party, under the control of selfserving fanatics, is a clear and present danger to our nation. I have taken to wearing a shirt with the picture of August Landmesser, standing against propaganda and lies, as the inspiration for my campaign as State Representative. In the book “Night” by Elie Wiesel he details the fate of his family and village because they refuse to believe or “see” the impending danger, even
when the threat literally came to dinner. The picture of defiance in the face of hateful nationalism and the story shared in the book “Night” is not fake news or propaganda, and it isn’t history, it is only yesterday and if we do not vote Democratic this election, hate and violence can be our tomorrow. We must work to rebuild trust in each other, in our institutions and to support education and science. We must confront those who seek to divide with misinformation and unAmerican personal agendas. August and Elie’s family were consumed by lies that stoked hate and nationalism but we can choose to keep our rights and freedoms, we can secure them by protecting our political process and vote Democratic.
My name is Suzanne Schmidt and I have lived in the 4th Legislative District for 25 years. My children and now grandchildren have attended schools in the Central Valley School District.
As the daughter of a small business owner, I know how hard it is to start a business and stay in business. Having recently retired as the President/CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors, I have dedicated my career to representing businesses and their employees. Having worked with nearly every state 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.
What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?
While inflation is on the rise and driving the cost of everything 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. I will work to reduce taxes by reversing legislation that has been passed in the last two years.
We all deserve to feel safe in our homes and neighborhoods. I support our law enforcement officers and will fight to bring accountability back to our justice system in order to keep our community safe. In Olympia, I will focus on restoring Public Safety by reversing legislation that limits if not eliminates our law enforcement officers from doing their jobs I will
Suzanne Schmidt Candidatecontinue to collaborate with community partners in supporting businesses and their employees with economic development that creates good paying jobs. I support projects such as the “Bridging the Valley” grade separation projects, the expansion of the HUB Sports Center and the Performing Arts Center. I will draw from my experience with workforce development and apprenticeship training to create good paying jobs for the 4th District.
I am a lifelong resident of Spokane County and a small business owner. I am committed to making this the best place to live, work, and raise a family.
and supporting our law enforcement to promote public safety.
What best qualifies you for the position?
I have served the people of Spokane County as Commissioner for six years and have worked to protect and grow jobs, have never voted to raise property taxes, have promoted transparency in government, and have prioritized public safety.
I previously worked for the Washington State House of Representatives and have utilized my relationships and knowledge of the legislative process to benefit the people of Spokane County.
What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?
We must continue to focus on strong economic growth across all sectors
I am proud to have been a part of creating two Public Development Authorities dedicated to economic development. These PDA’s have created thousands of new jobs in our County.
This year alone, as your County Commissioner, I supported a budget to fund 19 new Sheriff deputy positions to enhance public safety in our community. We all deserve to live in safe neighborhoods, free of crime.
What best qualifies you for this position?
In addition to overseeing state and local elections, the Secretary of State registers private corporations and collects, preserves, and makes available the historical records of the state.
This is a technical job that requires professional administration and expertise. I’ve conducted hundreds of elections and have over 12 years of experience managing documents and registering businesses. As Pierce County’s Auditor, I’ve led a nationally recognized, award-winning office that has increased voter access, enhanced election security, and improved auditing procedures. I hold national and state certifications in election administration and am a state-certified public records officer.
What best qualifies you for this position?
I have worked for three different counties. Started 3 different business, Created business standards that exceeded customer base standards, Created budgets that were reality and exceeded expectations with team members!!
What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?
Decaying Roads, represent the people of District #3 and what they want accomplished. Be on the job and available 24/7,Get public works in order, Example: Get all school bus routes plowed before busses arrive!!!
I offer deep, practical experience without political strings attached. It’s important that the next Secretary of State not be affiliated with a political party or have their campaign financed by a political party. It doesn’t make any sense for the umpire at home plate to also be a player for one of the teams! That’s why I’m running as a nonpartisan and always have. My commitment is to safeguard elections, not partisan interests.
My campaign is supported by current and former election administrators from across the state, as well as former state officials. They understand the Office of the Secretary of State the best. They trust me to do the work with the highest integrity and skill.
What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?
My top priority is election oversight. We have a trustworthy democracy when every voter feels welcomed, knows how to participate and can do so easily, and believes that the system is fair and secure. My focus is creating this culture and supporting / enforcing laws that support the vision. I will need the help of student leaders and young voters to accomplish this.
While Washington’s elections serve most voters extremely well, I will also focus on increased voter engagement.
Ozzie Knezovich, Spokane County Sheriff
John Nowels, candidate for Spokane County Sheriff
Spokane Valley Firefighters, Local 876 District 8 Firefighters, Local 3711
Shelly O’Quinn, former Spokane County Commissioner
Mark Schoesler, 9th District Senator
Jeff Holy, 6th District Senator
Mike Volz, 6th District Representative
Jacquelin Maycumber, 7th District Representative
Tim Fitzgerald, Spokane County Clerk
Michael Baumgartner, Spokane County Treasurer
Tom Konis, Spokane County Assessor
Nadine Woodward, Mayor of City of Spokane
Pam Haley, Mayor of City of Spokane Valley
Cris Kaminskas, Mayor of Liberty Lake
Kevin Freeman, Mayor of Millwood
Carrie Roecks, Mayor of Rockford
Jamie Paden, Mayor of Fairfield
Ben Wick, Spokane Valley City Council and former Mayor Brandi Peetz, Spokane Valley City Council
Tom Sahlberg, Liberty Lake City Council
Steve Peterson, former Mayor of Liberty Lake KayDee Gilkey, former Mayor of Fairfield
Sam Reed, former Washington Secretary of State Dan Hansen, West Valley School District Board Member Debbie Long, Central Valley School District Board Member
Michael Cannon, Mead School District Board Member
Marianne Nichols, Pend Oreille County Auditor
Heidi Hunt, Adams County Auditor
Spokane County GOP
Mainstream Republicans of Washington Republicans of Spokane County
Inland Northwest Associated General Contractors Associated General Contractors of Washington
Inland Pacific Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors
Washington State Farm Bureau PAC Spokane Association of REALTORS
Spokane Home Builders Association
Avista
Frank Gurney Inc.
Central Pre-Mix
Max J. Kuney Co.
Spokane County Public Works Department, Local 1135 Laborers, Local 238
IBEW, Local 77
Individual endorsements:
Daniel Alsaker
Barry Baker
Lee & Barb Boling
Dwight Calkins
Vicki Carter
Kristine Chase
Dave Clack
Cory Condron
William Dinneen
Pat & Kathleen Dix
Richard Edwards William Fanning
Tracy Fitzgerald
Cheryl & Hap Gotzian
Clyde Haase
Bill Hughbanks
Paul & Lissa Humphreys
Jack Kestell
William Keyes
Patrick Killien
Wendy Knopp
Shelly Kuney
Dan and Sarah Kuney
Bob & Sarah Martin
Sarah McMorris
Todd Mielke
Earl Moore
Bud Morrison
Brenda Nelson
Sonya & David Olson
Perry Paden
Jack Pring
Catherine Reynolds
Monte & Laura Roth
Lori and Ben Sawyer
Suzanne Schmidt
Stephanie Simpkins
OZZIEPeter Stanton Carl Stewart
Thomas Stewart
Steve Sunleaf
Steve Twiggs
Valerie and Tod Whitman
Robert West
Scott Wetzel
Rick & Diana Wilhite
Steven Wulf
Steve Yoshihara
And many more!
office, accelerated construction of new recreational trail heads, and implemented electronic permitting. I’m a CPA with a successful career in the private sector before serving as a Washington State Auditor. I was in-charge of the Spokane County audit for two years, ensuring the County complied with all laws and regulations.
departments, improving efficiency, and promoting collaboration to make your government work better for you. With your support, we can continue to build our community for the future.
What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?
What best qualifies you for this position?
It’s an honor to serve as your County Commissioner. I ask for your vote, so I may continue to work collaboratively to address the issues facing our County. I have a proven track record of providing fiscally responsible solutions that protect the public, grow our economy, and maintain our infrastructure. As your County Commissioner, I’ve increased the road maintenance budget, fully funded the Sheriff’s
I’m a national Civic Leader for the Air Force, advocating for Fairchild and the Survival School. I’ve been volunteering in this community for over 30 years, helping the youth of Spokane. This includes Hutton
Settlement, Boys and Girls Club, Boy Scouts, Junior League, and HUB Sports Center. All these organizations provide opportunities for kids and teach them to be valuable members of our community.
As your County Commissioner I’ve been breaking down silos between
Public safety must be our top priority, as it is approximately 70% of the County budget including the sheriff, courts, clerk, jail, etc. If we have a safe community, people will want to live here, companies will want to locate and grow here. This will lead to a stronger economy and good paying jobs. I’m endorsed by Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich, as the only person in this race he trusts to protect our community. I’m also endorsed by the Spokane Valley Firefighters and Fire District 8.
Leg Dist.What best qualifies you for this position?
I love my family, my community, and my country. I have been married to the love of my life for 25 years. I have raised four awesome kids, and now I have one grandchild.
I have twenty-five years of leadership experience and community involvement and have achieved a master’s degree in leadership from Northwest University. I am a Peacemaker Fellow (Certified Mediator) and the CEO of Peacemaker Ministries. Over eight years, I have overseen, managed, and developed million-dollarplus church budgets and worked collaboratively to solve problems and bring people together around the world.
What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?
I am a principled-based leader that does not sway to
the latest emotional soundbite of the media. When principles are the foundation of a leader, it transforms the way they lead. Three principles I hold too.
Servant Leadership - Humble but Courageous
Separated PowersRepresenting the interest of the people.
Individual Freedom – “We the People” know what is best.
• Taxes are the people’s money, not the county commissioner’s money. I will work toward lowering property taxes. I will work toward reducing property taxes and capping property taxes for senior citizens.
• The primary role of government is safety and equal justice. I will lead toward reducing lawlessness and homelessness. I am for building a new county jail, funding the sheriff’s department, and funding the judicial system so that the laws can be enforced.
I’m the best qualified to be your State Representative because I know how to work together, stay focused and get things done! I grew up here in Spokane and graduated from Ferris in 1984. I married my high school sweetheart 9 days after graduation and joined the Air Force 2 weeks later. My 21 years of service in the military taught me how to work with people from all over the world to accomplish the mission of keeping America safe. As a former Washington State Representative, I accomplished more in 2 months than my opponent has in 2 years. I did not waste my time and your tax money on bills that would divide us because we have serious issues. As a legislator in 2014, I was able to work with both sides to pass a bill that protects citizens personal information, was on 5 committees, worked on both the capital and general budgets and wrote legislation focused on election transparency.
What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?
• I am for freedom. If elected, I will be a voice for the people to ensure that the government is not overreaching your rights as a US citizen.
• I am for small businesses. I will ensure that small businesses do not just survive but thrive in our economy. I will do this by limiting the government. Business owners know what is best for the people they serve and don’t need the government telling them how to do their job.
As a small business owner, I understand the impacts government regulations and over reach have on our ability to succeed and stay in business. As a husband and father, I understand the impacts inflation and higher taxes are having on our families. And as a citizen, I understand the importance of fully supporting our law enforcement and first responders to keep our community safe. As your representative I will work hard to remove government waste to lower your taxes and protect your rights. Please visit my website www. LeonardChristian.com to find out more and feel free to call, text or email me with your concerns and questions.
Tiffany SmileyMother Teresa Cathy McMorris RodgersAbraham Lincoln
Natasha HillSandy Williams
Julie Anderson - The unsung heroes and heroines
Ted CummingsLincoln
Suzanne SchmidtRonald Reagan
Leonard ChristianPresident Abraham Lincoln
Josh KernsRonald Reagan
Wild Bill SchreinerKent Pullan
Mary KuneyAbraham Lincoln
Paul Brian NobleJesus
Tom KonisJFK Vicky DaltonCecil Andrus
Bob McCaslin - my Father, State Senator Bob McCaslin
Tim FitzgeraldGeneral Joseph Dunford
Larry HaskellJustice Scalia
John NowelsJohn W. Gardner
Wade NelsonGeorge Washington
Jenny ZapponePresident Abraham Lincoln Deanna CrullMay Arkwright Hutton Andrew BivianoAbraham Lincoln
When I was first elected in 1998, I had already spent 10 years as an internal auditor for Spokane County developing efficient processes while following the laws of the state. As a Certified Public Accountant, I took naturally to the tasks of the Auditor’s Office. This includes managing the accounting of the County
as well as maintaining voter registration rolls, securing ballots and counting your votes accurately. As Auditor, I also ensure that the ownership records of your real property and your vehicles are protected and preserved. To further hone my skills, I earned the credentials of Certified Government Finance Manager and Certified Election Administrator.
Since the beginning, I have worked to streamline and automate the processing and record keeping my office is entrusted with by statute. Access to public records has never been easier because we moved from paper to electronic processing in many areas of the Auditor’s office.
Growing up in a small
community, I learned how important it is to help each other, and that experience drew me into to public service. I am here to help every person in Spokane County.
What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?
Unfounded, unsupported allegations of stolen elections are undermining the public’s trust in the backbone of our democracy - our vote. Our voting systems have never been more secure, from registration to ballot counting. You can absolutely trust that your vote is counted accurately and in the way you intended.
What best qualifies you for this position?
It has been my honor to serve our community in the Washington State Legislature for 8 years. Now, I decided to leave the legislature so that I may run to be your County Auditor because now more than ever before we need leadership and transparency in our election process. As an elected public servant, I understand that I answer to the people of Washington State and the Spokane County community. I will bring that same level of public service to the auditor’s office.
What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?
One of our most precious rights as citizens of the United States is our right to vote. The right to vote is the citizens’ voice. In Washington State
Library
23123 E Mission Ave
the auditor’s office is tasked with protecting this right. We must ensure we have working security cameras to monitor this process, proper chain of custody of ballots, and actively keep the voter rolls accurate. As your County Auditor, I will make sure it’s easy to vote but hard to cheat in Spokane County. Election security protects everyone, regardless of party and I am committed to ensuring every voice, regardless of party, is heard.
Liberty Lake, WA 99019
Otis Orchards Library
22324 E Wellesley Ave
Otis Orchards, WA 99027
Spokane Valley Library
12004 E Main Ave
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
Argonne Library
4322 N Argonne Rd
Spokane, WA 99212
Bruce Bannister Hollis Barnett Derek Baziotis LaVerne & Kent Biel Erin Bishop Bruce Bourgeous Nadine Burgess Ingle Buttitta Kim & Scott Chaffin Tanner & Jordan Chaffin Leonard Christian Kent Clausen Sarah Cottam Jim DeWalt Maggie Di Mauro
Anthony Di Mauro Carol Dikes Lynette Filler Tracy Fitzgerald Sue Fogle Mark Fortune Keely Friesen Jeff Gallagher Matt Galvano Carolyn George Ashley Gorman Bill Gothman Dean Grafos Jon Gross Kathleen Helm Gordon Hester
Dean Haagenson
Joshia Hoch Dan Houk Bill Hughbanks Gayle Jaqueth Laurie Kendall Scott Keno Dayne Kuhlman Max Kuney Larry & Christie Lambeth Arin LaMountain Glen Larson Kristil Lenhart Debra Long Kelly Lotze
Spokane Co Commissioner Mary Kuney
Spokane Co Commissioner Josh Kerns Spokane Co Commissioner Al French Spokane Co Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich Spokane Co Clerk Tim Fitzgerald Spokane Co Treasurer Michael Baumgartner Spokane Co Assessor Tom Konis
State Senator Jeff Holy State Representative Mike Volz Liberty Lake Mayor Cris Kaminskas
Liberty Lake Councilman Chris Cargill Millwood Mayor Kevin Freeman Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward Spokane Valley Mayor Pam Haley Spokane Valley Councilwoman Brandi Peetz Spokane Valley Councilman Ben Wick
Associated General Contractors Inland Northwest Associated Builders and Contractors Spokane Home Builders Association
Dave Lucas David Lucke Mitchell & Frances Lykins John & Denise Mandere Kate McCaslin Brenda McKinley Bob McKinley Dana McKinley Jeff McMorris Sam & Kathy Millard Shane Miller Deb Moody Corrine Moore Earleen Moore John Morris Neil Muller
Jan Munson
Scotty Nicol Wendy Novak Shawna & John Nowels Peggy Paullin Kelli Pearson Steve Peterson Kim Plese Bonnie Quinn Jerry Quinn Will Rasavage Sheryl Rassmusson Candice Richardson Anne Rorholm
Pat & Mary Savage Vicki Sellers Ray Skelton Karen Skoog
John Smaligo
Brad Stark Steve Sunleaf William Sweigert Adrienne Torre Bill Vaughn Jim Waldo Dana Weary James Welsh Chud Wendle Bob West
Tyson West Tracie Wetzel Scott Wetzel Rick & Diana Wilhite Melissa Williams Frances Wills Steve Wulf
Paid for by Suzanne Schmidt for State Representative, R 9116 E Sprague Ave #470 Spokane Valley, WA 99206
Finance Committee - I worked with Rep. Mike Volz to eliminate the usurious late penalties on on property tax. Previously we had worked together successfully in the Spokane Country Treasurer’s Office to allow partial payments of any amount at any time. Coupled with HB 1410 sponsored by Rep. Volz which passed unanimously we culminated a ten year effort to help distressed tax payers.
Community and Economic Development Committee - As Assistant Ranking member we made long strides to get broadband internet out to rural areas of Washington State for work, school, and healthcare.
Children, Youth, Family - As Assistant Ranking member overseeing Juvenile Justice, Foster Care, and Early Learning we worked to help youth to overcome present day challenges while endeavoring to maintain fiscal responsibility to tax payers.
and statutes that dictate the work that the office does. In addition to valuing properties for tax purposes our office also manages the exemption programs, creating parcels that are segregated and processing the personal property program.
electronic site plans on their new construction.
Using the plans, we can pre-sketch improvements before visiting properties giving us correct data and again being able to complete more parcels in a day’s work.
I am Tom Konis your County Assessor. I became the Assessor in 2019 however I have worked in the office for over 29 years. Before becoming Assessor, I was a certified appraiser for our office. I valued both houses and commercial properties.
I have a full working knowledge of all aspects of the Assessor’s office. There are over 300 laws
Since becoming Assessor, I have worked very hard at improving our office by adding modern technology to improve the work we do for Spokane Counties taxpayers. We purchased a program and tablets that allows our appraisers to do most of their work directly in front of a property instead of in the office. This has allowed us to not only complete more parcels in a day but to also spend more time at each property to ensure that we have all the information needed to arrive at a correct value for each parcel. We have worked with most of the municipalities to now receive
I have been the County Clerk for over eight years. I promised the constituents of Spokane County I would fully modernize my office to streamline all the processes and provide substantial cost savings. To date, the Clerks Office has implemented: debit and credit card transaction capability; barcode scanning for filed documents; electronic templated forms; automated all Protection Orders to Police Records Department; replaced the 40-year-old case management system with a new modern version; digitized all of our paper legal files back to 1878; implemented a complete electronic filing system that handles all eight Court case types. These innovations have made my office one of the most modern in the state.
I manage the second Bysiest
office in the County government and run the day-to-day County legal system. We average 41,000 plus filed legal documents a month. My office serves 10,500 customers a month. I have management, leadership, and fiscal experience to run an office this dynamic and complex. My record over the past eight years demonstrates my ability.
What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?
The most important issue is access to Justice. Everyone has a fundamental right to access our legal system. There are five constitutional amendments in the Bill of Rights outlining our legal rights. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a vast majority of agencies closed their doors to public service. However, The Clerk’s Office did not close. We remained open through the entire Pandemic providing services with multiple options such as: drop boxes with
I have been married to my wife Kathy for 44 years. We have 4 daughters and 10 grandchildren with another due in February. We have been property owners in the county since 1979. We currently live in the Valley Springs neighborhood overlooking Spokane Valley. Prior to becoming Assessor, I officiated high school and Division 1 volleyball.
Even though I am running unopposed I would appreciate your vote.
Tim Fitzgerald Incumbant
electronic stamps; electronic submissions; Ex Parte mail; remote hearings and in-person service.
Furthermore, our new electronic filing system has made it very easy for the public to file legal documents remotely. This has eliminated the need to take precious time off work, find and pay for parking, and enter the courthouse in person. My priority in the Clerk’s Office is to ensure access to justice for all.
Larry Haskell Incumbant
I am best qualified for this position because I have been the elected prosecutor for the last 8 years and I am most familiar with all the issue’s confronting our criminal justice system and have established the relationships that will facilitate the changes that need to be made as we move forward. I also have been in prosecution for the last 21 years and know prosecution inside and out.
What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?
The most important issue that must be addressed is the rise in crime in our communities and to work with the legislature and law enforcement to establish both treatment and penalties for offenders and achieve victim justice.
What best qualifies you for this position?
The most important issue we face in Spokane County right now is rising violent and property crimes rates. The Sheriff’s Office employs the most advanced crime fighting techniques to identify those committing crime and take them into custody. We must continue to innovate using new technology and adding manpower. However, the biggest driver of rising crime rates in Spokane County is
bad public policy set by the State Legislature for the last ten to fifteen years.
Police reform legislation passed in the last two years accelerated these crime rates unnecessarily.
I will work with legislators and other elected officials, lending my professional expertise on law enforcement matters, to correct bad public safety legislation. We must hold offenders accountable beyond arrest and support the entire criminal justice system to have lasting effect on public safety.
What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?
I am qualified to be the Spokane County Sheriff through my education and proven experience. I have a B.A. in Criminal Justice, a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, and demonstrated leadership experience of other law enforcement personnel at
every rank and every division of the Sheriff’s Office. I have a proven track record of holding personnel to the highest professional standards in both performance and conduct. I have also demonstrated the ability to transform the work done by the Sheriff’s Office and implement innovative technology and techniques.
I understand the challenges facing the Sheriff’s Office and Spokane County and have the proven skills, knowledge, and ability to conquer them.
In addition to my education and experience I’ve had unique experiences, both professionally and personally, that lead me to believe in the potential of every individual.
I believe in developing others and that anyone can succeed at whatever they set their mind to.
I value hard work and expect it from everyone tasked with providing public safety.
Spokane Valley since 1985
I have spent my whole adult life basically in service to our country and our community. I honorably served six years in U.S. Navy as an intelligence Specialist becoming the division supervisor. I then served over 20 years with our local Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. While at the Sheriff’s Office I have worked Patrol Division, Marine Patrol, Civil Division, and as a Sexual Assault Unit detective. I also took on many specialty positions within our department that included the Emergency Operations (Dive) Team Leader/ trainer, Search & Rescue Coordinator, Defensive Tactics lead Instructor, Patrol Procedures instructor, Incident Command
Systems operations lead/ instructor, Tactical Team, and the Women’s Self-Defense lead instructor. I have real leadership experience both when I served in the U.S. Navy and the Sheriff’s Office. I will work tirelessly as your Sheriff to protect your Constitutional rights as an individual and make Spokane County a safe place to live and work for you and your families.
What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?
There are several issued that we are facing as a community, and I am going to work to try and tackle every issue. But most of our problems that affect the citizens of Spokane County stem from one major issue and that is extremely low staffing levels within the Sheriff’s Office. We are one of the lowest in the nation at .7
Wade Nelson Challengerdeputies to 1000 citizens with the national average being about 2.2 Deputies to 1000. It sends a ripple through everything we do, and the community is seeing the results with the rising crime, long response times when they call, and Homelessness not getting addressed within our community. If this issue is not corrected, we will not be able to provide the services our community needs and deserves.
extremely knowledgeable. These qualities have earned me the support of every judge I have worked alongside, as well as many others.
What best qualifies you for this position?
Years of experience is just one qualification which sets me apart as a candidate for the position of Spokane County District Court Judge, Position #6. I have served on this bench as a pro tem or fill-in judge in for the last 3 years, and as a court commissioner in Airway Heights for the last year-and-ahalf.
On the bench I have demonstrated that I am efficient, unbiased, and
Beyond experience, I bring a demeanor of transparency to the bench that allows the people before me to understand what I am doing and why. A District Court Judge should ensure there is access to justice, they should recognize community concerns, and operate within the restrictions of the law.
My desire to serve the Spokane community goes beyond just the role of judge. I am involved in working to improve our system. I volunteer and serve on committees comprised of judges from across the state.
These committees discuss the need for public outreach from the bench and effective therapeutic courts.
I bring over 20 years of
practical experience to the bench. As an attorney, I worked inside these very courtrooms as a prosecutor and a defense attorney for both private and indigent individuals. I have worked with minorities and victims of domestic violence. I understand the struggles and concerns they face when it comes to navigating the legal process.
What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?
At the end of the day, the most important issue is community safety. It is a factor in every decision I make. Spokane County deserves someone qualified, experienced, and who makes community safety their number one priority. This is why I am running for Spokane County District Court Position #6.
What best qualifies you for this position?
The most important issue in this election is public safety. I am running for district court judge because I believe our courts can do more to keep us safe.
I grew up in Spokane Valley and graduated from Gonzaga University School of Law at the top of my class. I have served our community as a prosecutor, civil rights attorney, and district court judge pro tem. Equally important, I have served as a mental health case manager and counselor.
As a case manager, I worked hands-on to help hundreds of children and adults in desperate circumstances heal, grow, and change their lives. This is the precise goal of district court, especially its diversion courts: break
cycles of criminal behavior and prevent crime. My firsthand experience in doing this will be invaluable.
As an Assistant United States Attorney, I learned firsthand how important it is to hold people accountable when they break the law, and to provide restitution to victims. I handled both civil and criminal cases and was proud to represent the United States. I understand that public safety requires consequences when the law is broken.
What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?
In my current work as a civil rights attorney, I defend our constitutional rights and ensure equal treatment under the law. I protect all of us from overreaching government, predatory businesses, and illegal employment actions. I
Andrew Biviano CandidateWhat best qualifies you for this position?
I was born and raised in Spokane. My husband and I are proud to raise our three children here. My deep roots and love for this community energize my ongoing commitment to public service. I have served this community as a prosecutor for over a decade and believe that a city is only as safe as its most vulnerable citizen. I have dedicated my career to holding criminal offenders accountable and getting justice for the crime victims of Spokane. My legal experience encompasses every aspect of our criminal justice system. I have litigated all levels of criminal offenses, from low level offense to the most violent crimes our community faces. I have spent considerable time working with those suffering from behavioral and substance abuse disorders and charted pathways to success through the available resources.
will bring this same sense of duty to the bench.
This background and experience have uniquely prepared me to perform the central responsibilities of a judge: (1) defend our civil rights; (2) protect our community; and (3) break the cycle of repeat offenders continuing to victimize people. It would be a true honor to be chosen to serve you as a district court judge. I am confident I would serve you well.
Judges have the difficult, but necessary task of weighing personal accountability, rehabilitation, and the safety of the community when determining an appropriate and fair sentence. A judge must balance each of these interests while diligently following the law. I was recently evaluated by the Spokane County Bar Association Judicial Panel and was rated “exceptionally well qualified” which is the highest possible rating for this position. My experience, commitment, and extensive research on issues facing our community make me the best candidate.
What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?
Courts are often viewed as a revolving door of the same people, committing the same crimes, and getting the same treatment as before. That should not be the case. The issues affecting our community revolve around behavioral health disorders, illicit drug trade, and an increase in violent crime. We need to address these issues head on. That is exactly what I will do as a judge by enforcing the laws we have on the books and utilizing the tools available to us in the community.
Tiffany Smiley - family, reading and finding solutions
Cathy McMorris Rodgersspending time with family
Natasha Hill - Reading and spending time with my kids
Julie AndersonArt
Ted CummingsRiding
Suzanne Schmidtanything outdoors
Leonard Christianflying
Josh KernsWoodworking
Wild Bill Schreiner - Land scaping and maintenance
Mary KuneyTravel
Paul Brian Noble -
Target Shooting
Tom KonisAntiquing
Vicky DaltonWeaving
Bob McCaslinGolf
Tim FitzgeraldFlying airplanes
Larry HaskellChief’s hockey
John NowelsFly Fishing
Wade NelsonMartial Arts
Jenny ZapponeDownhill Skiing Deanna CrullSwimming
Andrew BivianoUltimate Frisbee
East Valley has seen a number of changes in the last few years, including the more recent safety and security upgrades approved by the voters back in Feb. 2020 that redesigned the main entrances and bus loading / unloading areas at many of the districts schools. However, that funding was a two year levy which is set to expire at the end of 2022.
Brian Talbott, Superintendent of East Valley School District, in his second year with the district, said “Ideally we would have been able to talk with the community more before putting together a levy request, but there are some needs that require our attention now.”
The district has put forward a request on the November ballot to replace or extend the current safety, security, and infrastructure levy for another four years. “While property assessments have gone up significantly this renewal will lower the rate while collecting the same amount of money each year as was approved in the previous levy request” explained
Talbott.
The proposed levy is set to collect $4,255,000 in 2023 then escalate up to $4,924,000 in its final year in 2026 which is a rate of $0.75 per $1,000 assessed value.
Projects included in the levy request continue the previous goals focusing on Safety, Security, and Infrastructure improvements.
According to district, records show most of the school buildings are reaching or passing the 30 year mark.
“When you think about schools like Trentwood Elementary which was last modernized in 1988, while we have a great maintenance staff who have been maintaining them, their core systems and infrastructure such as HVAC units and roofing materials are reaching the end of their expected life.” said Talbott.
“We have been doing the maintenance however we are having increased need for repairs that are now impacting our learning environment. Entire classes have to be displaced out of classrooms to allow for the repairs to be made. This will allow us to proactively replace the equipment in order to reduce the impact on the learning environments.”
What about changes in technology or standards for
building practices, isn’t there a fairly big difference between a building built in the late 1980’s or early 1990’s and today?
There is, said Talbott who continued with an example “Throughout the pandemic the state and local health districts provided recommended air handling standards to provide the safest learning environment for our students and staff and our current HVAC systems struggled to meet these standards.”
According to school district budgets, approximately 85% of the districts funding is attributed to personnel costs leaving little money for facilities within the existing budget.
In addition to the levy request on the upcoming November election, according to Superintendent Talbott, the school district will be launching strategic planning efforts to ask “What are our short term and long term goals for our school system, facilities, and community as a whole?” If anyone from the community is interested in participating in the strategic planning activities look for upcoming district newsletters or contact the district at talbottb@evsd.org
Dave Aldrich
Jane Aldrich
Mark Anthony
Jana Beal
Jessica Bellus
Rick Bye
Tanya Bye
MJ Bolt
Paul Carlisle
Tammy Carlisle
Andrea Clark
Chris Clark
Kathy Cornwall
Ivan Dach
Lyle Dach
Teresa Dach
Kim DeLisle
Don Dederick
Lori Dedrick
Shannon Eaglin
Jen Fillis
Lloyd Fillis
Faye Finke
Jim Finke
Allison Figart
Craig Figart
Yvonne Fredrick
Dave Hatten
Robin Hatten
Matt Hawkins
Kevin Helt
Gina Howerton
Corinne Hunt
David Hunt
Jim Jensen
Josh Jensen
Emily Jensen
Renee Jensen
Chuck Kienholz
Sandy Kienholz
Tim Kinley
Ericka Lalka
Erik Larson
Allison Larson
Alica Lasko
Barb Leshae
Mike Mahn
Teresa Mahn
Dr. Kent Mankins
April Marquis
Ron Meier
Tami Meier Chris McIntosh
Paul McQueen
Staci McQueen
Nora Monroe
Leticia Miller Steve Miller Tanya Noble
Rachel Noble
Elaine Olp Chad Orebaugh Pam Orebaugh
Lauri Roskamp
Aaron Smith
Alexis Smith
Nikole Schafer
Ron Schafer
Brian Schelley
Sarah Schelley
Aaron Snider
Lynn Thibault
Mike Thibault
Dave Thomas
Libby Thomas
Jarred Thomas
Marvel Travis
Amber Trovich
Will Trovich
Bev Turner Jerry Turner
Leon Vincent Kent Vincent Chris Watson
Lisa Watson
Brittany Webster
Jason Webster
Brenda Wesselius
Tom Wesselius
Danica Wick
Brenda Willard
Mike Willard
Bill Williams
Judi Williams Joy Yake
The Rockford Town Council accepted Resolution 22-06 concerning a proposition to finance 2023 fire protection services. This proposition would authorize the Town to levy an excess property tax in 2023 on all taxable property within the Town of Rockford at an approximate rate of $.51 per $1,000 of assessed value to raise $28,500 to be used to provide adequate services in 2023. This levy replaces an expiring levy, which the Town has collected in past years. Should this proposition be:
• Approved
• Rejected
Proposition No. 2 Town of Rockford
The Current, a monthly publication for the Valley, offers visual storytelling, eye-catching ads and community coverage readers have come to rely on. This free newspaper is available at more than 250 high-traffic places around the Valley, including the
Limited
The Rockford Town Co uncil accepted Resolution 22-07 concerning a proposition to finance 2023 Emergency Medical Services through the Rockford Fire Department. This proposition would authorize the Town to levy an excess property tax in 2023 on all taxable property within the Town of Rockford at an approximate rate of $.50 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for six consecutive years to be used to provide adequate services during 2023-2028. This levy replaces an expiring levy, which the Town has collected in past years. Should this proposition be:
• Approved
• Rejected
If the phrase “civic engagement” sounds jargony to your ear, you are likely not alone. However, once you dive into what it entails, you may find yourself hooked. Civic engagement is defined as “individual and collective actions designed to identify and address issues of public concern” by the American Psychological Association.
For example, when you vote, you are engaging in civic activity. But issues of public concern – civic issues – go beyond just voting and politics. And that’s where the Civic Lab Online, offered by Spokane County Library District, comes into
Spokane Valley Library is recruiting area teens who are passionate about making their community better to join its Teen Leadership Council. The council can help shape library services for teens and kids by planning and presenting programs, and they can make an impact in their community by advocating for youth services both at the library and in the community.
Teens in middle school and high school can apply for the council.
play.
Civic Lab Online, at its core, is an ongoing project that’s researched by librarians to provide information on issues facing our community and for you to explore. You can take a look at thought-provoking materials that allow you and others in the community to engage in open conversation and grow together as a community. Civic Lab Online is intended for adults and teens.
The Civic Lab started out as an inperson, pop-up installation at North Spokane Library in 2019. Library customers could read handouts about a specific topic that contained facts drawn from reliable sources and a list of books, videos, and podcasts to delve deeper into the topic. Customers could also interact with the installation by sharing their thoughts on a board with a sticky note and by reading other people’s sticky notes.
The Civic Lab transitioned to online during the pandemic in 2020. For each online topic, you can share your thoughts and any questions you have about it in the comments section of the blog post for that topic. On the Civic Lab Online web page, the library has included an archive of all topics, including the
You can visit Spokane Valley Library to pick up a participation agreement or download it online at www.scld.org/teen-leaders.
The projects taken on by the Teen Leadership Council will be based on the interests, skills, and enthusiasm of the teens involved. Some ideas and possibilities include creating a Zine, writing book reviews, planning a program such as a murder-mystery party, a book club, or a movie night, or planning and implementing a community service event.
Ultimately, what the council accomplishes will be determined by the members themselves, who will have support from Librarian Molly Moore.
“Some reasons teens might want to join Teen Leadership Council— besides making new friends and having fun—include getting to use their creativity in new ways to help others, gaining volunteer and leadership experience, and building their resumes for college and future jobs,” Librarian Moore shared.
The time commitment for those
previous in-person ones with links to download the handouts.
October’s topic is Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which was declared a federal holiday for the first time in 2021 and is celebrated on the second Monday in October. Previous topics include refugees, poverty, nuclear waste, voting rights, the digital divide, invisible illnesses, water conservation, recycling, gun control, and more. You can visit the Civic Lab Online at www.scld.org/civiclab-online to explore the topics that interest you.
Many of these topics can stir up differing thoughts and opinions among people. But the Civic Lab Online aims to stay away from opinions and instead just offer information. The lab shares historical records, research-based results, and reliable resources to help everyone understand the topic on an individual basis and from many angles, so that each person can form their own opinions and hopefully engage in civic activity and discussion with others.
The library invites you to explore a topic, or several, to see if you find yourself drawn toward civic engagement, discussion, and activity.
participating includes the 1-hour monthly meeting on the first Wednesday of each month, which starts at 5pm, and up to 4 hours of project work each month.
Teens on the council are expected to regularly attend the monthly meetings. They are asked to actively participate in the group, share ideas, interact in meetings, and participate in at least one project or event per year. In addition, Teen Leadership Council members are asked to model good behavior in the library.
“We hope teens who are enthusiastic about books, the library, and helping others will come to a monthly meeting to see if the council is a place where they can make their ideas come to life. And they can always stop by the library at any time to get more information and apply,” Moore stated.
The first Teen Leadership Council meeting is on Wednesday, October 5, at 5pm. Teens are invited to drop in to check out the new program and enjoy some snacks.
Free workshops with published writers & professional editors
Covering the craft of writing, editing & publishing
Multiple genres: children’s literature, fiction, graphic novels, mystery, nonfiction, poetry, police procedurals & science fiction
NORTH SPOKANE LIBRARY & ONLINE
Saturday, October 29, 2022 9:30am–4:30pm
Sign up today at www.scld.org/writers-con-2022
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I wasn’t long into my prep writing career at The Spokane Valley Herald in 1968 when there was a lull between football and basketball.
What to write about?
A “powder puff” flag football game back in 1968 a week or two before basketball began to fill newspaper space, the only sporting event at the time in the Valley was a girls flag football game between University and West Valley. If memory serves, the ladies dished out punishment as the boys –without helmets (the Eagles won). Powder Puff, indeed.
A couple of years later high school female sports had become an integral if not equal part of high school sports and I plead guilty for an inappropriate retort after a female University High basketball player tried to convince me the girls deserved the same coverage as the boys.
As I walked away I realized my faux pas and that the Titan basketball player was, indeed, correct. The girls did deserve equal time. Soon I was sitting beneath the basket camera in hand and jotting down play-by-play just like the boys.
Someone later told me I was the first to cover high school girls basketball. Can’t say for sure, but I spent some four decades covering and chronicling the successes of the girls just like the boys in Border and Greater Spokane Leagues.
This all came back in June when Sports Illustrated magazine devoted nearly its entire issue’s “The Pursuit of Equal Play,” with stories that chronicled the 50 year history of Title IX, the struggles and successes of this generation’s women’s athletess.
Little would I know back then that one day I’d be sitting in the stands cheering and agonizing as my daughter, Linse, played three sports prior to high school and as a Titan.
She played on a club basketball team with Briann January who would play at Arizona and have a long tenure professionally in the WNBA. This year January ended her basketball career with Seattle in the WNBA.
Central Valley/Stanford’s Lexie Hull recently finished her rookie year as a professional.
Linse would go on to become the starting pitcher as a Titan and have a record setting career at Central Washington University. She pitched in an exhibition against the Olympic women’s softball team here in Spokane (as might be expected that didn’t go so well).
I almost took Linse’s journey for granted. Sports Illustrated did a masterful job chronicling the struggles and impact of Title IX. In one story “In 1972 no one dreamed a dry, 37-word clause tucked inside
new education legislation would reshape women’s sports forever.”
Or as one athlete said, “something had changed that allowed all of us to play sports in ways our mothers mostly hadn’t.”
There was a story about how far women have come athletically and how far it has to go, like the inequity of weight rooms during last year’s NCAA tournaments.
Particularly interesting was a story on “Forgotten Heroes,” women pioneers who challenged the status quo and the impact they had in an uphill battle for recognition.
Politically, there was a struggle between two organizations AIAW and NCAA each grappling for control of women’s sports. The AIAW association controlled the women at the time. The NCAA, wanted a piece of the action. Ultimately the two merged.
Local athletes like pro basketball’s Lewis and Clark’s January and Central Valley\ Stanford’s Lexie Hull, who had a 17-point game as a rookie for Indiana this year are part of the
story.
SI had a story on inequalities and struggles the ladies incurred on the journey to Title IX and featured nine game changers. The final article, “The Next Frontiers” is about issues that will dominate conversations and define the future of the fight for equality.
Looking back, flippant comment notwithstanding, I’d like to think back a half-century ago, when my ill-advised comment turned on the light bulb, I was on the inside helping chronicle the growth in stature and ability of Valley Girls Softball, covering high school women’s athletics and coaching adult teams (OK recruiting excollegians for a recreational state championship while I watched).
The Sports Illustrated June issue was fascinating and worth reading.
Who would have thought when looking for something to photograph and write about, a powder puff flag football game in the fall of 1968 would inadvertently foreshadow a landmark decision.
It’s a phrase often heard when a basketball player can find nothing but the net.
“In the zone.”
Three-pointers, bank shots, acrobatic layups, even the desperate heave as the clock winds down –every field goal attempt is rewarded with a fruitful passage through the hoop.
At ITZ (In the Zone) Sports Performance in Spokane Valley, the curriculum revolves around buckets and the most efficient way to collect them. The facility at 18195 E. Appleway, just west of Liberty Lake, opened this July at the new Camden Courts complex and celebrated an open house on Sept. 14 with a robust turnout.
Billed as “Spokane’s newest premier basketball training and sports performance facility,” ITZ features state-of-the-art technology from companies like NOAH Basketball, known for a training system called NOAHlytics utilized by 75 percent of NBA players. The approach uses realtime feedback and analytics to ramp up shot accuracy and consistency.
Each of the seven baskets at ITZ includes a 75-inch monitor above the backboard channeling feedback to players. Three of the stations feature the NOAH technology that evaluate release point, arc, deviation to the left or right and other mechanics. The other four hoops provide analytics on shooting.
“It gives them a purpose to go into practice,” said ITZ Director Tom Emory. “It’s about having the mindset of a student of the game and getting better.”
Emory brings a layered background to ITZ as a coach and trainer. In 2015, he led an unheralded Shadle Park girls’ team to a 3A
Greater Spokane League title and the post-season. Emory was also a coach with the NW Blazers for eight years, a span that included 98 percent of players advancing to the college level.
Emory graduated from Sandpoint High in 1990 where he lettered in basketball.
“I came off the bench,” he said. “I wouldn’t say I was great.”
It wasn’t until he enlisted in the military that Emory’s court aptitude and interest in basketball took off. Stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base, Emory became a self-proclaimed “gym rat.”
“I was playing against some highquality basketball players,” he said.
Emory’s appreciation for the impact of sports on overall wellbeing increased during his time in the service. The intramural-like competition between squadrons was coordinated by season, whether it was softball, basketball, volleyball or other sports. The experience helped Emory develop a new career track.
“I knew that it was an industry I wanted to spend the rest of my life in,” he said.
Emory went on to become the sports director at the Spokane Club where he oversaw programming of handball, squash, volleyball, basketball and racquetball. In 2000, Emory founded the Spokane Club Shootout, the area’s largest 5-on-5 adult indoor basketball tournament. A year later, he started the Spokane
Basketball School that drew 120 participants in its inaugural class.
After eight years at the Spokane Club, Emory left to take the reins at Sports USA, now known as the HUB Sports Center in Liberty Lake. The initial push for the facility as an athletic club never caught on and Emory moved on within a few months, shifting professional gears to take a job in insurance at Met Life.
The flexibility of his new field allowed Emory to coach youth basketball and begin working on the concept that would become ITZ. During that time, his daughter Sydney, excelled as part of an elite Central Valley program. She would earn two varsity letters and go on to play at The Master’s University in Santa Clarita, California where she currently works as an assistant coach.
ITZ began humbly at the Spokane Valley Fitness Center with 85 lessons a month. Emory hired three instructors and had to pivot when the facility removed two of its basketball courts in a shift to a cross-fit emphasis.
“We started looking for other locations, places like the HUB and the Warehouse,” Emory said.
The relocation was made more challenging by the requirements of the NOAH system where machinery needs to be positioned 25 feet high. During the search, Emory began talking with Steve Huettl, owner of Camden Homes. Huettl’s son, Tyler, was being coached at ITZ and he brought up an idea with Emory
related to land he owned and a potential complex that could house the burgeoning basketball school.
Camden Courts broke ground last fall and is now home to ITZ – which occupies just under 10,000 square feet – and a handful of other businesses including Camden Homes, Lighthouse Physical Therapy and Signs & Things. Huettl is the financial backer and a minority partner in ITZ. Emory said having Lighthouse next door allows for co-programming that will behoove athletes in areas like sports nutrition and injury prevention.
Emory has assembled an all-star lineup of coaches at ITZ, including Tony Skinner who played for Gonzaga in the early 2000s, Jessica Thoens, a standout point guard at Whitworth and former coach at Eastern Washington and Riley Lupfer, Greater Spokane League MVP at Lewis and Clark who went on to a stellar career at Boise State and on the professional level in Germany.
While the focus is primarily on basketball at ITZ, Emory points out that a system like Complete Athlete – which emphasizes speed, agility, plyometrics, quickness and limiting injury – translates to other sports. ITZ also offers one of the few Senaptec Assessment Suites in the region, an innovative high-tech system that enhances brain function and focus. The approach has been used to train elite athletes and treat people recovering from stroke and coping with conditions like autism and Parkinson’s. Emory said ITZ’s overall demographic comprises ages 5 to 95.
ITZ shares another feature with the Zags – a top-notch Maplewood court known as “Focus Floor” that is in place at The Kennel.
ITZ (In the Zone) Sports Performance, billed as “Spokane’s newest premier basketball training and sports performance facility” opened in July, just west of Liberty Lake. The venue features a regulation-sized court and state-of-the-art technology, like a Senaptec Assessment Suite, the same system utilized by the Gonzaga basketball program.
Basketball training programs here are offered to kids from Kindergarten through college with a diverse focus. Prices starting at $25 for small group classes and memberships running $150 a month. Next May, ITZ will host the prestigious End of the Trail tournament featuring some of the top youth teams in the nation. The HUB and a yet-to-be determined site will also provide courts for the 150-team event that has never taken place in the Spokane area.
“It’s going to be the Hoopfest of Liberty Lake,” Emory said.
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Heather Nilles has known since before her daughter was born that she was going to be special, she just didn’t realize that meant having her daughter’s picture displayed in Times Square in New York City.
Three-year-old Aurora Nilles was born with Down Syndrome. Her parents submitted her picture to be displayed as part of an hour-long display in Times Square organized by the National Down Syndrome Society as a way to highlight the importance of people with Down Syndrome in their communities.
“I believe there were 2,500 submissions,” Nilles said. “Only 500 people made it. People send in those submissions from all over the world.”
The family could make the trip to New York on Sept. 17 to see their daughter’s picture on display, but they watched via a livestream on Facebook. “A lot of people went,” she said. “People were crying.”
Nilles remembers when they found out that their baby had Down Syndrome. She had a screening test when she was 10 weeks pregnant at the age of 24 that checks for, among other things, Down Syndrome. It’s a standard screening offered to expectant mothers no matter what their age is. It’s a common misconception that older mothers tend to have babies with Down Syndrome, but it is not unusual with young mothers too, NIlles said.
“The numbers came back high for Down Syndrome,” she said.
Additional blood testing confirmed the diagnosis. Aurora has Trisomy 21, a form of Down Syndrome caused by an extra chromosome.
Nilles and her husband, Christopher, had been talking about the possibility of their daughter having the syndrome. Nilles said her husband was certain their daughter had it, but was also certain that she would be healthy. “We were on a walk and got the call,” she said.
There was never a question that
Aurora was wanted, no matter what her diagnosis was. The couple had been trying to have a second child to join their son, Alex, who is now six. Nilles said she knew that people would view her daughter differently once learning about her diagnosis.
“We knew what society thinks of people with different abilities,” she said. “It’s so mis-viewed. It’s kind of not talked about more.”
When Aurora was born, the couple learned that Christopher was right – she was remarkably healthy with no major complications. She only takes a thyroid pill to maintain her health.
After she was born, she enrolled in Joya’s early childhood intervention program, where she received speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy each week until she turned three. She has continued her therapy since then.
“She did awesome with all that,” Nilles said.
Still, it hasn’t been easy. Juggling three therapy sessions a week along with doctor visits can be draining.
Aurora also had to have a sleep study done to check for sleep apnea
and had her adenoids removed. “You learn patience, a lot of patience and time management,” Nilles said.
Through it all Aurora has thrived. She has good social skills, can get herself ready for bed and often gives the family dog commands.
“She’s very, very verbal,” her mother said. “She is very loud, very bold, very confident. She laughs at everything. She sings and dances to every movie. She is curious.”
Aurora started attending halfday preschool at the West Valley Early Learning Center this fall and rides the bus to and from school each day. “She loves to learn,” Nilles said. “She loves school.”
Along the way Nilles has been advocating for people with Down Syndrome wherever and however she can. She’s participated in several Down Syndrome awareness walks in the region. She has a Facebook page under the name Heather Marie, where she shares information about Down Syndrome in the hopes of educating people and offering support for parents who have a child with Down Syndrome.. “It helps moms going through a difficult time,” she said. “This journey isn’t
Her daughter’s appearance on the Jumbotron in Times Square has helped bring awareness to the condition, Nilles said. That can lead to people being more knowledgeable about it and accepting of it. “The only thing it did was bring light into her life,” she said.
The reason she wanted her daughter to be a part of the National Down Syndrome Society display is that she wants people to understand that there are plenty of people with Down Syndrome who have full, productive lives.
“Different doesn’t mean less,” she said. “I think seeing it helps.”
Meanwhile, her daughter is charging forward in her life at full speed. “She’s very untypical for somebody with Down Syndrome,” she said. “I have no worries that she will be able to survive and thrive in life.”
Nilles said she has always been convinced that her daughter would do great things. “We knew, even when I was pregnant with her, that she’s going to change the world,” she said. “It’s just a feeling.”
