2018 October Current by The Current

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The candidates answered; a special election guide page 19 EV STRIVES FOR SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS PAGE 4

VALLEY CHAMBER NAMES NEW CEO PAGE 15

SUPPORTIVE SUPPLIES AT DONOR CLOSET PAGE 42

2 • OCTOBER 2018

The Park Bench

Beyond the Dais – Wilhite remains invested after council By Craig Howard Current Editor Those who know Diana Wilhite will tell you about her industriousness, work ethic and wisdom. Then again, it does take those traits and more to move several tons of ticker tape. Early on in her career, Wilhite was in charge of election logistics for the state of Illinois. The year was 1972 and incumbent Republican Richard Nixon was running against Democratic challenger George McGovern. Nixon was scheduled to appear at a parade in Chicago down Michigan Avenue but cancelled prior to the event, meaning a mammoth supply of shredded paper – intended for festooning the procession – was stuck in limbo with most people scratching their heads.

NEWS Jersey City or Newark instead of Cambridge, Idaho, population 400. Wilhite was only 10 when she moved with her mother to the Central Idaho town from Delaware following her parents’ divorce. In their new home, Wilhite’s mom became “a pillar of the community” in Diana’s words, serving as a treasurer of the local church. She eventually remarried and the family found itself at the center of civic and commercial activity as her new husband was proprietor of the local lumberyard. “We had the only hay scale in town,” Wilhite recalls. By the time she reached high school Wilhite had acclimated to the culture of the farming and ranching community. She was one of 26 in her graduating class. Wilhite stayed in state for college, enrolling at the University of Idaho in Moscow. It was there where she met her future husband Rick. They were married in 1965 and have one grown daughter and two grandchildren. The couple’s winding road has taken them from Kansas to Illinois to Wisconsin, among other stops. Along the way, Wilhite went back to school to earn her teaching certificate. She taught middle school in Illinois and when she and

Rick moved to Spokane Valley from Arizona in 1979, Wilhite found work as a substitute teacher in the Mead and Central Valley school districts. The Wilhites bought Safeguard Business Systems in 1981, a company that specialized in assimilating accounting systems. “We basically taught small businesses how to keep good records,” Wilhite said. Safeguard established a successful niche in Eastern Washington and North Idaho, operating for 33 years. In the meantime, Wilhite established solid connections in the business community, joining the downtown chamber and eventually occupying a seat as the only woman on the board. Wilhite also kept one foot in the political arena. When Bob McCaslin Sr. first ran for the state legislature in 1980 – the start of a 30-year run of service in Olympia – Wilhite was his campaign manager. She also served as the vice chair for the local Republican Party and later became treasurer of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce. After Spokane Valley incorporation narrowly passed in May 2002, Wilhite noticed a small number of women running for the inaugural City Council. She added

The Current

her name to a primary ballot that included over 50 candidates – for only seven spots – and emerged that fall as part of the city’s original governing board. She would go on to serve as Spokane Valley’s second mayor, earning support from her colleagues around the dais for a rare threeyear run. Following her tenure in municipal government, Wilhite ran for various political offices, including 4th Legislative District representative in 2008 and 2014. She currently is a board member with Vera Water and Power. Q: You grew up in a small Idaho town. What were some of the values you learned there that have carried over into the rest of your life? My dad owned the lumberyard so as soon as I was tall enough to see over the counter I was put to work. The values learned while working at the store were to never argue with a customer and always greet each person with a smile. Of course, if I was supposed to be working at the store and was late, I learned that there were consequences for not showing up on time. Learning to deal with difficult people was a skill that helped when I became a

See WILHITE, Page 3

Except Wilhite. Thinking quickly, she began to consider options for the leftover piles. She wound up contacting several animal shelters that gladly accepted the donations as insulation for the cats and dogs that boarded there. The savvy, if slightly unconventional, solution was indicative of Wilhite’s ambitious professional approach . After graduating from the University of Maryland with a degree in history, she resolutely marched up to nearby Capitol Hill and inquired about employment at the office of a legislator from the state of Idaho where she hailed from. When told she needed experience to work at that level of government, Wilhite asked how such tenure was gained. She eventually found a niche in the nation’s capital, working for New Jersey Congressman Robert A. Rowe. She addressed constituent concerns and even picked up a slight accent that some thought pegged her as a native of

Diana Wilhite was part of the inaugural Spokane Valley City Council and served as the city's second mayor. The former teacher and longtime business owner is active in the local Republican Party and is on the board of Vera Water and Power. Contributed photo

The Current

WILHITE

NEWS

Continued from page 2 member of the Spokane Valley City Council. Then when I became a teacher, I gained valuable insights into how to motivate students to study the class material. The expertise gained working at the lumberyard and teaching was useful when myself, along with several other local women, established the Spokane branch of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) as well as with various other volunteer organizations I joined. Q: Having spent time in both the fields of education and politics, do you see any parallels between the two? A: There are some parallels between education and policies enacted by governmental agencies but not politics per se. It is important for people to realize that to obtain good paying jobs they need training or more education beyond high school to be competitive in the job market. And they need to pay attention to what is happening on the political front as policies enacted by the various governments, city, county, state and federal, have an impact on their lives. Q: How did your first job out of college -- working on Capitol Hill -- influence the way you viewed the role of government? A: The way the history books explained how Congress worked was far different from what I learned working on Capitol Hill. The real impact on what goes into a piece of legislation is at the committee level or in the offices of individual Congress members who draft bills to be presented to members of the various committees. By the time legislation reaches the House or Senate floor, the sponsors of the bill have a good idea whether it will pass. If you want to impact any type of decision made by a legislative body, school board, library board, water board, etc. you need to be at the meetings when these issues are being discussed. And with our busy lives the best way to keep abreast of issues of interest to a person is to read the agenda and minutes of the board that is important to you. When we went on Vera Water & Power Company lines, I wanted to know more about water and power issues than what the newsletter contained so I began attending the monthly board meetings.

Q: You and your husband owned and ran a successful company for many years. What do you think are some of the ways government can effectively support business? A: Many persons operating a small business are not fully aware of all the rules and regulations imposed by Washington state agencies. And when the state agency discovers a violation, they come in with the idea that the business intentionally did not follow the law. I believe that state agencies should educate the business and then give a warning for a first-time incident. The state should also allow for private companies to offer workmen’s comp to businesses. Competition would make sure that businesses would get the best value from this type of coverage. Q: What was your stance on the effort to incorporate the Valley in 2002? Had you been involved in any of the previous incorporation efforts on either side of the issue? A: I had talked with several people who worked on the incorporation efforts over the years. I wasn’t sure that incorporation would solve the issues being discussed at these meetings. However, as the group honed their message as to why incorporation would be best for the people of the Valley, I did vote yes for incorporation. Q: After the vote for cityhood passed, did you know right away you would be running for City Council? A: Once incorporation passed I began to attend the meetings regarding the formation of the city. As stated before, getting in on the ground floor of the discussions means you can have an impact on the outcome. However, I did not consider running for City Council until I realized that out of the group of individuals expressing interest in running for a council position there were only a few women. So, my husband suggested that I consider running. Q: What was the learning curve like that first year or two as part of the inaugural council? A: The learning curve for city government was tremendous and intense. We adopted many of the county provisions just to have a framework to start. Then we went through every item of governance to make changes to reflect the nuances of the Valley. Being “newbies” we had to educate ourselves as to the why and what

OCTOBER 2018 • 3

value as well as the impact that each of these provisions would have leading to a better Spokane Valley. Q: What do you miss about being part of the city's governing board? What don't you miss? A: I miss the camaraderie of the council members as well as the give and take of the many discussions we had on what was the best direction to take to make Spokane Valley a premier place to live, work and play. It was my privilege to have served the people of Spokane Valley and I hope they feel that the work we did in establishing the city set us on the right path. The only thing I don’t miss is the meeting every Tuesday night. Q: You still are a regular attendee at council meetings. Why is it important for you to stay involved as a citizen in your local government? A: I like to keep abreast of the new challenges that face the city as we grow. As a citizen I want to support polices that provide for expanded police protection, zoning changes to encourage affordable home ownership, continued maintenance of the streets, improve rail crossings

and increased park amenities as well as acquire land to expand our parks. As a former council member and mayor I am very concerned about the direction that our previous and several of the current council members have chosen to take. The rules and regulations expressed at council meetings concerning citizen input leaves a very cold and unfriendly atmosphere that doesn't encourage citizen participation in current matters. City government belongs to the citizens not to any one or group of council members. Q: Finally, as a longtime resident of the Valley, what do you appreciate most about this community? A: What I appreciate about Spokane Valley is that although the city is over 95,000 in population, it still has a small hometown feel. People are friendly and come to the aid of persons, businesses or organizations when they feel that they are being threatened by those who would try to limit the citizens’ rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. All in all, Spokane Valley has an outstanding police department, an incredible fire department and outstanding schools – a great place to raise a family, a great place to call home.

A clean community is a happy community. That’s why the City of Spokane Valley and Waste Management are pleased to provide bulk waste services with the Annual Curbside Cleanup. Spokane Valley residents who subscribe to WM garbage collection are eligible for one collection per calendar year at no additional cost. What can I set at the curb? That old stove, refrigerator, lawn mower, sofa and more! See the full list and size limits at wmnorthwest.com/spokanevalley. Call seven days in advance to schedule collection: 1-877-466-4668. (No collection during holiday weeks.) Please do not place items on the sidewalk, and not more than 24 hours before the scheduled collection.

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4 • OCTOBER 2018

EVSD levy asks voters to consider school security By Nina Culver

Current Correspondent

NEWS

approved by the state legislature, the district will be forced to drop its maintenance and operations levy to $1.50 per $1,000 in 2019 and the state school tax will drop to $2.52 per $1,000.

The district also plans to expand the parking lot at Trentwood Elementary.

“We’re losing 60 percent of our levy capacity and they’re giving us less,” Shea said. “The next three years we’ll be getting less revenue than we got last year. We don’t see ourselves getting whole anytime soon.

Parents are also forced to drop off their students in the street and expanding the parking lot will allow the addition of a safer drop off point, he said.

“We don’t have enough parking spaces just for the staff, let alone parents and visitors,” Shea said.

Vote Yes!

The East Valley School District (EVSD) will ask voters to approve a new capital levy in November to help pay for security upgrades at every school, repairing HVAC systems and relocating the high school and middle school sports fields ahead of road construction. The two-year levy would collect an estimated $2.20 per $1,000 in assessed property value in 2019 and $1.87 per $1,000 in 2020. Though it is a new levy, voters will not be paying more than they are now, said Superintendent Kelly Shea. If fact, they will be paying less.

The levy money, a total of $13 million, would be used to pay for secured, single points of entry at each school plus interior deadbolts, security cameras, emergency lockdown buttons and secured exterior doors. Currently there are no security systems in place at any East Valley schools, merely visitors being encouraged to check in at the office when they arrive.

Spokane County plans to expand Forker Road near Wellesley Avenue to four lanes in 2020 and the road will go right between East Valley Middle School and East Valley High School. The district will lose all or portions of several football, baseball and softball fields to the road, Shea said.

The Current

need this money up front,” he said. Once the reimbursement money is received from the county it will be used to improve HVAC systems in the schools, he said. If home values go up the estimated cost of the levy per $1,000 in assessed value will go down, Shea said. The levy is for $13 million over two years, not a set amount per $1,000, he said. “It’s intended to self-adjust,” he said. “We cannot collect a penny over that.”

EAST VALLEY SCHOOLS

This year the district’s maintenance and operations levy was $3.85 per $1,000 in assessed property value and the state school tax was $2.80 per $1,000. Under the new school funding plan

The levy needs a simple majority – or any margin over 50 percent – to pass. If the voters do not approve it Shea said they will be unable to make needed safety improvements at the schools. All the money set aside in the maintenance budget is needed to keep the schools running, he said.

The district wants to build new fields to the west in 2019 so the fields have a chance to sit and have the grass come in before they are needed in 2020.

Your Project, Your Price, Our Pleasure.

“When they start tearing up our current facilities we will have our new fields ready to go,” Shea said. The county will reimburse the district for its expenses to move the fields, but that money won’t come until 2020, Shea said. “We

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Capital Levy for SAFETY, SECURITY, & INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS Interior deadbolts, secured single point of HVAC Systems (Heating, Ventilation, Air entry, integrated communication/alarm system, Conditioning), Roof Repairs/Replacement, cameras, exterior doors Electrical,By Modernization/ The request is forsecurity a two year levy thatsecured would go in to effect forand 2019 -2020 and Plumbing, generate $13,064,000. combing this levy with the emergency Relocation decrease in the statenotification property tax system, assessment for years lockdown 2019-2020 will still provide aRenovation, net reductionField for every household within East Valley and all of the benefits listed. See buttons. chart below for specific rates. Remember what we do today makes an impression for a lifetime.

Examples of what this levy will provide without increasing taxes

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VOTE YES! by November 6 On July 24, the Board passed Resolution 2769 placing a Capital Project Levy on the November 2018 ballot. The purpose the levy is to generate funds implement the safety and security recommendations from the Facilities Because our ofkids, neighbors, and tocommunity deserves a safe learning environment Planning Committee asEasy wellValley as funds invest into essential infrastructure to improve the efficient Paid for by 4 LevytoEducation Committee 5207 N Mayhew Rd, components 99216 operation of our schools. This two-year levy will not increase your local school property tax. It is our expectation

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NEWS

Guarisco named newest SVFD commissioner

By Benjamin Shedlock Splash Correspondent The Spokane Valley Board of Fire Commissioners has appointed John Guarisco to fill the vacant seat of Joe Dawson, who retired as commissioner last May. Guarisco officially began his Board service on Aug. 27 with the current term expiring on Dec. 31, 2021. Guarisco joins the board at a time when the department has positioned itself as a leader in fire protection on the eastern side of the state. It boasts the highest fire protection designation in the region, runs a surplus, and operates within budget. Guarisco looks forward to stewarding the department’s pioneering reputation. “We’re really on the leading edge,” Guarisco said, noting that other fire departments are looking to the groundbreaking work of the department. “(I want to) keep that going and stay with that culture.” According to Board Chair Patrick Burch, Guarisco also stood out for his business experience and interest in the fine-grain details of the departmental budget. Burch lauded Guarisco’s “desire for continued fiscal responsibility in the Spokane Valley Fire Department.” The department’s innovative culture was established in part as a result of Dawson’s tenure, which spanned 40 years. Dawson spent 20 years on the fire board and served on the civil service commission in the 1980s. Commissioner Bill Anderson, who was a firefighter from 1970 to 2000, said Dawson “brought a different culture and made things better for the guys.” Guarisco knows he is inheriting a legacy. “I’m filling some pretty big shoes,” he said. Guarisco brings 25 years of board experience to the position. He serves on the board of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, where he once served as chair. He also sits on the board of the Greater Spokane Valley Rotary Club, which he also represents at the Rotary district level. “John’s dedication to service for many years to our community through Rotary and our chamber of commerce really stood out,” Burch said. Guarisco’s work on these boards has helped him hone skills in analyzing budgets, revenues and expenses. “Every board is all about budgets and fiduciary duty,” Guarisco said.

“You only want to do what you and the community feels is the right decision.” Guarisco’s family has called the Valley home for four generations. His grandfather had a farm on Broadway Avenue where he grew the “Hearts of Gold” cantaloupes that are synonymous with the Valley. Both of his grandfathers worked at the White Pine Lumber Company, where one was a carpenter. Like his grandfathers, Guarisco has led a varied career, working as a restaurateur and a marketer. His diverse interests can be traced back to his youth, when he was determined to become either an on-air radio DJ or a firefighter. He went with being a DJ, which led him to found Marjoni Marketing in 2004. In 2010, Marjoni merged with MDI Marketing, where Guarisco still works. “I should have been a firefighter in hindsight,” Guarisco said. When the fire board position came up, Guarisco responded partly as a way to fulfill that early aspiration, but also out of a sense of call to serve his community. With his deep roots in the Valley, which now include a business, children and grandchildren, safety has become more important to him. “It’s important to me that first responders stay strong,” Guarisco said. He doesn’t have any immediate plans for changes to the department, which he believes is running very well. He has begun work on the Loyalty Committee, which serves as a bridge between the community and department. As he learns more about the board, he plans to be assigned to more sub-committees. “John's talents, experience and commitment to our community will not only be a positive example for the Board of Fire Commissioners but a positive example for the Spokane Valley Fire Department and the citizens we serve,” Burch said. Long-term, Guarisco feels his career as a marketing entrepreneur makes him a good fit for the stateof-the-art department in another key way. “I’m a visionary guy. I like to look ahead,” he said. As a planner, Guarisco is not content with being an interim commissioner, and he plans to run for a full term in 2020. “I didn’t go there just because they needed a seat filler,” he said. “I’m all in.” Guarisco will run in a special election this fall to serve the remainder of the term. In fall 2020, the seat will come up for election according to the board’s regular cycle. The five commissioners serve on six-year terms that rotate to prevent the simultaneous turnover of several commissioners.

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By Spokane Valley Police Chief Mark Werner The maps provided below depict where citizens have reported Vehicle Thefts, Thefts from a Vehicle (also known as vehicle prowling), Burglaries and Thefts. As you view the map each circle will contain a number indicating how many instances Spokane of a particular crime were reported at that location. Thefts from a vehicle is often under reported as people often feel nothing can be done or they only lost a small quantity of loose change. However, the Spokane Valley Police Department and the Spokane County Sheriff’s office analyze this data to determine high crime areas and where to allocate resources. I encourage citizens who have been a victim of crime to call 911, if the crime is in progress, or Crime Check at 456-2233, if not in ( ! progress, to report a crime.

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Prepared By: Regional Intelligence Group 9 Spokane County Sheriff

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Safety Tip The Month:

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2018 August Theft IBR Offenses Hotspots

1 2 3 4+

Prepared By: Regional Intelligence Group 9 Spokane County Sheriff

As we are a couple of months into the new school year I encourage drivers to be mindful of reducing their speed when traveling through school zones and to be watchful for children crossing the roadway. With even cooler temperatures we have seen an increase in vehicles being stolen as they were left idling unattended. Please avoid this practice unless you have a remote start feature on your vehicle. Finally, we continue receive reports of the “You have warrants” scam. The first thing to know is ANYTIME someone calls you and demands payment (prepaid credit card, money, personal info) for a warrant or threatens your arrest, it’s a scam. Law Enforcement or other government agencies will NOT do this. Please continue to report these type of scams so we can continue to investigate and get the word out to citizens so they do not become victims of these type of scams.

( !

8 • OCTOBER 2018

Spokane Valley City Council Report – October 2018 By Bill Gothmann

Current Correspondent Street and Stormwater maintenance critiqued LA Consulting (LAC), in evaluating the city’s street programs reports, “I think you have a good group here. I think they can be better but I think that most of the things you are doing you are doing well and you are doing it cost effectively and there are not many people that do it much better.” The city hired LAC from Manhattan Beach, California to evaluate the Community and Public Works department. They made 49 recommendations for improvement, many of which revolved around setting goals, aligning the work with those goals, and tracking progress of that work using one central software program. Instead of looking at averages of snowfall each year, they suggested developing winter plans based upon light and heavy years.

NEWS

Snow gates to prevent driveway’s clogging with berms will probably be too expensive, but the city should wait and look at Spokane’s experience with them. A total of 20 out of the 26 cities studied use the same method Spokane Valley does requiring citizens to remove snow from their sidewalks. The city’s Pavement Condition Index, a measure of overall road condition, is about average of the 26 cities they studied. However, they estimate that $6.3 million is needed annually for maintaining current pavement condition, whereas the city has spent an average of $4.6 million from 2013 to 2016. Furthermore, treating local streets with strategies different from arterials may yield better results. The city’s stormwater fees are well below the fees of the cities they studied. Finally, LAC recommended developing subordinate managers to assist managers in some areas. Roundabout planned for Barker Westbound I-90 interchange Plans are afoot to improve the Barker/I-90 westbound interchange by converting it to a roundabout. The present interchange has an “E” level of service, “operating at capacity.” In addition, there is a line of cars 1,200 feet long southbound on Barker waiting to go west onto I-90 in the morning.

A working mom who represents us in Congress, Cathy McMorris Rodgers fights every day to ensure a better life for your family—just like it’s her own family. Ensuring Veterans Receive the Care They’ve Earned Improving Access to Quality Healthcare Empowering People with Disabilities Strengthening Fairchild AFB and Our National Security Protecting Local Control of Our Land and Dams

Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers

Delivering Results for Eastern Washington www.CathyForCongress.com Paid For By Cathy McMorris Rodgers for US Congress

Adding to the problems, the twolane bridge over I-90 does not meet height clearance requirements. To meet these challenges, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is designing improvements that provide a single lane roundabout north of I-90 with southbound Barker lane improvements, boosting the level of service to a “C,” “at or near free flow.” This roundabout would serve traffic from both northbound and southbound Barker, that going west from Barker, and that from eastbound I-90 traffic exiting at Barker. HDR Engineers has been selected to complete the design by June of next year, with construction in the 20192020 timeframe, depending upon funding. Staff noted that there is also a realignment of Broadway in the design stage. There was consensus to move forward. New Sculpture for Appleway’s University trailhead Thanks to the Spokane Valley Arts Council (SVAC), the city has been fortunate to receive five sculptures, two at CenterPlace and three at City Hall. Their latest project is a sculpture by Richard Warrington titled “Heart of the Valley” consisting of four brushed metal, curved, upright forms around a bright red, center, curved, upright form with a heart in its center. The sculpture is 12 feet high and weighs over 2000 pounds. The cost to place the sculpture at the city gateway site where I-90 exits onto Appleway was estimated to be $27,500. Because this site is the entrance, not the center of the city, Council decided that it should be place at the Appleway University trailhead. In October of 2017, SVAC sought a total of $76,100 in their outside agency application and were ultimately awarded $30,708 by the City Council. Outside agencies compete for grants Eleven agencies applied for the annual grants for outside agency funding from Spokane Valley. The 2019 budget is $243,000. However, of this, $43,000 is committed for a contract with Greater Spokane Incorporated (GSI) and $18,000 for Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce. This leaves $182,000 for the 11 applying agencies. Big Brothers Big Sisters is asking $10,000 for a high school mentoring program. Elevations is asking for $5,000 to supply therapy to those who cannot afford it. Feed Spokane is asking for $4,850 to gather excess food from food producing businesses to give to food distributors such as some churches. GSI is requesting $10,000 to aid start-up companies. JAKT is asking $30,000 for such chef events as Crave! and Octoberfest.

The Current

Spokane Arts Council is asking $103,150 for an artists showcase program and casting a bronze art piece. Spokane Valley Heritage Museum is asking $8,300 to promote the museum building’s rich history. Spokane Valley Partners is asking for $35,000 to provide vital services to Spokane Valley citizens. Spokane Valley Summer Theater is asking for $5,000 to operate its conservatory, the theater arts play-in-a-week program for youth. Valleyfest is asking for $100,000 to market and advertise its festivals to the Northwest. Widows Might is requesting $25,000 to assist widows in the area. The council members will give their recommendations to the finance officer who will compile the recommendations and expects to present them to the council for action on Oct. 23. Testimony against white nationalism On Sept. 4 in public testimony, nine people spoke out against bigotry, encouraging council to sign a resolution decrying white nationalism. Four of these were from the city of Spokane, two were from Spokane County, two were from Spokane Valley and one was undetermined. The Reverend Jennifer Haywood pleaded, “I heard you are business friendly. Step up. State clearly that you will not support bigotry in any form. Sponsor the resolution that was given to you from families against bigotry.” Gene Shrunk of Spokane Valley defended the council declaring, “Not a one of you has ever had lunch with one of you (council members). Not a one of you has ever experienced a day with you (council members). But they accuse you of racism…I know these people up here. I’ve known them for years. There’s no racist. There’s no white supremacist. This is the definition of racism. Painting someone you never met, you don’t know and you’ve never had an experience with.” After the Council meeting, Mayor Rod Higgins stated that the present resolution was adequate, that it covers all groups rather than specifying the many, many groups that could be addressed. State’s Condo Act shuts down new condo construction Spokane Home Builders Association Government Affairs Director Arthur Whitten, Greenstone Homes founder Jim Frank, and State Sen. Mike Padden described the 2010 Condominium Act as shutting down construction of new condos because of added restrictions and costs. This act creates a warrantee that extends for 10 years, permits home owner

See COUNCIL, Page 9

The Current

COUNCIL

Continued from page 8 associations to file lawsuits without owners’ consent, and requires special inspection rules that require bringing inspectors from Seattle to inspect for things more applicable to Seattle than Spokane, such as moisture barriers. As a result, subcontractors cannot get insurance. Contractors are then forced to build apartments, rather than condos, attracting renters, denying people the stability of home ownership. Relative to Kendall Yards, Frank stated, “During the permit review process the onerous provisions of the Condominium Act came to the surface. Liability, insurance and inspection requirements were adding significant costs to the project to the point it became economically unfeasible to continue the project as a condominium. We withdrew the building permit and resubmitted the identical plans as an apartment. All of the excessive costs disappeared.” Sen. Padden noted that the legislature is now working on a solution and encouraged cities to become involved in the process. City lobbyists examine 2019 state legislative session Gordon Thomas Honeywell Government Affairs Specialists Briahna Murray and Josh Weiss presented their views of the legislature’s upcoming session that starts in January. Four issues are expected to be on November’s ballot: gun control, grocery/bottled water sales tax, carbon tax and use of police force. Based upon the primary election, Democrats are expected to hold majorities in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. This will be the first year of the two-year biennium with the purpose of developing operating, capital and transportation budgets. The operating budget is expected to be tight; the capital budget is expected to be robust with the largest demand for K-12 school construction and the transportation budget will be dealing with a $200 million shortfall. The city’s agenda includes $2.5 million in funding for the Pines Road/BNSF Grade Separation Project and $1.16 million in funding for Browns Park. Policy issues include defending local control, protecting state-shared revenues, reforming business regulations and supporting prohibition of marijuana home growing through local authority. This was the first of three planned council discussions on this topic. Glenrose/Central Park basins watershed under study Glenrose and Central Park are two watershed basins that are located at the western part of Spokane Valley

NEWS

south of Eighth. Authorities have asserted that this contains a flood plain area, but the specifics have only been approximately defined. As a result, some residents may be paying for flood insurance where there is no risk or living in houses designed for a higher elevation than necessary. A joint city/ county five-year, $261,900 study is being proposed that would define the specific flood plain areas and determine the specific elevations of the 100-year flood plain along with the water channels involved. Council agreed to award a $261,900 contract to WEST Consultants for the study. New business license code proposed Council approved the first reading of a new business license code. This new code would replace the present code because of new state regulations and the many changes that have occurred. The new code adopts a model ordinance require by the state in which there is a uniform definition of “engaging in business.” Businesses outside the city would also be required to obtain a license if they do business within the city. For purposes of the license registration by this new chapter, any person or business whose annual value of products, gross proceeds of sales or gross income of the business in the city is equal to or less than $2,000 and who does not maintain a place of business within the city, shall submit a business license registration to the city. The threshold does not apply to regulatory license requirements or activities that require a specialized permit. Public hearing on 2009 revenues Council held a public hearing of next year’s revenues in the third of eight presentations about the 2019 budget. As indicated in the September issue of The Current, the City will appropriate $70.7 million. Of this, $13.2 million will be for capital expenditures, of which $6 million is expected to be from grants. Major capital expenditures include $4.4 million for streets, $1.3 million for parks and $5.9 million for street preservation. Recurring general fund revenue is expected to increase by 5.9 percent over last year and expenditures should increase by 1.84 percent. The number of personnel should increase by 4.5 positions, primarily due to hiring of five engineers. Salary Commission to determine council salary State law specifies two methods of setting City Council salaries. One method requires the council to

set its own salaries. However, the new salaries can only be applied to successors of those in office. The second method is to set up an independent salary commission to research salaries and then set the compensation of council. The new salary levels would then take place immediately. Council passed to its second reading a revision of the 2006 ordinance setting up a salary commission to set council salaries. This revised ordinance does not contain specific dates, so it can be used at any time by the council. New SVexpress system allows citizens to request city services A new system called “SVexpress” is in place to process citizen questions and requests for service. It contains a knowledge base, whereby the user can ask questions and gain a response such as, “What equipment does the city have for snow response?” Citizens can also report problems to the city through SVexpress. It displays a map allowing the user to identify the specific location of a problem. Finally, it permits the user to contact staff and receive a timely response. Combined Communications Center coming Area officials are well on their way planning for a combined police and fire communications center. Officials reported that at present, it takes an unacceptable two minutes of delay from the time a fire is reported until it is dispatched. They report such centers provide long-term cost savings and reduce call times. Furthermore, employees have more stability because of increased opportunities for advancement, resulting in lower turnover rates (18 percent versus 27 percent) and open positions (6 percent versus 10 percent). Council Briefs: • City Manager Mark Calhoun reported that documents have now been signed and the city now owns Myrna Park • Council Member Linda Thompson earned the Certificate of Municipal Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities • Council is planning to send a delegation to Washington, D.C. Staff is studying the timing, logistics and contacts for maximum effectiveness and will return to council with a plan • Preliminary data indicates that the property tax rate for 2019 will be $1.30 per $1000 assessed valuation, about 6.5 cents lower than this year’s rate • Council repealed the e-cigarette code since the state adopted its own laws

OCTOBER 2018 • 9

Spokane Valley’s NonDiscrimination Resolution

By Bill Gothmann Current Correspondent The city of Spokane Valley adopted Resolution 17-008 on March 28, 2017. The resolution quotes the Washington State Constitution: "Governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, and are established to protect and maintain individual rights.” The resolution then quotes two sections of Washington State Law: RCW 49. 60. 010, “… The legislature hereby finds and declares practices of discrimination against any of its inhabitants because of race, creed, color, national origin, families with children, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability ... threatens not only the rights and proper privileges of its inhabitants but menaces the institutions and foundation of a free democratic state." RCW 49. 60. 030, “ … The right to be free from discrimination because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability is recognized as and declared to be a civil right of the people of this state.” Finally, it declares, “The City Council desires to make clear that the City of Spokane Valley is a city that strives in all instances and through all actions to be an inclusive City, where discrimination of any form is not and shall not be tolerated, where laws apply equally to all citizens, and where all individuals, families, and businesses are welcome so that they may flourish and prosper within its boundaries.” The complete resolution can be found at: http://laserfiche.spokanevalley. org/WebLink8/DocView. aspx?id=361417&dbid=0

COMMUNITY

10 • OCTOBER 2018

The Current

Calendar of Events COMMUNITY EVENTS

Spokane Valley. Shop for bargains and treasures galore at this festival of deals.

Sept 29 | Spokane Valley Fire Department Annual Open House, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 2411 N. Pioneer Lane, Spokane Valley. Everyone is invited to join SVFD for a day of free family fun. Watch live safety demonstrations and see fire engines, trucks and a helicopter. Meet firefighters and try on gear. Enjoy hot dogs and beverages before you take home cool giveaways. Call 892-4155 or visit www.spokanevalleyfire.com for more information.

Oct 6-7 | Fall Show hosted by Inland Empire Coin & Stamp Show, CenterPlace Regional Event Center, 2426 N Discovery Place, Spokane Valley. There will be over 25 different vendors with 55 tables. Tons of U.S. coins, world coins, tokens, stamps, currency and more. Hourly door prizes and on Oct. 7, a drawing for one gold coin and five silver dollars. Admission is $2 per adult, kids 12 and under are free. Hours: Oct. 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information call 595-0435.

Oct. 2-3 | Avista Energy Fair, Spokane County Fair & Expo Center, 404 N. Havana, Spokane Valley – 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. This free community event will feature information on utility bill assistance (do not need to be an Avista customer to qualify), energy efficiency and other resources. SNAP and other local nonprofits will be represented along with Avista officials. Oct. 5-6 | “New to You Rummage Sale,” The Episcopal Church of the Resurrection 15319 E. Eighth Ave.,

Through Oct. 13 | Liberty Lake Farmers Market – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Town Square Park, 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane. This popular open-air market features local food and farm vendors, artisan crafts and baked goods, music and more. The Pie Festival will take place on Aug. 18. The venue is open each Saturday through Oct. 13. For more information, visit www.libertylakefarmersmarket.com. Oct. 13 | Harvest Dinner hosted by Veradale United Church of Christ, 611 N. Progress – 5-7 p.m. Turkey,

ham and all the trimmings. Adults $10. Children (4-12) $5 All proceeds benefit ministries and missions of VUCC. Questions, call 936-7173 Oct. 16 | Central Valley High School Marching Band and Color Guard presents “Dessert and a Show!” 7:30 p.m., Central Valley High School Stadium, 821 S Sullivan Road. Come see this awardwinning group perform their 2018 production of “Empire State.” After the performance, gather in the CVHS Commons for dessert. This event is free and open to the public. For more information contact: cvmbPublicity@ hotmail.com Oct. 20 | Willow Song Music Therapy Center open house, E. Wellesley Ave #102-103, Otis Orchards – 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free and open to the community. The open house will feature drumming and other music experiences, visitors can learn about Willow Song Music Therapy; who they serve, where, and why. Find out about current programs being offered at Willow Song Music Therapy Service. Enjoy refreshments and the drum circle at 10:30 a.m. For more information, visit www. willowsongmusictherapy.com or call 592-7875. Nov. 3-4 | Fall Craft Show benefiting the Central Valley High School Marching Band and Color Guard – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information contact: cvmbPublicity@ hotmail.com. Admission: $2

RECURRING Free Lunch Last Sunday of the Month | Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, 115 North Raymond Road, Spokane Valley - 12:30 p.m. in the church’s Fellowship Hall, Room 115 Grief Share Support Group | Thursdays, 3 to 4:30 p.m., Spokane Valley Church of the Nazarene. 15515 E 20th Ave, Spokane Valley. If you have lost a loved one and are dealing with grief, this well-respected program is here to help with the healing. Stop by to share or just listen. Call 9261545 for more information. ACT 2 senior classes | Affordable classes offered by Community Colleges of Spokane to those who are retired or planning to retire. A wide range of courses from geology and history to exercise and art are offered at CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place, as well as other locations throughout the area. “Focused Fitness on Dishman Mica,” a yoga class, is now part of the schedule. More at www.sccel.spokane.edu/ACT2

Baha’i Fireside Conversation | 7 to 8 p.m., third Thursday of the month. Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Discussion of Baha’i teachings, history, and perspectives on resolving the challenges facing humanity. All are welcome. More at 599-2411 or www.bahai.us. Inland Empire Blues Society monthly meeting | Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m., Bolo's 116 S. Best Road Café Card Club | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays. On Sacred Grounds, 12212 E. Palouse Hwy., Valleyford. Play pinochle, cribbage, or hearts. More at www.onsacredgrounds.com Catholic Singles Mingle | Meeting times and locations vary. This group, with no dues, is for single adults of all ages. More at www.meetup.com/ Catholic-Singles-Mingle. DivorceCare Recovery Support Group | Mondays 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Eastpoint Church, 15303 E. Sprague Ave. Learn how to heal from the deep hurt of divorce and discover hope for your future. DivorceCare for Kids (ages 5-12) meets at the same time and location. Cost is $25 for workbook. More at 892-5255 or eastpointchurch.com. Military Sobriety Support Group | 10 to 11: 30 a.m., Spokane Vet Center, 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley. Call Steve at 8934746 for more information Grange Meeting and Dessert | 6:30 p.m., third Wednesday of the month, Tri-Community Grange, 25025 Heather St., Newman Lake. The public is welcome for this communitybased service organization. For more information call 226-2202 or see us on Facebook. Men’s Weekly Bible Study | 7 a.m. Tuesdays. Millwood Presbyterian Church, 3223 N. Marguerite Road, Millwood. The men’s weekly Bible Study meets in the Reception Hall with different members sharing in the leading of the study. All men are invited to join. More at www. milwoodpc.org. Rockford Crochet Class | 10 a.m. to noon, Saturdays. The Harvest Moon, 20 S. First St., Rockford. Free classes. We have crocheters, knitters, embroidery, quilting and needlepoint. Come and share with us what you are doing. Call 291-3722. Rockford Historical Society | 11:30 a.m. second Friday of the month (Feb. to Nov.). Harvest Moon restaurant, 20 S. First St., Rockford. More at 2913193. Spokane County Library District |

The Current

COMMUNITY

Locations include Argonne, Fairfield, Otis Orchards, and Spokane Valley. Special events and weekly activities for all ages including book clubs, children’s story times, classes, Lego club, teen anime club and writing clubs. More at www.scld.org

Spirit of Spokane Chorus | 6:45 p.m., Tuesdays. Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 202 N. Pines Road. Make new friends by joining this women’s chorus, specializing in four-part, a cappella harmony in the barbershop style. More at 218-4799.

Spokane Valley Eagles | 16801 E. Sprague Ave. Breakfast served Sundays 9 to 11:30 a.m. Lunch served Thursdays 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by bingo from 1 to 3:30 p.m. More at www.foe3433.com.

Spokane Novelists Group | Noon to 4 p.m., second and fourth Saturday of the month. Otis Orchards Community Church, 23304 E. Wellesley Ave., Otis Orchards. A support/critique group for writers. Open to anyone with an interest in writing fiction (no memoirs, nonfiction, poetry, etc., please). Participants should bring 5-10 pages to read aloud and 6-8 copies for others to read along and critique. More at 590-7316.

Spokane Valley Partners Food Bank | Weekly distribution takes place Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10814 E. Broadway by appointment. Appointments are available during the following days/times: Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Thursday (reserved for advanced-age seniors — age 60 and over — and/or physically-handicapped people with limited mobility): 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Address verification is required. To make an appointment, call 927.1153 ext. 10, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m Spokane Valley Quilt Guild | Meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October and December at Valley Assembly of God Church, 15618 E. Broadway, Spokane Valley. Open to all interested in sharing ideas and skills of our quilting craft. Participants have can access a comprehensive library, can engage experienced teachers and participate in community service projects. More at www.svqgspokane.com

MUSIC & THE ARTS Oct. 18-Nov. 11 | Spokane Watercolor Society Juried Show, Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture Helen South Alexander Gallery, 2316 W. First Ave., Spokane. Days/times: Tuesday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The opening reception and awards program will be held Oct. 18, from 5-8 p.m. The jurist is nationally and internationally known watercolor artist Birgit O'Connor. Nov. 29-Dec. 15 | "A Charlie Brown Christmas" by Charles M. Schulz. The classic animated television special comes to life in

RECURRING Pages of Harmony | 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Wednesdays. Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 S. Pines Road. If you enjoy singing, you will love the fourpart, a cappella harmony of this men’s barbershop chorus. More at www. pagesofharmony.org.

Spokane Valley Camera Club | 7:15 p.m., third and fourth Monday of the month (September through April). Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District building, 22510 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake. All levels of ability—students through experienced photographers—are invited to learn. Social events include field trips and workshops. More at 951-1446 or www.sv-cc.org

HEALTH & RECREATION Oct. 2 | Quit for Good – Tobacco Cessation class. Have you tried quitting smoking before without success? INHS and Providence Health Care are teaming up to provide a free four-week program designed to help you have long-term success in quitting tobacco. Tobacco cessation tools will be available to you as well as tobacco cessation experts. The class includes Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) while supplies last when NRT is not covered by participant’s health insurance. This is a live, interactive webinar. Log in information will be emailed with your registration confirmation. For more information, call 232-8145 or visit www.inhs.info. Oct. 5 | Stronger Together Gala hosted by the Summit Cancer Foundation – 6 to 10 p.m., CenterPlace Regional Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley. Learn how you can make a difference for cancer patients in the Spokane area by being “Stronger Together.” Event includes plated dinner, silent auction, live music and dancing. Tickets are $125. Visit www. summitcancerfoundation.org for more information. Oct. 10 & 29 | Pre-diabetes screening, INHS Community Wellness Center, 501 N. Riverpoint Blvd., Spokane. This simple blood test

See CALENDAR, Page 12

OCTOBER 2018 • 11

The Current

12 • OCTOBER 2018

CALENDAR

Continued from page 11 provides information about a person’s average levels of blood glucose, also called blood sugar, over the past three months. Immediate results are provided and can be discussed at the time of appointment with a registered dietitian and/or a certified diabetes educator. For more information, call 232-8145 or visit www.inhs.info. Oct. 12 | Autism Grown Up, CenterPlace Regional Event Center, 2426 N Discovery Place, Spokane Valley – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Networking social starts at 4:30, providing an opportunity for interaction with local and national thought leaders. Registration closes on or before Oct. 5 based on availability. Contact NW Autism Center at 328-1582 or visit www.nwautism.org for more information. Wednesday mornings | Mindful Music & Movement class, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Specifically designed for those living with chronic health issues such as: Parkinson's, dementia, COPD, MS, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, cancer. Supporting body, mind and soul. $10 donation suggested. Facilitated by boardcertified Music Therapist, Carla

Carnegie. Willow Song Music Therapy Center. 21101 E. Wellesley #102. Otis Orchards. For more information, visit www.willowsongmusictherapy.com or call 592 7875.

RECURRING Yoga in Rockford | 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Rockford Park, 20 W. Emma Street, Rockford. In case of inclement weather, classes will be held at Dave’s Autobody, 8 W. Emma Street. Wednesday mornings | Mindful Music & Movement class, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Specifically designed for those living with chronic health issues such as: Parkinson's, dementia, COPD, MS, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, cancer. Supporting body, mind and soul. $10 donation suggested. Facilitated by boardcertified Music Therapist, Carla Carnegie. Willow Song Music Therapy Center. 21101 E. Wellesley #102. Otis Orchards. For more information, visit www.willowsongmusictherapy.com or call 592 7875. Tuesday afternoons | Decreasing Anger Group, 3 to 4:30 p.m., the Vet Center, 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley. Eligibility: Combat veteran from all eras, military sexual trauma survivors, Contact Steve

at 893-4746 to make an intake appointment.

hubsportscenter.org) or phone, (927-0602).

HUB Sports Center 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake. Various activities and events occur throughout the week including:

Sept. 29 | 2018 Sugar Rush 5K – 9 a.m., along the Centennial Trail, starting at The Warehouse Athletic Center, 800 N. Hamilton in Spokane. Registration is $30 for adults; $15 for kids (15 and under). Proceeds go to support the Inland NW Diaper Bank at Spokane Valley Partners (SVP). This year is the first year for SVP to host this event. Just like previous years be prepared for lots of sweets and fun when you complete the course. Packet pickup will take place at SVP (10814 E. Broadway Ave.) on Thursday, Sept. 27 (4-7 p.m.) and Friday, Sept. 28 (2-7 p.m.). Contact Nicki Slack at execasst@ svpart.org with any questions.

• Pickleball drop-in: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Mon. through Thurs.; 10 a.m. to noon Tues. and Thurs. and 6 to 8 p.m. Wed. and Sun. $3/seniors ($5/ non-seniors) • Classes including Kenpo Karate and Zumba Aerobics. See website for cost and times.

CIVIC & BUSINESS Sept. 27 | HUB Sports Center All Star Breakfast – 7:30-8:45 a.m., Mirabeau Park Hotel 1100 N. Sullivan Road, Spokane Valley. This annual fundraiser has helped the HUB expand its outreach to the community with the HUB 360 afterschool program for at-risk youth, Policy Activity League for kids to have a positive interaction with law enforcement and a P.E. program for home school families. Please RSVP by Sept. 13 either via email, (info@

Mondays in October | Financial Literacy with Dycelia Weiss – 12:30 to 2 p.m., STCU Community Education Kitchen and Classroom at Spokane Valley Partners Food Bank and Family Services, 10814 E. Broadway, Spokane Valley. Call 927-1153 or visit www.svpart.org/food-bank/ for more information.

RECURRING Spokane Valley City Council | Regular meetings are held on 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.

We deserve to have more than one view represented when decisions are being made that impact all of us.

Find us on Facebook!

I will bring strong, balanced, ﬁscally responsible representation to our 4th Legislative District.

I would appreciate your vote!

Spokane Valley Kiwanis | 6:45 a.m. Tuesdays. Valley Hospital Education Center, 12606 E. Mission Ave. More at www. spokanevalleykiwanis.net.

Mary May’s endorsements include: Washington Education Association & Spokane Education Association Washington State Labor Council & Spokane Regional Labor Council United Steelworkers District 12 International Brotherhood Of Electrical Workers, Local 77 Former Spokane Valley Mayor Tom Towey Former Spokane Valley City Council Member Chuck Hafner Paid for by Friends of Mary May, PO Box 14935, Spokane Valley, WA 99214

Spokane Flag Museum | Sponsored by the Sons of the American Revolution and the Fairmount Memorial Association, details the rich history of the American flag, Mondays-Fridays, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Pines Cemetery, 1402 S. Pines Road, Spokane Valley. For more information: 926-2753 or www.fairmountmemorial.com/ south-pines-cemetery

www.valleycurrent.com

Greater Spokane Valley Rotary | Noon to 1 p.m., Wednesdays. Darcy’s, 10502 E. Sprague Ave. More at www.svrotary.org.

The Current

LIBRARY

Conference offers inspiration for aspiring writers

talent. The workshop presenters include published authors Danielle Annett, John Bladek, Kelly Milner Halls, Cindy Hval, Alexis M. Smith, and Brooke Urbaniak, who writes under the pen name Anne Lutz. The collected works of these six amazing authors include dozens upon dozens of books for children, teens, and adults, both fiction and nonfiction.

Current Guest Contributor

Local writer Kailee Haong leads the workshop “Writing on the Margins” that focuses on understanding and telling your story, which can be difficult and complex for writers who have been marginalized and, therefore, mostly unpublished by mainstream publishers. If you’ve ever walked around a bookstore or library and wished there were more books and stories with characters like you, then this workshop is bound to inspire you.

By Erin Dodge

Writers can find new ways to spark their imaginations and hone their writing skills in free writing workshops and classes at the fourth annual Spokane Writers Conference, a two-day event at North Spokane Library (44 E. Hawthorne Road) on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 20–21. The conference provides the chance to meet local authors and connect with other writers in the area who are interested in learning and improving their craft. Plus, you can explore your poetic voice, hone your interviewing techniques, learn about self-publishing and discover your unique literary identity. This free conference boasts a lot of regional and local writing

Painting unique images and peculiar details can help fill your stories with vivid scenes and authentic characters. In the workshop “Seeing Your Story: Imagery & Characterization in Fiction,” fiction writer Chris Maccini shares examples of stories with effective imagery and gives you the

tools to practice “seeing” your own scenes and characters with greater ingenuity. Poetry slam performers and those looking to get empowered and express themselves will get the chance to take two workshops with the multicultural millennial poets of “Power 2 the Poetry” – Bethany Montgomery, Afaria McKinney and Charles K. Chuckenspire. The workshop “Express, Expose, Ignite!” focuses on using spoken word to promote freedom of expression, raising awareness of social, cultural, and political issues. “Recognizing and Using Your Power to Step Up and Step Out” is an interactive workshop about fully comprehending oppression placed on marginalized groups and understanding how we, as the community, need to resist all types of discrimination against anyone at any time.

Whimsical tunes Magical melodies Sing & dance along

Current Guest Contributor You’re never too young or too old to prepare for your future.

“Long-Term Care Insurance Basics & Medicare Planning” is led by Joel Ferris of Ferris Long Term Care Insurance who provides an overview of long-term care planning and Dennis Fletcher of Fletcher Financial who shares an overview of Medicare planning with special emphasis on Medicare Open Enrollment. You can attend

FAMILY CONCERT

Fun for the whole family!

By Erin Dodge

“Plan Well, Age Well” is a series of classes that explores issues related to retirement and aging led by the experts from the Spokane Elder Resource Team, also known as SERT. The following classes are free of charge, open to the public and taking place this month.

Caspar Babypants

With a dozen workshops to choose from, writers will find a lot of inspiration and discover the tools and tips to hone their craft. Registration is required for each workshop, and you can register at www.scld.org/writers-2018.

Classes explore retirement and aging issues No matter your age, you can start planning for your retirement years now – and if you’re already retired, this is a great time brush up on your knowledge of downsizing, financial planning, long-term care, care management, Medicare and Medicaid and Social Security.

OCTOBER 2018 • 13

Free admission All ages welcome

this class at Airway Heights Library on Tuesday, Oct. 2, from 1 to 2 p.m. and at Argonne Library on Wednesday, Oct. 3, from 6 to 7 p.m. “Prepare for a Secure Financial Future” features Daria Brown, CPA for Fruci & Associates, who discusses new tax law changes as well as Social Security planning and Dustin Allbery, Independent Financial Planner, who discusses how to have a well-balanced financial plan that features both proper asset accumulation and protection tactics. You can attend this class at Airway Heights Library on Tuesday, Oct. 9, from 1 to 2 p.m. and at Argonne Library on Wednesday, Oct. 10, from 6 to 7 p.m.

“Home Downsizing & Medicaid Strategies” is the final class in the series. Kathy Bryant, EXL Realty Senior Residential Specialist, discusses the need to plan for senior living, including downsizing and moving. Lynn St Louis, Elder Law Group PLLC Managing Partner, reviews elder law planning essentials and the importance of having a Medicaid strategy through proper estate planning. You can attend this class at Airway Heights Library on Tuesday, Oct. 16, from 1 to 2 p.m. and at Argonne Library on Wednesday, Oct. 17, from 6 to 7 p.m. These classes are likely to be popular with seats going quickly, so you may want to arrive early. We hope to see you there!

Saturday, October 13 10–11am CENTERPLACE 2426 N Discovery Place Spokane Valley Sponsored by the Friends of the Spokane County Library District

www.scld.org

The Current

14 • OCTOBER 2018

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The Current

OCTOBER 2018 • 15

Valley Chamber

Spokane native Beck named new chamber CEO

HIGHLIGHTS

By Craig Howard Current Editor

Lance Beck is about to enter some new waters. Most recently the director of marketing with the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Beck was announced as the next CEO and president of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce last month. He will begin his new role on Oct. 8. “He’s going to bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm,” said Chamber Chair-Elect Kelly Fukai. “He’s also going to be joining a great team already in place.” A native of Spokane, Beck graduated from Mt. Spokane High School and went on to earn degrees in marketing, business and leadership from Whitworth University. His first job out of college was with the Spokane Shock indoor football team in marketing and operations. A chamber press release from Sept. 13 stated that Beck “has involved himself deeply in his community, serving in leadership roles on local tourism and community college boards.” Beck takes over for previous CEO Katherine Morgan who resigned last March to accept a position with Bank of America. Morgan had led the chamber since September 2014 when she replaced Eldonna Shaw who oversaw the chamber for 13 years.

Lance Beck was recently named the new president and CEO of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce. Contributed photo part of our community.” Fukai said the committee was impressed with Beck’s grasp of the chamber’s mission, vision and a history that goes back to 1921. “He’d done his research,” she said.

EMPOWER.

Imagine your surgeon having a 3D print of your liver or wearing a sensor that could help diagnose your headaches. Dr. John Tomkowiak is the founding dean of the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine at Washington State University Spokane

Chamber membership skyrocketed during Morgan’s tenure and is now over 750. Fukai said one of Beck’s main responsibilities will be to continue promoting the chamber’s “BIG 5” initiative that places a priority on making strides in a quintet of key areas – the outdoors, goods, learning, cures and vision.

October Business Connections Breakfast.

The chamber press release said Beck’s “unique perspective on the BIG 5 and the chamber's role in the Greater Spokane community make him an excellent choice to lead the organization.” While Beck does not have any professional background working with chambers, Fukai said the committee indicated it was his skill set and enthusiasm that tipped the scales.

A search committee consisting of chamber members and board members was formed in early July to secure Morgan’s replacement. Interviews began in mid-August. Around 40 applied for the job from all over the country.

“We also are very cognizant that we don’t want to put people into boxes,” she said. Fukai acknowledged that Beck will face “a steep learning curve” but expressed confidence that he will not be alone. “It’s not just going to be him,” she said. “He’ll have the collaboration and support of the entire community.”

INNOVATE.

Miracles in Modern Medicine

Beck was traveling and unavailable for comment before presstime.

“Katherine stepped into some big shoes considering what Eldonna had built,” Fukai said. “Now, I think Lance can take that platform that Katherine established and expand on it.”

“I think that bodes well for our region,” Fukai said. “It’s exciting that so many people want to be

CONNECT.

and will be our guest speaker for the He will talk about advances in precision medicine such as DNA testing, digestible sensors, and the role technology can play in diagnostics. Dr. Tomkowiak will also cover virtual reality, 3D organ printing, artificial intelligence and other tools that are becoming modern miracles of medicine. For more information, visit: spokanevalleychamber.org. SAVE THE DATE November 16 Annual Meeting Mirabeau Park Hotel December 14 Stories of Goodwill A Highlight of Member Non-profits CenterPlace Event Center

Business Connections Breakfast October 19, 2018 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM Spokane Valley Event Center 10514 E. Sprague Members - $25 ($35 after October 17) Future Members- $35 ($45 after October 17) Table Sponsor- $250 New Members: June

Airgas Cool Beans Coffee Brunette Sportswear Fujiyama Japanese Steak House & Bar Grizzly Glass Center St Eugene Golf Resort & Casino Tom Sawyer Country Coffee Trailbreaker Cider Wild Walls Climbing Gym & Yoga

July

World Relief Spokane

Law Office of Steve Graham Nordson SELECT Spokane County United Way Spokane Eye Clinic, P.S

1421 N. Meadowwood Ln. Liberty Lake, WA 99019 | 509-924-4994 | spokanevalleychamber.org

The Current

16 • OCTOBER 2018

VOTE FOR EXPERIENCE

It takes accounting and financial experience to effectively serve as County Treasurer. Only one candidate, David Green, has that experience.

DAVID & MARY KULISCH

We are Republicans, we are Seniors, we are Mormons, and we support the most qualified candidate for County Treasurer, David Green.

David Green prefers the Democratic Party. Paid for by Friends of David Green CPA, PO Box 4002, Spokane WA 99220.

VICKY M DALTON, CPA

SPOKANE COUNTY AUDITOR

David is an experienced finance professional who is exceptionally qualified to fulfill the Treasurer’s duties of safeguarding taxpayer money and investing public funds wisely. voteDavidGreenCPA.com | facebook.com/voteDavidGreenCPA

The Current

Sheriff’s Citizen’s Academy sheds light on tough work By Linda Ball

Current Correspondent If you’ve ever wondered what the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office does all day, your chance to learn is right now. The Sheriff’s Citizen’s Academy, offered in the fall and spring each year, begins Monday Oct. 1 and runs every Monday thereafter until Nov.19. Attendees will hear from a variety of speakers representing areas like major crimes and air support units along with the canine unit (including a demonstration), search and rescue. School resource officers and field training officers will also be represented. If that’s not enough excitement, the SWAT team will demonstrate breaching tools and ballistic bunkers. “We want people who don’t like the Sheriff’s Department, detractors of the department to come,” said Deputy David Morris. The series will begin with Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich who will speak about community policing, community engagement and professional standards in law enforcement and any other local issues that attendees might have questions about. Deputies will address how they handle various calls for service, priorities, community engagement and problem solving. Many people don’t realize the wide swath of territory the Sheriff’s Office covers. The department is responsible for the cities of

OCTOBER 2018 • 17

Spokane Valley, Deer Park, Millwood, Medical Lake, Rockford, Fairfield, Spangle, Otis Orchards, Newman Lake, Elk, Chattaroy and any areas of unincorporated Spokane County. All told, Morris said the department covers 1,578 square-miles of turf with 225 sworn officers. Additionally, the Marine unit enforces 17 lakes in the county. Be aware there is some mature content in the series, such as the presentation by the sexual assault unit. Additionally the deputies will share crime scene photos and the forensic unit presentation includes videos depicting some violence. Consequently, youths must attend with parents. Morris said most of the participants are a mix of men and women between 18 and 80. Morris said the course focuses on officer involved shootings which will include some use-of-force training where the participants play the role of the officer and the deputies play the suspected perpetrator. With the use of an interactive video, you will be put into precarious situations. The Search and Rescue unit, tasked with looking for lost hikers, stranded skiers and missing persons will talk about how they go about finding persons and the traffic unit will talk about drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs along with other traffic problems. Morris said the biggest problem the department deals with is property crime. This will be the 11th time the Citizen’s Academy has been offered by Sheriff’s Office, but many agencies host these classes as a way to get acquainted with the public they serve – and citizens get to meet their deputies. Only 40 people can be accommodated – Morris said they usually don’t fill up because the word doesn’t get out. The

department

Central Valley High School's

holds

academy at its training facility at 6011 N. Chase Road, in Newman Lake. The building used to be a middle school, but the Sheriff’s Office purchased it three years ago to be its training center. Morris said the department brings in trainers from across the state and country to the regional facility to train its deputies. In addition to the Citizen’s Academy, on Nov. 6, election day, the Sheriff’s Office Forensic Unit

will host its bi-annual tour from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at 1100 W. Mallon in the public safety building. The number of attendees is limited, so if you’re interested email mschaal@ spokanesheriff.org To enroll in the Citizen’s Academy, call Deputy Morris at 477-6044 or email dwmorris@spokanesheriff. org. The Citizen’s Academy runs 6 to 9 p.m. The department asks that you commit to attending at least seven of the eight sessions.

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CENTRAL VALLEY WRESTLING CLUB

Youth & Pre-Season HS Wrestling

Saturday November 3rd 9-5pm Sunday November 4th 9-5pm Admission: $2.00 Central Valley High School 821 S. Sullivan Sponsored by CVHS Band Boosters

Practices begin in October! Wrestling Builds CHARACTER and the Club Builds

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The Current

18 • OCTOBER 2018

CHAS Health opens Spokane Valley dental clinic By Tyler Wilson

Current Correspondent The CHAS Health East Mission Dental Clinic recently opened its doors to serve an increasing demand for affordable dental services in the Spokane Valley. The clinic’s first two weeks of operation provided almost-instant proof of the local need. Prior to the clinic’s official ribbon cutting on Aug. 16, CHAS Health CEO Aaron Wilson said the Spokane Valley location had already scheduled 500 appointments. “We have other dental clinics in the Spokane area and we were able to determine from zip code analysis where our patients are coming from,” Wilson said. “We also know adult Medicaid access for dental services is really challenging, and that’s what drove a lot of the support.” The office, located at 1502 N. Vercler Road, is the first safetynet, nonprofit dental clinic in Spokane Valley. It was funded thanks to a federal grant and the Washington state capital budget. The 6,400-square-foot clinic features 10 dental chairs and serves both kids and adults with cleanings, exams, x-rays, crowns, fillings, root canals and more. It is the seventh CHAS dental clinic in the Inland Northwest. Construction on the site began over five months ago. “We see anybody who will walk through the door,” said Wilson, who added that CHAS accepts private insurances, Medicaid and those who are uninsured. The group has dedicated staff to work

with patients to determine costs and offers uninsured patients who qualify a sliding fee scale. Dr. Elisabeth Warder, dental director for CHAS Health, said the Valley office includes a fulltime dentist, a three-quartertime dentist, two hygienists and seven dental assistants, with two additional dentists coming on soon to further meet demand. The office is booking about six weeks out for non-emergency services. “There is a huge variety of need on any given day, from people who are coming in for cleanings, lots of restorative work to more emergency services like root canals and extractions,” Warder said. The reach of CHAS Health in the Inland Northwest is massive. In their 2017 annual report, CHAS cited a 15 percent growth rate and served more than 73,000 patients across its varied health and wellness programs and clinics from Deer Park to the LewistonClarkston area. Services include primary and urgent medical care, dental, pharmacy services, pregnancy, pediatrics, behavioral health and more. The organization employed more than 700 people in 2017, according to the report. Still, Wilson said the demand in the Spokane area exceeds the reach of their services. He said CHAS will continue a push for more medical sites and services throughout the community to help shift how people access health care. There are plans to add another Spokanearea dental site at the East Central Community Center as well as more dental chairs at the clinic in Clarkston. “There are still huge amounts of patients who are accessing health care on an acute basis, so our goal is connecting them with primary care, helping them manage chronic disease and to shift the focus to healthy, preventative behaviors,”

The CHAS Health East Mission Dental Clinic celebrated a ribbon cutting on Aug. 16. The 6,000-square-foot site features 10 dental chairs and is the first nonprofit, safetynet dental clinic in Spokane Valley. From left to right: Elissa Black, Calla Holder, Tessa Shaffer, CHAS Dental Director Dr. Elisabeth Warder and CHAS CEO Aaron Wilson. Photo by Craig Howard Wilson said. At the Aug. 16 ribbon cutting, 4th Legislative District Rep. Bob McCaslin said the new Valley clinic was an extension of the exemplary care he has seen consistently from the organization since he first visited a CHAS clinic four years ago. “When I think of CHAS, I think of two words – I think of friendliness and quality and those are things I’ve seen over and over again,” McCaslin said. Rep. Marcus Riccelli, 3rd Legislative District legislator, said the clinic opening was a reflection of a bipartisan state effort to address and fund affordable dental care throughout the community. “I’ve been convinced that all health starts with oral health, so

Candidates Meet & Greet October 20, 10:00-1:00 Center Place Fireside Lounge

2426 N Discovery Place, Spokane Valley 99216

Please respond to confirm attendance Contact: Donna O’Leary

(509)-879-4058

this is a good move in the right direction,” Riccelli said. Wilson expressed his gratitude to legislators, city officials, local businesses and the broad community support for their help in making the East Mission clinic a reality. At the ribbon cutting, he gave a special thanks to CHAS employees. “When we talk about friendliness and quality, that’s who you see here working on a daily basis,” Wilson said. “That’s probably the most humbling thing – to work with a group of folks who really do deliver quality, friendly care every day of the week.” For more information about services and facilities, visit www. CHAS.org or call 444-8200.

The Current

Special Election Guide

Dear Readers:

With the upcoming election heating up and the sea of political signs filling our streets, we at The Splash wanted to take the opportunity to provide you with some information about the

candidates seeking your position? vote this election cycle. 2. What is the most In order to give you important issue that more insight into who needs addressed? these people are we While not everyone reached out to all of the chose to respond to our candidates appearing on request, a good number your ballot and asked have and I hope that them to please provide you find their unedited a 300-word response to responses helpful for your the following questions voting consideration. (which we would publish In addition to the at no cost). information listed in the 1. W h a t following pages we have best qualifies partnered with University you for High School, East Valley t h i s High School and West Valley High School to host a candidate forums to give you the opportunity to come and hear directly from the candidates f o r

OCTOBER 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ 19

2018

Spokane County Commissioner and individually connect with a number of the other candidates that will be in attendance for the open house before and after the formal program. The event is free, so we hope that you will come and join us October 10, 2018 5:45 at East Valley High School Gymnasium. Thanks for reading The Current, we hope you enjoy it!

The Current Team P.S. If you have any feedback on how we can enhance the voterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

The Current

20 • OCTOBER 2018

Ballot Drop Off Locations Liberty Lake Library 23123 E Mission Ave 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

Spokane County Commissioner Dist. 2

Rob Chase

What best qualifies you for this position? I have served as County Treasurer for eight years and under my supervision my office has accomplished many good things for all Spokane County residents, regardless of Party. I fought for legislation that allowed Spokane County taxpayers to make property

tax payments of any amount at any time on current and delinquent taxes. This is a first in Washington State. We streamlined our processes by involving all staff in finding solutions to bottlenecks and inefficiencies. As County Treasurer I invoked Coordination to force the Washington Utilities and Trade Commission to work on an equal basis with local officials to prevent any negative impact on the County regarding the acquisition of Avista by Hydro One. This was also an historic first in the United States by a local official. I am a generalist by experience and nature. I believe being so makes a better Commissioner since the job itself requires one to be multi-faceted and well read on a variety of issues that will come up. What is the most important issue that needs to be

addressed? Keeping taxes low and making sure all spending adds value. I will not raise taxes until I am assured all spending is justified and alternatives are studied. We need to treat the County Budget as if were our own. Public Safety comes first but I disagree with the decision last year to take from the Road Fund to balance the budget. Good roads are also needed for public safety so that responders can get to where they are needed quickly and safely. In addition, we need more transparency to the public on how we spend our funds. We need input from the public since they have to live with our decisions and many have access to knowledge that we may not be privy to.

Spokane County Commissioner Dist. 3 and introduce innovative processes and solutions will translate well to the county level where I can help fight against deficit spending and work to balance the budget. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?

Robbi Anthony

What best qualifies you for this position? My name is Robbi Katherine Anthony and I am running for Spokane County Commissioner, District 3. I’m a Democrat who puts fiscal responsibility first. As a business owner of two companies, I believe my ability to effectively manage expenses, raise revenue,

Additionally, I’d like to work to help improve the condition of our roads and help build out our digital roads, specifically by working to bring fiber optic internet to the county. If we can balance the budget, we can make these improvements happen. A balanced budget and improving our infrastructure isn’t a partisan position. It’s something we all believe in, and if given the opportunity to serve you as your Commissioner I’d do everything in my power to

make those goals a reality. I’m not looking to launch a political career or extend one. I’m just looking to spend 4-years doing right by the people of Spokane County. My campaign has not taken any donations from larger entities, ergo I am entirely free of special interests. I am a different kind of candidate running a different type of campaign. All the same, I need your vote. Please visit www. RobbiAnthony.com to learn more about our campaign. You may also contact us at 509.220.0817 or Robbi@ ElectRobbiAnthony.com Thank you for being a voter and participating in this process!

Al French

What best qualifies you for this position? It’s been an honor to serve as your County Commissioner. My qualifications for this position include 8 years as a Spokane City Council member and the last 7 ½ years as your County Commissioner. Unlike others that want you to believe that if you elect them they will be able to do things they have never done

The Current

Mary Kuney

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 community. I bring fiscally responsible solutions that protect the public, grow our economy, and maintain our infrastructure. I am a CPA with a successful career in the private sector

OCTOBER 2018 • 21

before serving as a Washington State Auditor. I was in-charge of the Spokane County audit for two years, ensuring that the County complied with all laws and regulations. In my former role as Chief Deputy Auditor for Spokane County, I worked with all departments across the County, establishing relationships based upon trust, mutual respect and honesty, which is the foundation for collaboration and working in the best interest of the community. We can work together to find solutions as opposed to defending positions. I have been volunteering in the Spokane community for 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 departments, improving efficiency, and promoting collaboration to make your government work better for you. I will continue this work with your support. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? Public safety must be our top priority at the County. Altogether, public safety is 75% of our 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. All of this will lead to a strong economy and good paying jobs. I’m endorsed by Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich, as the only person in this race he trusts when it comes to protecting our community.

Lost your Ballot?

Now you can go online to get a replacement! Input your information and it will generate the correct ballot for you. Simply print it off and take it to a ballot drop off location. To utilize this service go to https:// weiapplets.sos.wa.gov/ MyVote/#/login

3rd Annual Candidate Forum before in their lives I come to you with a proven track record of success and awards at the local, state and national levels for my leadership skills. Commissioners from across the state consistently elect me to represent their interest on issues impacting counties because of my balanced and creative approach to county government. I’ve worked to bring more and better jobs to the community, streamlined processes, reduced the cost of government, and developed balanced budgets without new taxes. Most of all I have worked to protect you, your family and our quality of life. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? My goal continues to be keeping you and your family safe, bringing more and better

jobs to the community, enhancing our quality of life and being a good steward of your taxpayer dollars. My top priority is keeping you and your family safe and that is why I am endorsed by Sheriff Knezovich and Fire Fighters from across the county. I am leading the effort to improve our criminal justice system to insure equal justice quicker and that those that want to do harm to you and your family are incarcerated and that those suffering from substance addition or mentally ill are diverted to treatment facilities not jail. I would be honored to receive your vote and continue our journey to success, working on the issues important to you and the community.

October 10, 2018 5:45 pm - 8 pm East Valley High School Gym

Join Us!

For a formal program featuring the Spokane County Commissioner candidates Along with an open house with candidates for other positions

Thank you to our local high schools for working together to make this event happen!

The Current

22 • OCTOBER 2018

Spokane County Assessor

Leonard Christian

What best qualifies you for this position? Elected Experience: Former Washington State Representative (Appropriations, Capital Budget, Government Oversight, Government Operations, Labor & Workforce committees), Spokane County Board of Equalization-a voice for the taxpayer providing impartial and economical adjudication of tax appeals, Republican Party District

Leader, Precinct Committee Officer since 2008, Solid Waste Advisory Council. Professional Experience: Professional Spokane Real Estate Broker since 2005, Graduate of Realtor Institute, Certified Negotiation Expert, Retired US Air Force Aircraft Mech a n i c-Re crui te r-C ompute r Technician-Security ManagerCommander’s Staff-Engine Shop Manage. Certified FAA Mechanic and Private Pilot. Education: Graduate Joel E Ferris HS, Master of Business Administration (MBA) Webster University, Bachelor of Science Embry Riddle University, Associate Degree Air Force Community College. Community Service: Volunteer instructor Moody Aviation, Civil Air Patrol Search and Rescue Pilot, The River food bank volunteer. Teach Washington State Bond first time homebuyer classes. People matter and I have the drive, education and skills

required to be your next Assessor and will do everything possible to keep your taxes low. I’m Leonard Christian, a Leader who Listens and I ask for your vote. What is the most important issue that needs addressed? The Assessor is an executive level position requiring not only a solid understanding of Spokane property values, but also the education, leadership and management skills to oversee the tax-payers multi-million dollar budget and office workforce. My priorities are equal, fair and accurate property assessments with exceptional customer service -- skills I learned while serving over 20 years in the USAF and being married to my high school sweetheart over 34 years. Currently Spokane County has the second highest number of property tax appeals in the state. I know implementation of new technology will save time, money and improve accuracy; greatly reducing this issue.

Tom Konis

Courts. This is the largest electronic change for the state legal system in approximately 40 years. I have spent two years preparing for this transition. Using my extensive leadership, organizational and managerial skills I have developed a detailed transition plan incorporating staffing, training and equipment. I budgeted two years ago to purchase equipment so staff could train on the equipment first before having to learn the new computer program. Furthermore, I have developed a comprehensive training schedule so staff can familiarize themselves and train on the new program before we actually “go live” this November. Finally, to help staff with the transition I had my five individual departments develop standard operating procedures to incorporate them into our training making the transition easier.

Michael A. Kirk

What best qualifies you for this position? My name is Tom Konis and I want to be your next Spokane County Assessor. I have a complete knowledge of the duties of the office. I have worked in the Assessor’s office for over 25 years. Starting as a residential appraiser in 1993 and now the commercial/ industrial appraiser. With my

Spokane County Clerk

Tim Fitzgerald

What best qualifies you for this position? I have been your County Clerk for almost 4 1/2 years. I have significantly modernized the Clerk’s office to better serve the public and the legal community. Accomplishments include: opening the office during the lunch hour, installing credit and debit card transactions for the public and offenders paying court ordered

financial obligations. Added an electronic stamp and drop box for filing documents after hours. Implementing electronic letters vice using a typewriter as was used when I first took office and establishing bar code scanning for all legal documents speeding up the process making us very efficient. These are just a few of the many improvements and cost savings I have made in my first term. I have the extensive leadership, organizational and executive level managerial skills to run the second busiest office in county government and my performance over the past 4 1/2 years demonstrates this. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? The most important issue is the implementation of a new case management electronic system directed statewide. This is a very comprehensive transition involving all 39 County Clerks and Superior

What best qualifies you for this position? Not only did I do recordkeeping, archives, and work with legal documents during my years in ministry, similar work to most of the departments of the Clerk’s office, I was also trained to be an advocate for people, to work in solidarity with the suffering. There are problems in Spokane County,

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OCTOBER 2018 • 23

Spokane County Sheriff experience in the office I can insure that the appraisers are performing their best for the taxpayers of Spokane County. My opponent has no experience doing this type of work. Fair and equitable assessments is the goal of the office meaning that we as property owners are all treated the same and only pay our fair share of the taxes. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? The Assessor’s office duties are defined by over three hundred laws and statutes including a portion of the State Constitution. I know these rules and can be an effective Assessor from the very first day. The Spokane County Assessor’s office is ranked by the Department of Revenue, which oversees all the Assessor offices, as one of the best in Washington. We are the second lowest funded office per parcel in the entire state yet rank at or

near the top in all categories tracked. I am endorsed by the retiring Assessor Vicki Horton, and 100% of the employees presently working in the Assessor’s office, their unions as well as the Spokane Home Builders Association and the Association of Realtors. In this historically escalating real estate market we need to have a full and well-trained staff to keep up with the expectations of the taxpayers of Spokane County by maintaining the level of service and accuracy that they have come to expect from our office. I have previous management experience and for the last 16 years have also officiated high school and college volleyball. Please vote Tom Konis for Assessor.

in poverty, in crime, in schools, in criminal justice and in the county clerk’s office. These issues need to be addressed proactively, especially considering it’s people’s lives and liberties that are at stake. Every day we collect information in the Clerk’s office that could help us to understand what’s happening and why. By analyzing this data instead of just archiving it, we can get ahead of problems and forge real solutions rather than expensive bandaids. As our world changes around us, we need information to stay ahead, and as we put more and more of our legal record on computers, we need cybersecurity to keep our privacy and justice system safe. When it comes to the skills we need, both old and new, the person trained for the tasks at hand is me, Michael

Kirk for County Clerk. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? The first major issue that needs to be addressed in the Clerk’s office is access to the courts for low-income people. If a person can’t get access to the courts, they can’t get justice; they’re less free. For example, some single parents can’t pay the filing fee to get child support without taking food, shelter, or medicine from their child. I’m writing a bill to change RCW36.18.020 that sets court fees. Since the Clerk also sits on the Regional Law and Justice Council, I will also advocate to create a Safety and Justice in Schools Subcommittee to work with school boards to improve student outcomes and overall safety.

Ozzie Knezovich

What best qualifies you for this position? The experience I gained over the last 12 years serving as your Sheriff has positioned me to continue leading the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office to new levels of professionalism and enhancement of the programs designed to keep you and your family safe. Maintaining your trust in your Sheriff’s Office is my leading concern. I believe high standards lead to highly trained and motivated professionals who keep our community safe and maintain the public’s trust. Maintaining high standards over the past 12 years has resulted in the lowest violent crime rates in two decades and the reduction of property crime rates over the past four years. What is the most important issue that needs addressed?

The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office has developed the reputation of being one of the best law enforcement agencies in the state. We are leading the nation, especially when it comes to training. Training is the key to professionalism. The United States Air Force has offered to partner with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office in building a stateof-the-art firearms training facility which would also serve as a regional training center for all law enforcement agencies in the Spokane County Region. It is my goal to see this project completed in order to provide you with the best trained and professional deputies possible. The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office is an accredited agency in nearly every critical mission we perform. It is my goal to ensure that our training unit, forensics unit, and Department of Emergency Management all receive national accreditation. Why is this important some may ask? Accreditation ensures that the key aspects, performed by the Sheriff’s Office, are being performed according to: best practices, national standards and within the best policies and procedures possible. It ensures that the service we are providing you is the best that we can provide. Thank you for your continued support.

Dump Ozzie Dot Com

Unfortunately this candidate was in a tragic accident and passed away.

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24 • OCTOBER 2018

Spokane County Treasurer

District Court Judge 1 since 1988, I’m a member of the Washington State and Spokane County Bar Associations and attended the Washington State and National Judicial Colleges. I’ve been admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court for over 25 years and an Honorary Member of the Fairchild Bar Association.

hold a degree in economics from WSU, and I taught economics at Harvard as a Teaching Fellow, while completing a Masters Degree in Public Administration. I worked on economic development and investment projects in Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.

Michael Baumgartner

What best qualifies you for this position? I have been honored to serve as State Senator for Spokane’s 6th District for the past eight years. I’ve built a proven track record of trust, fiscal responsibility, fighting tax increases and bringing Republicans and Democrats together for important projects like our new WSU medical school, record highway funding, reduced college tuition and historically high K-12 education funding. I have an extensive background in economics, finance and management. I served as Vice Chair of Washington State’s Senate Ways & Means Committee, helping write a $34 billion state budget – a balanced budget - without unnecessary tax increases. I served as an Economics Officer at US Embassy, Baghdad during the Iraq Surge, and on a US State Departmentfunded project in Afghanistan. I

David Green

What best qualifies you for this position? I’m a first-time candidate, not a career politician looking for my next elective office. As a CPA since 1984 with

As State Senator, I worked alongside our Spokane Treasurer’s office and prime-sponsored a historic bill allowing taxpayers to make flexible property tax payments, helping residents struggling with late penalties. As County Treasurer, I’ll ensure the effective stewardship of public funds, and the provision of excellent, responsive customer service to taxpayers. Alongside that, we can do much more to keep our local government efficient, accountable and transparent. I pledge to make financial data easier for the public to access and understand, to offer independent budget analysis, to hold regular ‘town halls’ for sharing information and gathering feedback, and to fight wasteful spending.

What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? Our County Treasurer is elected to ensure independence and direct accountability to the public. Taxpayers deserve to know how their property taxes are spent, and to feel confident that they are used in a fiscally responsible, efficient manner.

management and supervisory experience from working with two “Big Four” accounting firms, I’m uniquely positioned and qualified to lead the staff in the Treasurer’s office and invest your tax dollars prudently and responsibly. I’ve passionately served people my entire working life, providing tax and financial advice for over 36 years. I’ll bring that passion for service, as well as a track record of community involvement, to the Treasurer’s office. County treasurers don’t make policy choices, but instead follow state law with respect to how public funds are handled, managed, and invested. I met many county treasurers at the June 2018 meeting of the Washington State Association

Randy Arnold Brandt What best qualifies you for this position?

I am best qualified because I have over 21 years judicial experience...the only candidate with judicial experience. I’ve heard tens of thousands of cases beginning as a Judge Pro-tem in 1993 then Court Commissioner followed by Administrative Law Judge then District Court Judge. A licensed attorney

Having heard thousands of cases in Spokane and other counties throughout Eastern Washington I’ve presided over every type of case before the court. My peer Judges elected me Acting Presiding then Presiding Judge. Accordingly, I oversaw all dockets including but not limited to the Mental Health, Veterans, DUI and Domestic Violence Courts. A lifelong resident of Spokane I attended Lewis & Clark High, Gonzaga University and Gonzaga Law School. For many years I’ve enjoyed volunteering in community organizations

YOUR VOTE COUNTS of County Treasurers where I learned what county treasurers do (and what they don’t do) in our state. I’ll use that knowledge and work to do what’s best for Spokane County taxpayers. If I earn your trust and I am elected, I pledge to serve the entire four-year term as I have no interest whatsoever in running for any other elective office. I humbly ask for your vote. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? Accountability. The Treasurer is ultimately responsible for everything that is done in the office. There are two senior staff members reporting

directly to the Treasurer, the chief deputy treasurer and the finance deputy. A Treasurer without significant financial and accounting experience is in effect delegating his statutory responsibility to the two senior staff members (because he doesn’t have the technical skillsets to effectively supervise them). And if that’s the case, why bother to have an elected Treasurer? I’ll use my financial and accounting experience to effectively supervise the two senior staff members who directly report to the Treasurer. And I’ll be accountable to you.

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OCTOBER 2018 • 25

including Campfire Boys and Girls, Exchange Club, Spokane River Association, Central Lions Club, Honorary Commander Fairchild Air Force Base, Holiday Food Delivery and President, Spokane Regional Law Enforcement Museum. I served as a charter member of the Spokane Regional Law & Justice Council. What is the most important issue that needs addressed? There are many important issues before the Court, including ensuring Access to Justice by all persons and a comprehensive review of the entire Spokane regional criminal justice system. With a life of community service enhanced with nearly 30 years legal and 21 years of judicial experience gives me time tested experience to serve as your District Court Judge.

Patrick T. Johnson

What best qualifies you for this position? I am the BEST candidate for District Court Judge based on Balance, Experience, Support and Training. My balance comes from 20 years of prosecuting thousands of cases with the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office. I am currently a Senior Deputy Prosecutor. I have handled serious felony matters such as

murder, robbery and sex crimes, as well as non-felony matters such as DUI and trespassing. I also have 17 years of experience defending the rights of soldiers. I am a Major in the US Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps. I have completed more than 25 years of military service. During my time as an attorney, I have completed more than 150 trials, including more than 100 felony trials. This combination of balance and experience generates broad support. I am proud to have the endorsement of Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich, County Prosecutor Larry Haskell and County Public Defender Tom Krzyminski. I have broad support among our local judges including the endorsement of the incumbent (Judge Peterson) who is retiring this year, and the endorsement of all 12 Superior Court Judges. I also have extensive training in Elder Crimes and for more

than five years I was the Elder Crimes Prosecutor for Spokane County. I have presented numerous trainings on the topics of ethics and elder abuse.

international terrorism case U.S. v. Ressam. I also prosecuted organized crime cases and served as the Hate Crimes Prosecution Coordinator. After September 11, I lectured on international terrorism prosecution to U.S. Attorneys in Washington D.C. I have also served as a Domestic Violence Prosecutor for the City of Seattle, and practiced business law. While in private practice, I regularly provided pro bono representation to people who could not afford to pay for a lawyer. I also bring administration experience as former Chair of the Access to Justice Board. I am rated Exceptionally Well Qualified by eleven judicial rating organizations in Washington, including Washington Women Lawyers and the Veterans Bar What is the most important issue that needs addressed?

disproportionality, and issuing our opinions sooner. I am passionate about open access for all to our judicial system. The courts are facing significant budget reductions when more people can’t afford attorneys. We must adequately fund the courts, simplify the legal process and reduce the need to appear for multiple hearings when there are more efficient ways to manage cases. We must lead the effort to integrate technology in ways that improve access to justice, not diminish it, and allow us to issue our opinions sooner. We must bring creativity and leadership to redesigning the jury system so that it remains relevant to our society. Please read more at www.justicegonzalez.com or www.votingforjudges.org. or www.votingforjudges.org.

What is the most important issue that needs addressed? The most pressing issue that I am uniquely qualified to address is the vacuum which will be created by the retirement of the incumbent, Judge Peterson, who started Veterans’ Court in 2009. Judge Peterson is the only veteran on the District Court Bench, and I am the only candidate who has served in the military. Finally, the huge volume of cases in District Court requires quick and fair decisions. My experience and efficiency will help to ensure that we maximize the impact of tax payer dollars.

Superior Court - Justice Pos 8

Nathan Choi

After multiple attempts The Current was unable to get a response from this candidate.

Steve Gonzalez

What best qualifies you for this position? I won election to the Washington Supreme Court in 2012. Before this, I served for ten years as a trial judge on the King County Superior Court. Prior to joining the bench, I practiced both criminal and civil law. I was an Assistant United States Attorney in the Western District of Washington where I successfully prosecuted the

The most important issues are maintaining the independence of the judicial branch, eliminating

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26 â&#x20AC;˘ OCTOBER 2018

Washington State Representative Leg. 4, Pos 1

Ted Cummings

What best qualifies you for this position? I am the best qualified candidate for this position because unlike the incumbent I want to live in the state of Washington and I am not advocating for a 51st state. I keep an open mind and I enjoy and respect all people not just those who look and think like me. I understand and appreciate

hard work and the value of a dollar and I want to bring that understanding to Olympia. I believe that we are stronger when we stand together and that collectively we are smarter and more effective than when we are divided and arguing against each other. I have a vision that we can solve issues like growing our middle class, reducing the cost of health care and housing, investing in education and supporting programs to make our educational system more effective. Rebuilding our infrastructure will give us a platform for good wages and benefits giving working men and women relief from rising costs while reducing stress. What is the most important issue that needs addressed? The most important issue that needs to be addressed

in this election is returning trust in our elected officials and in one another. Our current political and social state is one of acrimony, this hostility and mistrust of government along with ideas and groups different from our own is a toxic mixture that must be overcome and resolved. I believe that my character and my actions will go a long way in returning trust in our elected representatives and in our neighbors. When we believe and work with one another we can solve all the challenges we face. We need to rely on science, sound data and the belief that all people really want the same thing, the best for our families and friends and the best for our country and our future.

Matt Shea

What best qualifies you for this position?

I am currently serving as 4th District State Representative. Prior to graduating â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cum Laudeâ&#x20AC;? from Gonzaga Law School, I earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Gonzaga University, while simultaneously completing the R.O.T.C. program as a Distinguished

Voter registration deadline is October 8 Go to https://weiapplets.sos.wa.gov/MyVote/#/login to get signed up before it is too late!

Ballot mailing begins October 17 and need to be postmarked by November 6 to track to your ballot go to http://www.spokanecounty. org/2994/Track-Your-Ballot

The Current

Military Graduate. I am an honorably discharged Army combat veteran with tours in both Bosnia and Iraq. I currently practice at M. Casey Law in Spokane, Washington. I am an allied attorney with the Alliance Defending Freedom, a lifetime member of the VFW, member of the American Legion, and involved in various local church ministries. What is the most important issue that needs addressed? Returning home after serving in Iraq, I was amazed at how much state government had grown, and how much taxes had risen. We are literally being taxed and regulated out of the American Dream. This must stop. My Less

OCTOBER 2018 • 27

Freedom. For me to support legislation, it must pass three conservative tests: Is it needed? Can it be done more efficiently in the private sector? Will it increase taxes? I will always support legislation that limits government, promotes job growth, and defends our Constitutionally protected rights. I would be honored have your vote.

Thank you and God Bless! Rep. Matt Shea matt@voteshea.com www.voteshea.com

motto is: Less Tax, Government, More

Michelle (Shelley) Szambelan

What best qualifies you for this position? Judge Shelley Szambelan seeks

Spokane Superior Court Judge Pos 10

to keep her seat in Superior Court, position 10. Previously, Shelley was a full-time judge for 9+ years in the nationally recognized Spokane Municipal Court. She served as a pro tem District Court judge on civil cases. With 27+ years of legal experience, she has been a judge for more than twelve. She served as dean and faculty of Washington’s State Judicial College. Shelley is the only candidate who has received the highest judicial evaluation ratings for this position, been a judge or presided over a trial. As an appellate prosecutor, Judge Szambelan briefed and argued cases at all levels of state court. She worked in the City’s civil legal department, and was counsel of

Dennis Cronin

What best qualifies you for this position? Representing people from all walks of life for 33 years; hired in 1987 and mentored by Carl Maxey; an attorney and mediator with appellate opinions in Eastern District, Ninth Circuit and Washington Courts; Spokane County Superior Court Pro Tem, 2005-2015; President, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts - Washington; Chair, Spokane Family Law Section for over ten years; Former Chair, Spokane City Human Rights Commission; Current Chair, Spokane City Ethics Commission, serving each commission with bipartisan support. J.D., Gonzaga School of Law. As an appellate attorney and Superior Court Pro Tem from 2005 - 2015 presiding over cases presented in Superior Court, Dennis is uniquely qualified to understand how judicial decisions

record on a case at the United States Supreme Court. Prior to her work with City of Spokane, she enjoyed a varied, complex civil litigation practice for several years in both state and federal courts. As detailed on her website, Judge Shelley Szambelan has earned broad and balanced community and peer endorsements. Both prosecution and defense support her. Law enforcement, including Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich, exclusively endorse Shelley. Business leaders and organized labor endorse her. She has the support of both parties, as well as Mayor Condon and Council President Stuckart for her proven leadership as a judge. She has the right experience, and is the

and the court process impact families for life, underscoring the importance of clear judicial decisions and policies consistent with the comprehensive spectrum of Federal and State laws. For 33 years, Dennis has represented ordinary people in the areas of experience required of a Superior Court Judge, concentrating since 2000 on complex family law including domestic violence, adoptions, criminal, juvenile, and military law and retirement ramifications in divorce. Judges are your public servants. As a small business owner with proven experience, Dennis is uniquely qualified to improve our court system for families. His work ethic, legal knowledge, independence, impartiality and persevering commitment to justice by ensuring the law is applied fairly to all is recognized by state and local judicial ratings of “Well Qualified” and “Exceptionally Well Qualified” and endorsements across partisan lines by ordinary people and organizations. Dennis is honored to continue working to earn your vote for election November 6, 2018 as your next Spokane County Superior Court Judge, Position 10. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? Access to Justice fairly and impartially administered with equality, integrity and expertise in a timely and cost-effective manner.

right choice. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? Maximizing limited resources in the face of increasing case filings is the most important issue because all of the challenges are interrelated. Bringing the court into the digital age will help manage inefficiencies, data-driven policy decisions and improve procedural fairness. As a proven collaborative leader, Shelley is already serving on a caseflow management team that seeks to improve how cases are processed so that courts better accommodate higher numbers.

The Current

28 • OCTOBER 2018

Washington State Representative Leg. 4, Pos 2

Mary May

What best qualifies you for this position? I have over 25 years of experience in community improvement, city planning, and policy work that have prepared me to be a state legislator. My professional experience has taught me how to listen objectively, balance benefits and concerns, and to use all available resources to create innovative solutions. I know how to cut through the

red tape and bureaucracy to get things done, with an emphasis on process improvement and fiscal responsibility. Our current leadership would rather walk away from the table than to find solutions. We need strong negotiators advocating for our needs in Olympia. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? The most important issue that needs to be addressed is that our current representatives are not representing our best interests at the state level. We deserve to have more than one view represented at the table when decisions are being made that impact all of us. I will bring strong, balanced, fiscally responsible representation to our 4th Legislative District. My top community priorities include: ● Healthcare that is

affordable, and lower prescription drug costs, so that no one has to choose between the healthcare and medication they need, or putting food on their table. ● Public schools that prepare our children for success, and support our educators. More access to vocational and technical training, as well as apprenticeship programs. ● Affordable secondary education, including college and vocational training, without crippling student loan debt. ● Safe, well-maintained roads and infrastructure receiving fair funding so that we can get to work on time, and get our kids to school safely. ● Veterans receiving the services, care and support they deserve. ● Protecting our earned benefits so that seniors can retire with dignity and security.

products. When the US export credit agency, which helped 144 Washington companies export more than $52 billion in products ranging from commercial airplanes to leather boots, came under attack, I fought to keep it open. For small businesses to grow, we need to increase investments in infrastructure. This year we secured $9 million to improve railroad crossings at Barker and Flora roads. Improving freight movement through Spokane Valley means we can improve our ability to move Washington state products to overseas markets, boost our economy, and create good paying jobs. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?

Act and eliminate protections for pre-existing conditions. I’ve pushed for improvements to the Affordable Care Act, like expansion of the Basic Health Plan, to lower premiums and outof-pocket expenses. Prescription drugs must be more affordable, which is why I co-sponsored legislation to allow the safe importation of prescription drugs from Canada

Bob McCaslin

What best qualifies you for this position? I believe that public service is essential for any active community member; my 31 years as an elementary school teacher, 2 years as a Spokane Valley Planning Commissioner, and the last 4 years as your state representative in the 4th District qualify me uniquely for this position. The biggest

US Senator

Maria Cantwell

What best qualifies you for this position? Every day I wake up and fight to do what’s right for Washingtonians. I’m proud to represent our state and our values. I’ve fought to ensure our economic prosperity lifts us all up, not just a few. We have opened new markets for Washington’s exports, including agricultural

Everyone needs access to affordable, high-quality health care. That’s why I’ve fought back efforts to repeal the Affordable Care

We must continue to strengthen the economy of rural Washington. In addition to our world class jobs for tech workers, we need to grow all sectors of our economy. My mission is to ensure our prosperity is shared, so I fight for things working families need like education, job training, affordable housing, and affordable child care. A strong economy is built on making sure our fellow citizens have access to affordable, high-quality health care and that no one can lose coverage because of pre-existing conditions.

Susan Hutchison

What best qualifies you for this position? Issues are fundamental. But as your Senator, my opinions are not enough. I will move words into actions, opinions into policies. Like you, I’m weary of hearing politicians say “we must…” and “we should…” My promise to you is WE WILL get it done. Unlike Senator Cantwell, I

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employers in our District are public schools; we have really good schools and jobs in our district, and we need to preserve and improve on that. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? In public education, we need to continue to provide the tools for our students to attain their goals, encourage good citizenship, and offer good choices for them to connect with careers. This can be attained through college, or other means. I’d like to see our schools work together with the private sector to do this more; many educators do this already.

would have voted for the historic tax cuts that have boosted our economy by giving our working men and women real tax relief—not crumbs, as Nancy Pelosi says. The thriving economy (currently 4%+ growth) has created more jobs, record low unemployment for African-Americans and Hispanics, and increased wages, which will lead to stronger tax revenues. Politicians who say they care about the poor and working class are disingenuous when they vote against economic growth. Lifting people out of economic despair can only be achieved when jobs are plentiful. I WILL always vote for bills that help grow jobs and the economy for all. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? You deserve better than an ineffective Senator seeking an undeserved 4th term. We

OCTOBER 2018 • 29

Prop 1 - East Valley School District No. 361 Capital Levy for Safety, Security and Infrastructure

Resolution 2769

A resolution to of the Board of Directors of East Valley School District No. 361, Spokane County, Washington, providing for the submission to the voters of the District at the special election to be held on November 6, 2018, in conjunction with the State General Election to be held on the same date, of a proposition authorizing an excess tax levy to be made annually for two years commencing in 2018 for collection in the years 2019 and 2020 in the aggregate total amount of $13,064,000 for the District’s Capital Projects Fund for District-wide safety, security and infrastructure improvements (including installing alarms, security cameras and entry/ access controls; upgrading phone and intercom systems; replacing plumbing and HV AC; relocating middle and high school fields/ grounds to accommodate road construction):l Section 1. Findings and

need a Senator who truly cares about the concerns of this Washington, not the other. Unlike her, I’ve been in every county and corner of the state these last 5 years-and I’ve heard you! And I have been fighting for you: Against a state income tax, against reckless spending of your taxes. For children’s health, for public schools, for fair elections in King County. Unlike my opponent, I would have voted for working-family tax cuts, for our military, for the first woman to head the CIA. I will champion Washington’s farms that feed the world. I can bring home vital infrastructure dollars, which she cannot. I’ll be your voice. I’ll fight for you. Let’s win this together! For more information, see “18 Reasons to Vote for Susan Hutchison” at www. susan4senate.com/18reasons

Determjnations. The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of East Valley School District No. 361, Spokane County, Washington (the “District”), takes note of the following facts and hereby makes the following findings and determinations: (a) Safety and security concerns, educationally outdated school facilities and deteriorating infrastructure require the District to levy excess property taxes to support the construction, modernization and remodeling of school facilities, all as more particularly defined and described in Section 2 herein (collectively the “Projects”). (b) It appears certain that the money in the District’s Capital Projects Fund for the school years 2018-2019, 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 be insufficient to permit the District to pay costs of the Projects during such school years, and that it is necessary that an excess tax levy of $6,997,000 be made in 2018 for collection in 2019 and $6,067,000 be made in 2019 for collection in 2020 for the District’s Capital Projects Fund to provide the money required to meet those costs. (d) The best interests of the District’s students and other inhabitants require the District to carry out and accomplish the Projects as hereinafter provided. Section 2. Description of the Proiects. The Projects to be paid for with the excess property tax levies authorized herein are more particularly defined and described as follows: (a) Make District-wide safety, security and infrastructure improvements, including, but not limited to: (1) acquiring, installing, upgrading and/ or improving alarms, security cameras, controls for entry/ access (including, but not limited to, entryways, doors, locks and parking) and other safety and security systems; (2) upgrading and/or improving phone, clock, bell and intercom systems; (3) replacing and/or upgrading plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (“HV AC”), roofs, electrical systems and gym dividers; (4) relocating fields and grounds at East Valley High School and East Valley Middle

School to accommodate Spokane County and City of Spokane Valley road construction projects; and (5) making other capital improvements, all as deemed necessary and advisable by the Board. (b) Acquire, construct and install all necessary furniture, equipment, apparatus, accessories, fixtures and appurtenances in the foregoing, all as determined necessary and advisable by the Board. (c) Pay incidental costs incurred in connection with carrying out and accomplishing the Projects. Such incidental costs constitute a part of the Projects and shall include, but are not limited to: (1) payments for fiscal and legal costs; (2) costs of establishing and funding accounts; (3) necessary and related engineering, architectural, planning, consulting, permitting, inspection and testing costs; (4) administrative and relocation costs; (5) site acquisition and improvement costs; (6) demolition costs; (7) costs related to demolition and/or deconstruction of existing school facilities to recycle, reclaim and repurpose all or a portion of such facilities and/or building materials; (8) costs of on and off-site utilities and road improvements; and (9) costs of other similar activities or purposes, all as determined necessary and advisable by the Board. The Projects, or any portion or portions thereof, shall be acquired or made insofar as is practicable with available money and in such order of time as shall be determined necessary and advisable by the Board. The Board shall determine the application of available money between the various parts of the Projects so as to accomplish, as near as may be, all of the Projects. The Board shall determine the exact order, extent and specifications for the Projects. The Projects are to be more fully described in the plans and specifications to be filed with the District. Notwithstanding anything in this resolution to the contrary, the excess property tax levies authorized herein may be used only to support the construction, modernization or remodeling of school facilities.

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30 • OCTOBER 2018

US Representative Congressional Dist. 5

Lisa Brown

What best qualifies you for this position? I’m running for Congress because it’s time to put country over party and make things work in our nation’s capital. As an educator, economist, and former state Senate majority leader and chancellor of WSU Spokane, I understand the challenges and potential of our region. I worked with business, government, higher

Cathy McMorris Rodgers

What best qualifies you for this position? It’s my great honor to represent you in Congress. As your Congresswoman, I’ve fought for our Eastern Washington priorities: agriculture, rural health care, our military, veterans and hydropower. I’ve had an extremely successful year, with ten of my

education, and community leaders to serve our families and build our economy. I bring independent, experienced advocacy to eastern Washington that the 14-year incumbent, mired in the dysfunction of Congress, cannot deliver. When we created the WSU medical school, in-state tuition for those serving at Fairchild, and transportation investments for eastern Washington, we did it to represent our districts, not as Republicans and Democrats. When I worked with a prominent Republican to create the state’s Rainy Day Fund, I did it to bring fiscal responsibility to our state’s budget, despite my party’s initial rejection. When we put together economic development incentives used by Liberty Lake and investments at Mirabeau Point, I wasn’t just looking at my district in Spokane, but working with your legislators to create jobs and enhance our quality of life.

What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? Despite the rising costs of premiums, deductibles, and prescription drugs, Congress isn’t doing anything to improve healthcare. The bill Rep. McMorris Rodgers voted for was opposed here by hospitals, patients, disability advocacy organizations, and the chamber of commerce. I will work for solutions, like when we expanded children’s health care and created the breast and cervical cancer screening program that saved lives and taxpayer dollars. I will protect people with preexisting conditions and vote for the federal government to use its purchasing power to negotiate lower prescription drug costs. And, I oppose privatizing the VA and will protect Social Security and Medicare. I would be honored to receive your vote this November.

bipartisan bills passing the House, and five signed into law. I’ve worked to rebuild America’s military might, ensuring Fairchild Air Force Base is protected and expanded, winning funding for more air tankers and giving our troops their largest pay raise in nearly a decade. I secured a ten-year extension for children’s healthcare funding, and expanded support for the Spokane Teaching Health Center and community clinics to help put more doctors in rural communities. I played a leadership role in passing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, saving the average local family more than $2,000 a year. I’m proud of my Faster Care for Veterans Act being signed into law, which cuts wait times for veterans, allowing patients to schedule appointments online or using an app. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?

My vision is for an America of opportunity. I believe in empowering everyone to choose their own path. That means lowering taxes to help create jobs. It means helping small businesses get loans, bringing more doctors to our communities, and supporting our military. It means giving local people more say in managing our federal forests. It means being a passionate advocate for those with disabilities, like my son Cole who was born with Down Syndrome. Safeguarding America as the land of opportunity is the most important issue for me in this election. The people of Eastern Washington are hard working, independent, and patriotic. Some issues may divide us, but we are united in caring about our families and community, wanting a strong and more prosperous America, and being willing to work together for a better future.

Thank you to all of the candidates who took the time to respond and answer our questions for this Special Election Guide. We appreciate the hard work you are putting in and your willingness to serve our commmunity in these public service roles. Thank you to the staff of The Current for your hard work in creating this special feature as a service to our community. Please note that these statements were provided by the candidates or their staff and have been printed ‘as is’ and without any editing by The Current.

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George Washington 1789-1797 Federalist “If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led like sheep to the slaughter.” He fought in the French-Indian War and commanded the Continental Army in the Revolutionary War. George was unanimously elected our first president. This was the first time a president had been elected anywhere in the world. He was married to a wealthy widow named Martha. After his election, his inauguration ride took eight days. From growing hemp and tobacco, he became our country’s first millionaire. Our nation’s capital is named after him but, he is the only president to not live there. He was instrumental in the diamond shaped layout of the city and choosing the design of what came to be known as the White House. Federalists believed in a strong federal government and industry. John Adams 1797-1801 Federalist “Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make good use of it.” John was Boston’s most prominent lawyer. Being strongly opposed to England taxing the colonies without any representation in Parliament, he believed independence from England should be a priority. It was his suggestion for Thomas Jefferson to write the Declaration of Independence. He was successful in obtaining money in Europe for the colonies. As George Washington’s vice-president he didn’t feel valued. John and his wife Abigail were the first couple to live in the mansion which would come to be known as the White House in the nation’s

ENROLL new capital, Washington D. C., when he became our second president. He is one TODAY! of two of the founding Our coaches are about fathers that signed the Declaration ofpassionate Independence gymnastics and focus on teaching to become president. As president, he established quality gymnastics in a fun and safe the Library of Congress. His son, John environment. ClassesQuincy run year-roundAdams with three 13-week sessions (Fall, became our sixth president. Winter and Spring) and one 10-week summer session. Thomas Jefferson 1801-1809 Democratic-Republican “In matters of style, swim with the current, in matters of principle, stand like a rock.” He is most known for writing the Declaration of Independence. Gaining independence from England was a priority to him so he rallied the French government and citizens for funding. Serving as governor of Virginia, secretary-of-state for Washington, vice-president for Adams and being fluent in five languages gave him a lot of knowledge for his presidency. As president, he purchased the Louisiana territory from Napoleon which doubled the size of the United States. He then commissioned the Lewis and Clark expedition to survey and explore the new territory. He invented the wheel cipher which was used to code messages during the Revolutionary War. After his presidency, he founded the University of Virginia. When the British burned the Library of Congress in 1814, he sold it 6,000 of his book collection to reestablish one. He and John Adams were the only two founding fathers that signed the Declaration of Independence to become president. They both died on July 4, the Declaration’s fiftieth anniversary. He is memorialized with a monument in Washington D. C. and is one of the presidents on Mt. Rushmore. Democratic Republicans favored strong states and agriculture.

32 • OCTOBER 2018

James Madison 1809-1817 D emocratic-Republican “The truth is that that all men having power ought to be mistrusted.” Our fourth president, James Madison, is known as the “Father of the Constitution”. He grew up in Montpelier, Virginia. He is our shortest president (5’4”) and one of the most educated. He married Dolley Todd, a Quaker widow. She was expelled for marrying a non-Quaker. He was a close advisor to George Washington and served as secretary–of-state for Thomas Jefferson, most notably assisting with the Louisiana Purchase. He supported having three branches of government; judicial, executive and legislative. He drafted the Bill of Rights. As president, he declared war on England. During the War of 1812, the British burned much of Washington D. C. including the White House. Dolley saved as many things as she could including a painting of George Washington. She was voted an honorary seat in the House of Representatives. They lived in the Octagon House while the White House was rebuilt. He was our first president to wear long pants. He and George Washington were the only two presidents that signed the Constitution. Strangely both of his vice-presidents died in office. Madison wrote 29 of the Federalist Papers. He was against slavery but understood how many felt the labor was necessary. He assisted with making Liberia a safe place for freed slaves. He was the last survivor that had signed the Constitution to die. James Monroe 1817-1825 Democratic-Republican “The best form of government is that which most likely to prevent the greatest sum of evil”. James was the fifth president of the United States. He grew up in Virginia and left school to join the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. After being seriously injured he became a lawyer, then a delegate to congress before becoming the governor of Virginia. He went to France to broker the Louisiana Purchase for Thomas Jefferson. He served as secretary-of-state and secretary-of-war for James Madison. Five new states were added during his presidency. During his presidency, the Missouri Compromise was created which said that Maine would join as a free state and Missouri would be a slave state. He enacted the Monroe Doctrine which

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told all European countries that any interference or attempt to colonize would be viewed as an act of war. He was the third president to die on July 4. He was the last founding father to be president and the last that fought in the Revolutionary War. He was unopposed in his second term election. His daughter was married in the White House, a first and he started a radical new trend; he wore no wig. In the George Washington painting crossing the Delaware, James Monroe is the soldier holding the flag. He is the president that president’s mansion white so that it would forever more be known as the White House.

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OCTOBER 2018 • 33

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. 8th c e D h t 4 pt.Kuney gets an A+ across the board on the issues that Se“Mary matter most to us - economic development and infrastructure investments, pro-growth policies, and fiscally sound budgets. By Mayor Rod Higgins City of Spokane Valley The Partners Advancing Character Education (PACE) trait for this month is Responsibility, a many-faceted word encompassing a wide range of moral, emotional, ethical and common-sense situations. But let’s start with the trite and not too informative dictionary definition. Responsibility: The quality or state of being responsible, in areas such as moral, legal, or mental accountability. It then offers synonyms such as reliability, trustworthiness and dependability. Responsibility definitely is all those things, but it means something more. Responsibility is also about knowing yourself and constantly striving to be the best person possible. And, of course, being vigilant to see what you can do to improve conditions and help others. When you practice responsibility, you’re working to make your life, and the lives of those around you, the very best they can be! Here are some relevant quotes about responsibility: “When you blame others, you give up your power to change.” – Author unknown “Never point a finger where you never lent a hand.” – Robert Brault “Though I am not always responsible for what happens to me, I am responsible for how I handle what happens to me.” – Zig Ziglar “Winners take responsibility. Losers blame others.” – Brit Hume “In the final analysis, the one quality that all successful people have is the ability to take on responsibility.” – Michael Korda “A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.” – Bob Dylan “The time is always right to do what is right” – Martin Luther King, Jr. “The price of greatness is responsibility.” – Winston Churchill How do you deal with responsibility as it applies directly to you? In a recent opinion piece, author Richard

Maybury stated that he bases his beliefs on common law and two guiding principles: 1. Do all you have agreed to do, and; 2. Do not encroach on other persons or their property. Good words for personal conduct. He goes on to elaborate on the legal principles stemming from his proposition. Ask yourself, among your friends and family, are you known as a “stand-up person”? Can you be depended upon? Is your word, your bond? Are you the person you’d want in the foxhole next to you? In short, are you responsible, not just to yourself, but in consideration of others in how you manage your affairs? Those questions are intended to generate a look in the mirror. The world quite often perceives you differently than how you view yourself. Have you taken time recently to put aside your cell phone and ask a friend or family member how they are? Did you look into their eyes and note their facial expressions, so important to communication, and thus gain personal understanding? The responsible person is like a magnet. They “have it together.” As a responsible person, they also employ the entire list of PACE traits in the conduct of their daily lives. To quote Malcolm Forbes, “Those who enjoy responsibility usually get it; those who merely like exercising authority usually lose it.” That would seem to indicate that responsible people are often not just leaders, but effective ones. Responsibility means all those things, but it’s so much more. It’s consistently doing all you can to be a better person while working to help others in improving themselves. In short, when you practice responsibility, along with all the other PACE traits, you’re on your way to making your life more fulfilling and worthwhile! Mayor Higgins has been a supporter of PACE since being a member of the City Council. He regularly attends the annual PACE Awards where 40 area students are honored for displaying good character.

~ Board of Directors, Better Spokane “With the challenges and opportunities facing Spokane County now and in the future, I’m extremely passionate about finding the most qualified person to replace me on the Board of County Commissioners. I believe Mary Kuney is that person. ~ Shelly O’Quinn, former Spokane County Commissioner Based upon her business experience, governmentHours! New Backcounty To School Indoor Playground: Monday-Friday 1:00 PM knowledge and commitment to community service,12:00 ABCPMfeels Open Gym For All AgesFridays 7:00 PM9:00 Mary would be an excellent choice to continue championing PM . Ninja Zone • Bitty Bee Academy and Flippin’ Fun Movie Night issues that matter. • Parent’s Night Out • Open Gym for All Ages • Parkour and Breakdance Classes • Competitive Teams • Gymnastics Birthday Parties ~ Associated Builders and Contractors

Compassionate ★ Common Sense ★ Conservative Mary Kuney is a graduate of Central Valley High School and Gonzaga University. As a CPA, former Washington State Auditor, and Chief Deputy Auditor for Spokane County she has the background to implement real, fiscally conservative solutions to get Spokane County back on the right track. As a business owner Mary knows how to help build the environment that will create more jobs in our community.

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Student of the Month University senior Kelsey Crosby is well on her way to a fourth straight year of recognition as one of the Greater Spokane League’s best soccer players. Crosby earned All GSL first team honors her sophomore and junior years after being named honorable mention as a freshman. Last season, she helped the Titans place among the top eight at state, tallying goals in all but two playoff games. In a playin victory against Gonzaga Prep, she had an assist on the game-tying goal and scored the winner in overtime. Crosby netted three goals this season in a win over Ferris. She has also participated in track. She maintains a 3.94 grade point average and is a member of National Honor Society. Crosby plans to continue her soccer career at Seattle University and study bio-chemistry.

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OCTOBER 2018 • 35 What do the University of Alabama football team and Jacob Brown have in common? Both are ranked No. 1. Brown, a senior at University High School, maintains a 4.0 grade point average, manages a schedule chock full of AP classes and scored a 1,520 on the SAT out of a possible 1,600, placing him at the top of the U-Hi senior class. An avid football fan, Brown hopes to establish a career in the field of sports statistics. He is currently enrolled in four AP classes – statistics, government, calculus and computer science. Brown is also part of Spanish Club and plans to compete in Knowledge Bowl. The senior is a varsity tennis player and Eagle Scout. He attends Spokane Valley Church of the Nazarene where he is part of a youth group and Bible quiz team.

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Athlete of the Month When Marilyn Cline was honored for volunteering over 4,000 hours with Sheriff Community Oriented Policing Effort (SCOPE) in 2011, she didn’t stop there. Cline has been a dedicated SCOPE volunteer for 20 years. Cline is currently a member of the Central Valley SCOPE branch and is part of the SCOPE Board of Directors. She also ran for Spokane Valley City Council in 2011. She is an active Neighborhood Watch supporter and hosts a National Night Out gathering each year. Cline grew up in the Spokane Valley. Her husband Dale is also a SCOPE volunteer. Cline was nominated for The Current Citizen of the Month by SCOPE Director Rick Scott who said Marilyn “supports SCOPE and the Sheriff’s Office in many programs. Marilyn is very active in the community. She has meant a lot to us and has been an excellent volunteer.”

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About and for Valley seniors

Former Valley Chamber CEO shines with Symphony Chorale By Nina Culver

Current Correspondent Eldonna Shaw became well known in the Valley during the 13 years she headed up the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce as president and CEO, but less well known is the time she has spent singing with the Spokane Symphony Chorale. “Everyone needs an activity that feeds their soul,” Shaw said. “I just loved it. It’s something I did for myself.” Shaw has been singing her entire life, but never professionally. Her first memory as a vocalist goes back to Tensed, Idaho where she sang at a grange hall as a kid. “I’ve always been a singer,” she said. She was always active in music but didn’t major in it in college and didn’t think she could make a living doing it. “I never took it seriously,”

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she said. However, she did audition for the University of Idaho Vandaloeers, a campus vocal group, while she attended college in Moscow. “I was the only non-music major who made it,” she said. “Off and on in my life I would join choirs.” She was a member of the IdahoWashington Concert Chorale for six years before moving to Spokane Valley. She’s been a member of the Spokane Symphony Chorale since 2004. “It’s so wonderful to sing with the symphony,” she said. “There’s such talent.” The Spokane Symphony Chorale was founded in 1955 as a standalone group. In the 1970s it became a part of the Spokane Symphony organization.

Longtime members of the Spokane Symphony Chorale (from left to right): Patricia Ewers, Eldonna Shaw and Maureen Miller. The chorale was founded in 1955 as a stand-alone group before merging with the Spokane Symphony in the 1970s. Photo by Nina Culver

Patricia Ewers, who has been singing with the group since 1990, actually joined the chorale when it first formed and sang for two years. The group, which now numbers 80, was much smaller then, Ewers said.

the chorale. “By that time the kids were older and I could get away,” she said.

Ewers loved the singing, but simply didn’t have enough spare time to keep doing it. “It was my goal to come back,” she said. “I had a family, I had nine children.” Ewers worked as a nurse for decades before retiring in 1994. By then she had already rejoined

Music is important to Ewers, who likes to quote a line from a song called “Refuge” that says “If I can sing, then I am free.” “It’s just part of me,” she said. The chorale is not full of professional singers, Shaw said. There are attorneys, music educators, secretaries, accountants and students. Some come from as far away as Pullman and Sandpoint to be part of the group. All that’s necessary is a love of music and the ability to carry a tune. “We know how to sing,” Shaw said. “All of us read music. Most of us have had vocal training.” Maureen Miller, who works as a cyto-technologist, has been singing with the chorale since 2009 and says a lot of those in the group have been around music since they were little kids. Those who belong to the chorale are not paid and have to cover the cost for their own concert apparel, though there is a fund for members who need assistance paying for the clothes. The symphony pays for the choral director, an accompanist and the rehearsal space. “If we were paid it would be a huge cost,” Shaw said.

Eldonna Shaw served as president and CEO of the Greater Spokane Valley of Commerce for 13 years before retiring in 2014. She has been part of the Spokane Symphony Chorale since 2004. Photo by Nina Culver

The chorale starts rehearsals in September. This year’s concert schedule has chorale performances in December, January, February

and May. Each concert is typically performed twice, on Saturday and Sunday. The concerts are aired on KPBX public radio on the Monday after the live performance. Chorale singers rehearse for three hours once a week. The week prior to a performance, however, they will rehearse for three hours on three separate nights. “It’s a real commitment,” Shaw said. The chorale performs a wide variety of music – everything from pop hits to holiday tunes to Rachmaninov. And the songs are not always in English. “We learned German, phonetically, and Russian and Latin,” said Shaw. “You learn the tones. I couldn’t speak German to save my life, but I can sing it.” Those songs require a bit of extra effort to sing well enough to fool native speakers, Miller said. “It takes a lot to get us to that point,” she said. All three women say they have formed lasting friendships during their time in the chorale. Miller said she’s met all of her closest friends through singing. There are auditions coming up for those interested in joining the chorale, but the dates have not yet been set. Those interested in auditioning can contact the symphony office at 326-3136 for more information.

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OCTOBER 2018 • 37

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The Spokane Valley Women’s Evening Golf League award winners for 2018 were announced at its annual awards banquet in early September. Rose Mills was the 2018 club champion, shooting a round of 97. Diane Perry was the Flight A gross champion (99) and Dorene Meltingtallow was the group’s net champion (77).

Lady golfers thrive in amiable Valley golf league By Steve Christilaw

Current Correspondent

Flight C’s gross champ was Carrie Pierce (122) and its net champ was Sandy Nowaski (84).

Marie Neumayer used to play golf at Painted Hills Golf Course in Spokane Valley with her husband and enjoyed the setting and the course. And when she started thinking about ways to improve her game, she naturally looked around the Painted Hills community.

Amy Faucheux (140) and Nancy Moore (97) were the Flight D gross and net champions, respectively.

She found the Spokane Valley Women’s Evening Golf League. And the fit was perfect.

Gerri Vance was the club’s most improved player for the season, dropping two full strokes.

Now president of the league, Neumayer sees a group that may have changed venues – when Painted Hills closed, the league shifted to Liberty Lake Golf Course – but remains a vital sporting and social outlet.

Flight B’s gross champion was Gail Bailey (112) and its net champ was Sue Dotson (80).

Crissy Lindly earned the President’s Award for scoring the most chip-ins and most birdies and Nancy Moore and Norma Sellars shared the award for attendance, each playing 15 rounds.

Liberty Lake plays host to three women’s clubs, including a group

that meets in the morning once a week to play nine holes and another morning group that plays 18. “We’re oriented more toward women who work or who aren’t able to play during the day,” Neumayer said. “This works as a nice get-together for ladies after work. Our tee times are from 4: 15 p.m. until about 5:30, and we have groups that play both nine- and 18- holes. And there’s always time after to be social and relax with a group of peers. Neumayer said the league offers “levels for players with all different skills.” “And we like to put on clinics at the beginning of each year to help everyone improve their game,” she said. “We have a number of games we play over the course of the summer and that makes it fun. We’ll play best ball and scramble.” The league wrapped up play for 2018 at the end of August, Neumayer said. And while the group’s next function will be its annual organizing meeting at the beginning of next April, interested

golfers can still get in touch and get their names on the list for next season. The Spokane Valley Women’s Evening Golf League has a page on Facebook and on Chipshots.net, the Inland Northwest Golf News website. Interested golfers can get in touch through either source or can email the league directly at spokanevallewomensgolf@gmail. com. “The nice thing about our league is that we’re not taking the game that seriously,” Neumayer said. “For me, it’s helped me to play better when I go out with my husband. Now I am right there with him and I’m not slowing his game down.” And, she said, she’s encouraged her family to get involved. “I talked both my sister and my sister-in-law into joining the league,” she said. “My sister-in-law didn’t want to join at first. She’s had a bad experience playing golf, getting harassed by golfers behind her. “We don’t do that. We do our best to match players together and pair them up with a golfer who’s a little better, who can help them work on their game.” It worked. “Now she wants to play all the time,” Neumayer laughed. “She’s always up for a game. I get calls from her all the time – ‘Hey, let’s go play! I have a tee time!” Patience, she says, is a hallmark. “We’ve had players just starting out who have struggled. But this is a great way to improve your game and keep getting better. We keep track of everyone’s score at the end of the night and you can really see how your game is getting better over time.” Neumayer estimates league membership at between 45 and 50 players, and on any given Wednesday evening it will see about 25 golfers.

The Spokane Valley Women's Evening Golf League consists of around 50 members, including Kathleen Burns (left) and Marie Neumayer, pictured above. All skill levels are welcome. When Painted Hills Golf Course in Spokane Valley closed, the group moved its home venue east to Liberty Lake Golf Course. Photo by Craig Howard

“It varies with people schedules, and since it’s summer, there are always vacations and things like that,” she said. “And there are a few who are pretty much there every night. That’s the nice thing about our league – it’s pay-as-yougo, so it’s not prohibitive.”

The Current

Valley Sports Notebook

By Mike Vlahovich Current Sports Editor Last year University got away from the spread offense du jour it adoped and did what they do best –run with the football behind their “hogs.” So far this year it got them off to a 3-1 start, the loss coming against Greater Spokane League favorite Gonzaga Prep, while averaging 41 points per game. In those four games, the Titans rushed for some 1,400 yards, with Chris Taylor and Isaac Matt leading the way, Matt with 443 yards and Taylor with 352. While emphasizing the ground game, the passing game can’t be overlooked. Kye Duplessis had 13 catches good for 438 yards from quarterback Gavin Wolcott. The early part of the season saw Central Valley struggle although they came within a missed field goal of being undefeated in the Greater Spokane League opener. The Bears righted the ship with huge win, 31-

Final Point

Olympic reflections with a gold medal brother

By Mike Vlahovich Splash Sports Editor Fifty years ago this month, on a whim, my brother and I flew into the unknown in what proved to be a memorable as well as historical odyssey. Upon our return, I began my sports writing career with a column that chronicled our once-in-a-lifetime experience in Mexico City and the 1968 Summer Olympics. Half a century covering sports at the Valley Herald, The Spokesman-Review and now corresponding for the Liberty Lake Splash and Valley Current, time flies when you’re having fun. Those first athletes are social security. Jerry and I were a grade apart in school and practically joined at the hip while graduating from West Valley and Washington State University. Jerry died in late-August at age 72 and the memory rushed back as I sought words to deliver at his eulogy. I ran to the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum to exhume that November ’68 column. I was nearing the end of two-year stint in the Army and we had written back and forth during my year tour of duty in Vietnam. For whatever reason

SPORTS

OCTOBER 2018 • 39

14 over previously unbeaten Mt. Spokane. In that game Hunter Chodorowski rushed for 175 yards on 22 carries and scored three times. He had 193 yards on 23 carries against Lewis and Clark and in the nonleague season opener had half of CV’s offense, rushing for 93 yards. The Bears found another threat, 200-pound senior Zack Jongeward, who ran 23 times for 193 yards in its 41-39 heartbreaking loss to LC and added 94 yards in 11 carries against Mt. Spokane. A safety caused the only blot on West Valley’s 3-1 start, a 16-14 loss to Shadle Park. Quarterback Matt Allen led the way both with his feet and arm while running back Marshall Meleney was the other half of a 1-2 punch. East Valley and Freeman had yet to win at presstime. Soccer Central Valley and University shared first place with two other teams in the Greater Spokane League. Both were 2-0 with the Bears 5-0 overall and Titans 5-1. U-Hi was led in scoring by Kelsey Crosby with five goals and Lauren

Chester with four under new coach Kara Sharpe on a team that has but seven seniors. The Bears’ Maddy Ames scored three times in six minutes against Shadle Park. Megan Robertson and Kaitlin LaBrosse had hat tricks as well for new coach Rob Rowe. East Valley and West Valley were break-even teams at the time of publication. The Knights were led by Taryn Baxter who had scored six goals through seven matches, Kaitlyn Harvey and Alexa Oliver with three each. Frankie Schade continued her assault on goal. The WV standout had scored 10 goals during the Eagles first eight matches. Freeman was led by Brynn VanOrden with eight goals and six assists. Lindsay Balkenbush had a mind-boggling five-goal match against Newport and had eight goals overall. Volleyball University started strong, compiling a 4-1 record behind the play of Lauren Fleury and Kristah Tiffany, setting by Jiliana Poplawsky.

Tiffany is among the leaders in kills, service aces and digs. Poplawski averaged double figures digs in each of the team’s matches Listed at 5-foot-5 on the roster, Hayden McAuliff has come up big for CV. Through seven matches the senior outside hitter had four games with double digit kills. Junior setter Olivia Minnick set up hitters, including assists of 22 and 13 for a team that was 3-4 in its first seven matches. Slowpitch softball University and Central Valley were at their accustomed spots at the top of the league, the Titans undefeated in eight games, CV a couple games back as part of a second-place tie. U-Hi piled up the hits. Twelve different players hit safely, six in double figures led by Makala Marshall with 19, Madison Thompson with 17 and Alyssa Benthagen with 16. CV shared second place behind University halfway through the season. for a game that typically piles up runs. Led by third baseman Jordan Williams, rover Grace Stumbough, Serena Cobbs, Giana McCoy and Kiara Morse, this year is no exception.

I got a wild hare and wrote him that we ought to go to the Olympics when I got home. I charged him with the logistics: Getting plane tickets, finding lodging and securing tickets. He learned there was no way to procure the event tickets, but we were willing to take our chances. What happened in Mexico City that October made me a firm believer in fate. The world was in turmoil then: College anti-war protests that turned violent; time for hippies to tune in, turn on and drop out and racial turmoil. The latter, it turned out, would play a huge role at the Olympics – and we had a front row seat. Jerry and I hopped aboard for an Olympics adventure that made track and field history. We’ll get back to that a bit later. My Valley Herald story was more about our overall experience than the games themselves. “Prior to the Olympics,” I wrote, “there had been stories of warning – ‘Don’t eat the food, don’t drink the water; don’t drive your car, watch out for the shoe shine boys.’ The only way to find out about what Mexico City was like was to…find out for oneself.” Turned out food and water caused no distress and the light-headedness caused by the altitude in the city was temporary. Transportation was another story. “Attempting to travel from the airport to our place of residence the taxi driver ran out of gas. It embarrassed the driver … (but) he did get us within

one block of where we were going.” When we got there it turned out the apartment we had reserved was rented to someone else. We spent the night exploring our options while spending the night in the maid’s quarters. Luckily we found a place to stay with a Mexican family that took in a total of eight people and were the perfect hosts. They even gave us a tour of the city. Trying to get to our lodging after the first night of track and field, “We climbed aboard the Tlalpan bus, a bus meant for 40 people but with 50 on board. It would be easy, just follow the green stripe that was guide for marathon runners and walkers (and) we would eventually end up back at the house. The green stripe ran out and it didn’t look good.” We got out and “ran through calf deep water to get to a police station a quarter of a mile down the road. We found the station (and) communicated though neither of us spoke each other’s language, but ultimately discovered we were only three blocks from our house. About then we figured it might be better to be watching ABC’s ‘Wide World of Sports.’” The rain that poured for a time during our first night at Estadio Olympico sent everyone scurrying to exit tunnels for shelter. “Jerry didn’t touch ground the whole time he was in there,” I wrote in my column, “he just moved when other people shifted weight.” Little did we know we’d ultimately

experience a “you were there” eyewitness moment in track and field history. Scalpers were hawking tickets. We bought a pair and took our seats, the awards podium directly below. In front of us that night, John Carlos and Tommy Smith finished onetwo in the sprints and stood stunningly on the podium arm’s upraised, hands hooded by black gloves in silent protest of racial inequity. It became an iconic photograph worldwide. The second day we also found tickets, this time in a row near the bottom of the stands on the opposite side of the stadium, directly in front of the long jump pit. Bob Beamon would rise as if on wings and soar astonishingly past us the length of the pit. I did my best shaky math to convert metric to feet and came up with a mind-boggling figure that if true would break the existing world record by nearly 2 feet. It wasn’t until we got home that I learned my math was spot-on. He leaped a world record 29-feet-2 ½ inches that stood for 23 years. Come the third day we found seats in a corner of the stadium near the high jump area. It was there Dick Fosbury stunned the crowd, winning gold in unconventional style what would become the “Fosbury Flop” that revolutionized the event. Our spur of the moment flight-offancy turned into history right before our eyes. Rest in peace, Bro.

The Current

40 • OCTOBER 2018

SVFD Report – October 2018

Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) crews responded to a total of 1,219 emergency calls from Aug. 22 – Sept. 20, 2018. Incidents included: • Brush fire – Aug. 23 – Shortly before midnight, SVFD firefighters responded with Spokane County Fire District 8 to a reported brush fire in the 5200 block of South Chapman Road. They arrived to find a brush fire running about 150 feet along the west side of the roadway in the brush and trees, threatening two homes with fire spotting near Sky Meadow Lane. Five SVFD units joined 10 units from District 8 in successfully defending the homes and extinguishing the fire. • Service call – Aug. 28 – Just after 4 a.m., firefighters responded to a report of a person trapped in a malfunctioning elevator in the 9200 block of East Mission Avenue. They used specialized extrication equipment to free the individual, who was unharmed.

Burn Ban – As of July 16, outdoor recreational fires and open burning are restricted due to high fire danger in the cities of Liberty Lake, Millwood, Spokane Valley and unincorporated Spokane County. This means any outdoor fire without a chimney – including campfires and backyard fire pits (with or without screens) – are prohibited. Open burning of fields, yard waste and garbage is always prohibited. Read more at www.spokanevalleyfire.com • Vehicle fire – Aug. 28 – The vapor from improperly stored gas cans was ignited by the driver of a small car shortly before 10 a.m. in the middle of Houk Road, directly in front of Multicare Valley Hospital. SVFD firefighters found the car fully involved in flames and quickly extinguished the fire. The driver reported filling two small gas cans before driving to a doctor’s appointment. He stuffed paper towels into the ends of the fuel spouts which were not capped but sticking out of the cans. When he returned to his car after the appointment and lit a cigarette, the vapors ignited, burning the driver and igniting the inside of his car. The driver

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suffered burns on approximately 30 percent of his body and was transported directly into the hospital by hospital security personnel. • Motor vehicle collision – Sept. 4 – Shortly before 5 p.m., firefighters responded to a reported auto vs. motorcycle collision near the intersection of Indiana and North Evergreen Road. They arrived to find a 38 year-old man lying in the street about 70 feet past the point where his motorcycle was hit by an SUV that pulled out in front of him. The man was wearing a helmet and sustained injuries to his leg. He was transported to the trauma center. • Vehicle fire – Sept. 5 – SVFD Liberty Lake Engine 3 responded to a reported vehicle fire at the corner of Appleway and Signal just after 6 a.m. They arrived to find a 2011 Jeep Wrangler with light smoke and an electrical odor inside the passenger compartment but no visible fire. Firefighters disconnected the battery and stood by while the smoke dissipated. The vehicle owner called a tow truck. • Service call – Lock out – Sept 8 - Shortly before 2:30 p.m., SVFD crews responded to a child locked in a vehicle in the 1300 block of North Dunbarton Oaks Lane. They arrived to find a non-running vehicle parked in a driveway with a young child in the car. Firefighters were able to open the vehicle and get the 18-month-old boy out before he became overheated. • Brush fire – Sept. 9 – Firefighters responded to a reported brush fire in the 1000 block of South Windsong Lane, shortly after 6:30 p.m. The arrived to find a half-acre slow moving fire in grass and brush with flames about 2 feet in length. There was also a power line hanging from a nearby power pole that was intermittently arcing. Multiple crews quickly contained the fire which was burning near several homes that were not threatened. The origin of the fire was at the base of the power pole. The probable cause was determined to be arcing from an overhead power transmission line that had been broken by a falling tree. Firefighters secured the area until Avista arrived to take care of the live electrical line. •

Extrication – Sept. 15 –

Shortly before 8 a.m., firefighters responded to a report of two people trapped in a one-vehicle rollover accident in the 100 block of North Raymond Road. They arrived to find a sedan on its roof supported by the guardrail of a staircase and two elderly women suspended by their seatbelts. Firefighters stabilized the vehicle, removed the windshield and removed the two patients. The 86-year-old driver said she accidentally drove through her parking spot and over a small retaining wall. The vehicle rolled onto the roof and landed on the guardrail of a staircase about 6 feet below. Both women were transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. By the numbers: • Fires* = 87 • Emergency medical service =982 • Motor vehicle accidents = 81 • Hazardous materials = 15 • Building alarms = 39 • Service calls = 9 • Vehicle extrication = 3 • Water rescue = 3 *Brush, Commercial, Residential, Rubbish, Vehicles and Unauthorized Burning About SVFD - Spokane Valley Fire Department serves the cities of Liberty Lake, Millwood, Spokane Valley and unincorporated areas of Spokane County including the communities of Otis Orchards, Pasadena Park, and the area surrounding Liberty Lake, with a combined population of 125,000 across approximately 75 square miles. SVFD firefighters and paramedics responded to more than 17,280 emergency calls in 2017. Established in 1940, SVFD is an Accredited Agency by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), one of only a handful in the state of Washington. SVFD operates 10 stations providing fire suppression, emergency medical services, vehicle extrication, hazardous materials response, special operations rescue, fire investigation, fire prevention, commercial property inspection, CPR and fire safety training. SVFD provides free fire safety inspections and installation of free smoke detectors. For more information call 928-1700 or visit www.spokanevalleyfire.com.

The Current

Altitude Trampoline Park brings bounds of fun to Valley

BUSINESS

to 50 locations nationwide. The Spokane Valley park is the first one in Eastern Washington and the second in Washington state. According to the company’s website, Altitude is the fastest growing trampoline park company in the world with plans of opening 100 parks by 2019. The Spokane Valley destination has been quietly operating for a few months with the official grand opening party just happening in July. The high energy business is located on Argonne Road, just off I-90, in between East Mission Avenue and East Sinto Avenue. The owners chose the space in part because of the easy access and abundant parking.

By Laurie Allen

Current Correspondent Things are hopping in the Spokane Valley since first-time business owners, Branden and Kenda Gadish opened the indoor trampoline site, Altitude Trampoline Park earlier this summer. If you’re wondering exactly what an indoor trampoline park is, just walk through the door and you’ll immediately understand what the excitement is about. Inside the former Safeway grocery store on Argonne Road, you’ll discover a creative space where visitors have access to over 30,000 square feet of wall-towall trampolines with everything from good old regular jumping to fast paced dodgeball games. There are 16 total features, including dunk lanes, rock walls, foam pits and battle beams, all of which provides thrill seekers more than just jumping fun. This active business also offers fitness classes, competitive jumping and an event rooms for parties. Mercede Fountain, one of the park’s managers, believes it is the ideal place for a child’s birthday party. The trampoline park has two party rooms which are available for rent by reservation for birthdays and other events. There is also a mezzanine area that allows parents to conveniently watch their kids. Naturally, the bouncy place is a popular pick for children, but parents like this no-fuss party place just as much. Parents of active children know it’s better to work with the energy than against it. Letting your kids run wild at the trampoline park not only provides them with an outlet for their abundant energy but the physical activity builds strong hearts, muscles and bones. Kids can literally bounce off the walls without being reprimanded. For many parents, jumping is reminiscent of their youth when one of the highlights of their summer was playing on the backyard trampoline. Fountain says that teenagers and adults alike enjoy jumping in on the fun.

OCTOBER 2018 • 41

Altitude Trampoline Park opened this summer at the site of a former Safeway store on Argonne Road in Spokane Valley. The location features 30,000 square feet of wall-to-wall trampolines. Contributed photo The park’s games and activities improve movement, balance, coordination and reaction time, but kids only know it’s fun. With electronics being prevalent amongst youth – put away the cell phone and video games! – a trampoline park offers patrons of all ages a return to physical playing. Eighth grader Rylee Baumgartner says she is looking forward to a friend’s birthday party that will take place at the trampoline park. Adults have also discovered the healthy aspect of jumping at Altitude, which offers fitness classes twice a week. Fountain remarked that the classes, as well as just jumping, are a good calorie-burning workout that adults can do alone or with their family. According to springfit.org trampoline jumping is three times more beneficial than running. That means a 10-minute bounce is equivalent to a half-hour run. Just so hunger doesn’t put a time limit on your stay, there’s an onsite cafe serving pizza, mini-donuts, refreshments and other snacks. When the Gadish family was in the brainstorming stage of becoming business owners, a friend told them about their family’s visit to a trampoline park. That personal recommendation sparked the idea of owning a such a venture. After researching the opportunity and franchises, the Gadish family decided to jump on it. The couple’s daughter, Kenadee, is the general manager and their other daughter,Kambree, is one

of onsite managers. According to Kenda, the couple’s youngest son, 11-year old Karter, holds the title of “official jumping ambassador.” Altitude Trampoline Parks is a Texas-based chain that has close

If you want to jump on in and give it a try, Altitude is open seven days a week. Single jumper rates start at $12.95 an hour and $8.95 for jumpers under six. Safety socks are required and can be purchased at the park for $2 each and can be reused. All jumpers must sign a waiver. Jumpers under 18 require parent/guardian consent and signoff. For quicker access to jumping, fill out the online waiver available on the website and go directly to the cashier upon arrival.

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The Current

42 • OCTOBER 2018

Donor Closet opens doors for accessible medical equipment

wheelchair for $600. “We’ve had tears in her because people are so grateful,” McNeill said. At the front of the store, free items are on display, everything from tracheostomy clean and care kits to ostomy supplies to gravity feeding bags. Crutches, shower chairs and CPAP machines and accessories are stocked nearby.

By Craig Howard Current Editor

In 1999, Bill Brayer was given some lightly used medical equipment and asked if he knew someone who could use it. The donation generated an idea – Brayer knew plenty of people who suffered from multiple sclerosis like he did and would gladly accept a donation that would make their lives easier without breaking the bank. Before long, the Multiple Sclerosis Helping Hands (MSHS) Donor Closet was born. The nonprofit cause would build its mission on a simple approach – accept medical and mobility equipment in good condition, refurbish it and make it available at substantially reduced prices. Donor Closet established in

sites Tacoma

were and

Linda McNeill and Michael Kelly are two of the fixtures at the Donor Closet, a store specializing in low-cost medical and mobility equipment. Donor Closet is overseen by Multiple Sclerosis Helping Hands, a nonprofit founded by MS patient Bill Brayer who came up with the idea after he was given some lightly used medical equipment in 1999. Photo by Craig Howard Edmonds with encouraging results. Last December, a Spokane location made its premiere at 3203 N. Market, just north of Spokane Valley. The new store was buoyed by a shipment of equipment from the Edmonds branch.

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“We saw the demand quite quickly,” said Linda McNeill, store manager. “If we don’t have something, we take a name and number and it comes in, we’ll give them a call. It’s really rewarding to get someone something they really need.” That could be anything from a power wheelchair to shower/tub transfer benches to scooters to much, much more. Prices here are based on a “suggested minimum donation.” After covering basic expenses, all revenue from each Donor Closet goes to help MS patients in Washington, North Idaho, Montana and Alaska. “If they can’t afford it, I can drop the price down,” McNeill said. “We try to work with everyone.” McNeill first heard about the idea for Donor Closet when volunteering as a group leader for the local MS Care Partner Support Group. Her husband, Tom, copes with MS. Donor Closet representatives first considered opening a store in the Coeur d’Alene area but when the MS support group there disbanded, they turned to Spokane. On a sunny Friday last month, McNeill and several volunteers greeted customers cheerfully as they walked through the doors. A Spokane Transit Authority bus stop is conveniently located near the store for easier access. One customer was thrilled to learn that a lift chair was available to make getting in and out of bed less painful. Not long ago, a client picked up a $20,000 power

McNeill said the site is always looking for donors and volunteers to support the cause. In the back of the store, volunteers clean and refurbish the equipment that comes in. Each customer must sign a waiver releasing the story from any liability. There is also no cost for any of the pediatric equipment here. Michael Kelly came to the Donor Closet as a volunteer four months ago. His father had a form of palsy for five years and was in a wheelchair. “I’ve always been a helper,” Kelly said. “I saw this place and thought it would be a good place to volunteer.” Kelly makes sure to ask thorough questions of each client he meets in an effort to quantify what kind of equipment will work best. “If they’re interested in a transfer chair, I’ll ask who’s going to be in it and who’s going to be transferring them,” he said. Josh Gray heard about Donor Closet shortly before it opened. He has been volunteering here since December and uses a power wheelchair that was purchased in part by funds raised through Donor Closet. “Every piece of equipment here has a story,” said Gray who deals with MS. “It helped someone before and now it’s helping someone else. We’re just part of a continuing story.” McNeill tells the story of a woman with cancer who came in looking for a transport chair. “She was struggling with being able to walk,” McNeill said. “We got her the transport chair and she called back and thanked me. That was the reward.” Want to find out more? Donor Closet is located at 3203 N. Market in Spokane and can be reached by calling 487-4119. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and 3 to 6 p.m., Thursday. Equipment and financial donations are welcome. Volunteers are also needed.

The Current

BECU opens doors to Spokane Valley Home Loan Center

By Keith Erickson Current Correspondent A thriving home buying market and steadily growing regional customer base has prompted Boeing Employees Credit Union (BECU) to open a Home Loan Center in the Spokane Valley at 12111 E. Mission Ave., off Pines Road. This is BECU’s first mortgage-only retail facility in the area and will allow the credit union to guide its members through the home buying process with a wealth of resources and an engaged staff boasting decades of home loan experience, said Rob Helgesen, manager of mortgage sales at the Home Loan Center. About 70 people, including Spokane Valley business leaders, Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce officials and state representatives attended a grand opening at the Home Loan Center Aug. 14. Scott Strand, a member of BECU’s executive board of directors, said the new site demonstrates the credit union’s ongoing quest to help homebuyers purchase, refinance or even build their dream home from the ground up. “We’re really committed to the mortgage business and this office is a reflection of that,” Strand told the group gathered for the ribbon cutting. Since opening its first two Neighborhood Financial Centers (in Spokane and Spokane Valley) just two years ago, BECU’s local presence has continued to grow. The credit union has more than 10,000 members in the area with more than 170 employees at its Spokane Contact Center, now three financial centers and the Home Loan Center. Helgesen said the Home Loan Center will provide BECU with room for growth as the credit union continues to build out its presence in the greater Spokane-Coeur d’Alene market. “Spokane is a competitive market for home buyers and we want to ensure that we are providing our members with the right education and resources to best prepare them for purchasing a home,” Helgesen said. The center will differ from BECU’s

OCTOBER 2018 • 43

other Neighborhood Financial Centers by focusing on helping members through the often complicated and daunting home buying process as they work with personal mortgage advisors. BECU mortgage advisors specialize in: fixed-rate mortgages, adjustable rate mortgages, VA loans, FHA loans, construction loans, additional unique financing options, first-time home buyer loans, purchase loans and refinance loans. “We’re excited about the opportunity our new office provides for local BECU employees to meet directly with home buyers and Realtors, and to expand our services and financial educational offerings,” Helgesen said. “These services and offerings include things like our First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program and inperson home buying classes,” he adds. The new Home Loan Center will be staffed by eight full-time employees, including processing, underwriting and loan officers. Additional mortgage experts are also available for members at BECU’s three local Neighborhood Financial Centers. As a nonprofit, member-owned credit union, BECU doesn’t have shareholders to appease. “Our first priority is helping our customers spend less of their money,” Helgesen said. “That means our clients get lower rates on everything from credit cards to home loans.” Helgesen said the greater Spokane market is known for embracing the

member-owned benefits of credit unions and BECU actively partners other local credit unions to share the credit union philosophy and support community causes. “BECU strives to be active in our community while focusing on what we do best – saving our members money and time while minimizing the stress of home buying,” Helgesen said. Advocating community spirit BECU employees do more than provide expert financial guidance with full-service credit union benefits, Helgesen said. They also do their part to give back to the community. Through its nonprofit partnerships and programs, BECU donated $5.35 million last year to local causes with a focus on increasing financial health. For example, the credit union sponsors EverFi in local schools, a program that partners with organizations, institutions and educators to revolutionize the way education is developed and delivered. Additionally, BECU partners with SNAP (Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners) and the nonprofit’s financial literacy curriculum that includes credit building, money management and first-time homebuyer classes and counseling as well as foreclosure prevention and small business support. BECU also supports degree completion scholarships through Spokane Community College Foundation and Eastern Washington University, according to Bethany Hawley, BECU’s senior manager of public relations.

Beyond donations, BECU employees volunteer in a myriad of community events including Hoopfest, Bloomsday, Skyfest, the Home and Yard Show and the Home Idea Show. And BECU also sponsors events like the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber Breakfast, Centennial Trail Mile, the ISAAC Foundation, Lemonade Day and Walk MS, Hawley said. Part of a growing trend Nationally, credit unions are on an upswing. As of February 2018, there were 5,757 credit unions with nearly 104 million members comprising 45.4 percent of the economically active population, according to Credit Union National Association (CUNA). Those figures represent a steady increase of about 2 percent over the past two years, CUNA reports. And BECU is riding the financial wave. As the country’s fourthlargest credit union and the largest nonprofit credit union in Washington state, BECU reported $17.85 billion in assets in 2017. “We’re proud to be part of the national growth trend while focusing on the desires of our clients,” Helgesen said. “We’re still growing, we’re still adding members and we’re super excited.” Founded as Fellowship Credit Union in 1935 by 18 Boeing employees who each contributed 50 cents for a collective $9 in deposits, BECU was originally established to serve employees of The Boeing Company. Its headquarters are in Tukwila, Washington, and the credit union has over than one million members.

Rob Helgesen, manager of mortgage sales at BECU’s new Home Loan Center in Spokane Valley, cuts the ribbon for the new facility during the grand opening Aug. 14. Phil Champlin, HUB Sports Center executive director, is sixth from right; Spokane Valley City Council Member Arne Woodard is fourth from right and Mayor Rod Higgins is third from right.

The Current

44 • OCTOBER 2018

Safety Scroll Don’t smoke? Smoking fires can still impact you

By Chief Bryan Collins Spokane Valley Fire Department The statistics are grim. In 2018, every significant residential fire in the Spokane Valley Fire Department service area has been caused by the improper disposal of smoking materials. In fact, with one exception, every residential fire fatality in our community since 2015 was caused by improperly discarded smoking materials such as cigarettes, cigars and ashes. Don’t smoke? Fires caused by smoking materials can still impact you, especially if you live in multi-family dwellings like apartments, condos, townhomes or mobile homes in close proximity to your neighbor. Many of the fires caused by smoking materials

this year not only threatened the life of the smoker and their family, but the lives and property of neighbors living next to them, including: • Jan. 26: A woman smoking while on medical oxygen caught her apartment on fire in the 500 block of North Pines Road • March 14: A man smoking caught his apartment on fire when his cigarette ignited paper in the 9400 block of East Montgomery Avenue • April 20: Cigarettes improperly discarded on a deck caused a house fire in the 1100 block of North Girard Road • July 29: Cigarettes improperly discarded on a deck caused a house fire that completely destroyed a single-family home in the 1300 block of South Wright Drive in Liberty Lake, as well as threatening several nearby homes • Aug. 19: An improperly discarded cigarette caused a two-alarm fire at the Central Park Condominiums in the 6000 block of East Sixth Avenue. The fire claimed the life of the man who lived in the unit where the fire started. The fire also displaced families from the 15 adjacent condo units and caused significant fire damage to the property. These fires were tragic for the

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individuals involved, all the more so because they were caused by human error and completely preventable. If you do smoke, commit to becoming a “fire-safe smoker.” Follow these tips to prevent causing a fire: • Smoke outside. The most significant change you can make today to make your home safer is to always smoke outside. Many items in your home are flammable and can catch on fire if they come in contact with something hot, like matches, cigarette butts, ashes and joints. • Never smoke where you sleep. Mattresses, bedding, couches, and lounge chairs can catch fire easily. Do not smoke in bed or in other places where you typically sleep or take naps. • Extinguish smoking materials in an ashtray or a bucket with sand. Make sure to use sturdy metal, ceramic, or glass ashtrays that won’t tip over. • Potting soil is highly flammable! Do not discard smoking materials in mulch, bark, potted plants or other landscaping vegetation. Potting soil and other landscaping products are highly flammable and smoking materials discarded in them have started several significant fires in the Spokane Valley area in recent years. • Put smoking materials out – all the way out, every time. Don’t walk away from lit smoking materials. Put water on the ashes and butts to make sure that they are really out before you put them in the trash. • Never smoke around medical oxygen. Medical oxygen can explode if a flame or spark is near. Even if the oxygen is turned off, it can still catch fire. The use of medical oxygen creates a super-oxygenated environment; the air, carpet, fabric in the home, as well as the clothing, hair and skin of the person using medical oxygen become saturated with oxygen, making everything more flammable. Change occurs when knowledge meets action. You are a key component to reducing the number of fire incidents experienced in our community due to improperly discarded smoking materials. The Spokane Valley Fire Department encourages you to share this important fire safety information with your family, friends and neighbors – especially if they smoke. As always, make sure that your home has working smoke alarms that are less than 10 years old, make a fire escape plan and practice it. You could save a life. For more information home fire safety and being a fire-safe smoker, visit the “Fire & Life Safety” page on our website at www.spokanevalleyfire. com.

EDITOR/PUBLISHER

Ben Wick

Danica Wick

ben@libertylakesplash.com CO OWNER

danica@libertylakesplash.com

EDITOR

Craig Howard

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Paula Gano

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Hayley Schmelzer

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CIRCULATION Larry Passmore circulation@libertylakesplash.com CONTRIBUTORS

Laurie Allen, Linda Ball, Jamie Borgan, Bryan Collins, Nina Culver, Keith Erickson, Bill Gothmann, Craig Howard, Benjamin Shedlock, Mike Vlahovich, Tyler Wilson The Valley Current P.O. Box 363 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Phone: 242-7752; Fax: 927-2190 www.valleycurrent.com The Current is published monthly by or before the first of each month. It is distributed free of charge to every business and home in the greater Spokane Valley area. Copies are located at drop-off locations in Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake and the surrounding area.

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Announcements, obituaries, letters to the editor and story ideas are encouraged. Submit them in writing to publisher@valleycurrent.com. Submissions should be received by the 15th of the month for best chance of publication in the following month’s Current. Subscriptions Subscriptions for U.S. postal addresses cost $12 for 12 issues. Send a check and subscription address to P.O. Box 363, Liberty Lake, WA 99019. Subscriptions must

be received by the 15th of the month in order for the subscription to begin with the issue printed the end of that month. Correction policy The Current strives for accuracy in all content. Errors should be reported immediately to 242-7752 or by email to editor@valleycurrent.com. Confirmed factual errors will be corrected on this page in the issue following their discovery. Advertising information Display ad copy and camera-ready ads are due by 5 p.m. on the 15th of the month for the following month’s issue. Call 242-7752 for more information. Advertising integrity Inaccurate

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The Current

Sound investment for tax dollars

With the unfortunate increase in the number of and frequency of school security-related events across the country, we all feel for the communities that experience these tragedies and hope it doesn’t happen to us. Unfortunately, it can. A little more than a year ago our community experienced this first-hand at Freeman High School. Our community rallied around them as we and they move forward and go down the path of healing #FreemanStrong. East Valley isn’t that much different than Freeman, both are semi-rural school districts with close knit communities, but no school district is immune or insulated from the possibility of having such an event occur. It’s like a motto I heard and keep in my thoughts “Hope for the best, but plan for the worst.” It is with that thought that the East Valley capital levy focusing on safety, security and infrastructure stands out above other requests. It is a necessity. The items funded are basic: • Locks for classroom doors that allow the teacher to remain in the room with students during a lockdown • Secured central one-point entrance for access to the schools to better control who has access into the school • Improved communication systems to allow more rapid

OCTOBER 2018 • 45

response, reaction and coordinated efforts to events that may occur • Heating and air conditioning upgrades that will result in an almost immediate return on investment from the savings on parts and continued repairs • Sports field replacements and movements to allow for safe usage after the Bigelow Gulch realignment with Sullivan Road which will bring a large volume of traffic through the area right between the high school and middle school. In order to secure these improvements, the proposal is for a two-year property tax levy, which would offset some of the reduction in property taxes from the state and would raise the approximate $12 million for improvements while still allowing the taxpayers of East Valley to experience a lower tax rate over the next two years than they pay currently. Bottom line, East Valley needs these improvements. These are basic improvements that go a long way in protecting both our students and community while still allowing the taxpayers a reduction in the tax rate. East Valley has had a hard time with voter support in the past, but I believe they are on the right path and it’s up to us to support them. Please vote “yes” by Nov. 6 for the East Valley School District Prop. 1 Capital Levy for Safety, Security and Infrastructure and ask your friends and neighbors to support this ballot measure as well. Ben Wick Current Publisher

Love The Current? Support our partners. The Current is committed to serving the Greater Spokane Valley area through excellent community journalism. We can’t do it at all without you, our readers, and we can’t do it for long without support from our advertisers. Please thank our business partners and look to them when offering your patronage. Our sincere appreciation to the following businesses for their foundational partnerships with The Current and its partner publications:

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Service Directory

Of note: This thank you message was produced by The Current’s advertising team, which works its tail off on behalf of partner businesses, helping them share their messages through advertisements. This is an independent function from The Current’s editorial team, which has its own evaluation process to determine the community news stories and features it pursues. For more information about a win-win partnership that expertly markets your business to thousands of readers (while making this home-grown community newspaper possible), email advertise@valleycurrent.com. With story ideas, contact editor@valleycurrent.com.

The Current

46 • OCTOBER 2018

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The Current

Spokane River Cleanup has encouraging ripple effect By Benjamin Shedlock Current Correspondent On a Saturday morning last month, the 16 miles of the Spokane River that wind through the Spokane Valley teemed with outdoors lovers. Sporting galoshes and heavy gloves, they walked along the shore, eyes fixed on the ground like beachcombers searching for shells. Piloting kayaks and catamarans, they peered over the edge as if hunting for schooling fish. But rather than natural wonders, the volunteers were collecting microgarbage – non-chemical pollutants such as tires, grocery carts and trash. At the end of the day, their bounty filled a 20-yard dumpster.

OCTOBER 2018 • 47

community collaboration, education and fundraising to support the health of the Spokane River. “We provide an important voice for advocacy and education in the Valley,” Dunau said, pointing out that most river resources are clustered in downtown Spokane. “The Valley is a real gem by itself.” Demand for information about the river is high. According to Dunau, the organization’s website gets more than 85,000 page views per year. One of the Spokane River Forum’s most popular webpages offers information about the Water Trail, which provides river-goers with details about access sites and safety. The River Forum has also played a leading role in building the Water Trail. Since 2010, it has worked with partners to restore or build 12 river access sites, including Valley locations at State Line, Harvard and Barker roads, Mirabeau and Islands Trailhead.

Why would more than 100 naturalists, small business owners and activists give up one of the last fair-weather Saturdays of the year to wade through tons flotsam and jetsam?

Another popular service the River Forum provides is the Waste Directory, which helps residents and businesses dispose of trash responsibly. Users can select their location and the materials they want to dispose of and the website provides a list of local vendors that will accept the trash.

“It’s all about showing some love for the river,” said Spokane River Forum Executive Director Andy Dunau.

The cleanup stands out as one of the River Forum’s fastest-growing events. In 2012, the Spokane River Forum held the first Upriver Scrub to

clean up the Valley’s portion of river. A few years later, the Lands Council merged the cleanup with its own event. The River Forum maintains responsibility for the cleanup in the Valley. It also provides the website, marketing, and promotion of the River Cleanup. “We’ve had a great partnership with the River Forum,” said Box. The hyper local nature of the River Forum has helped it cultivate a strong volunteer base in the Valley. According to Sean Visintainer, six-year volunteer and owner of Valley-based Silver Bow Fly Shop, the cleanup brings personal and professional rewards. “As a small business that utilizes the river for both business and personal enjoyment, we feel we need to contribute to the overall health of the River,” he said. Visintainer brought a crew of five employees and their family members, who spent the day getting a workout hauling some of the bigger items from the river. Winzenburg has brought a large team from his office at Johnson Controls for nine years. “It’s fun to be involved with some community projects and a good way of pulling my office team together,” he said. Winzenburg’s volunteer team includes employees and their family members, who totaled 20 this year. The

annual

Spokane

River

Cleanup is one of many ways that the River Forum and Lands Council have helped move the needle on restoring the river. For nearly three decades, the Lands Council has contributed to the positive trend by pursuing policy changes and environmental programming. For example, in 2003 the council helped secure funding for study of the Spokane-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, and in 2006 it helped pass a statewide phosphorous ban on dishwasher soap and lawn fertilizers. It has also planted tens of thousands of trees in riparian habitats and protected native species. The health of the river is “definitely going in the right direction,” said Box. Dunau agrees, highlighting the more than $500 million being invested to upgrade treatment facilities between Coeur D’Alene and Spokane. According to Box and Dunau, there are opportunities to keep the Spokane River clean year-round, such as participating in city leaf pickups and collecting garbage on walks. Storm water runoff is a big source of river pollution, so Box recommends planting trees to help soak up more water. On Oct. 20, a Spokane River Forum crew will be doing riparian planting at Sullivan Park. For more details, monitor the Spokane River Forum’s website at www.spokaneriver.net and Facebook page.

Managed by The Lands Council, an environmental nonprofit, this year’s 15th annual Spokane River Cleanup attracted more than 850 volunteers from across the region. The event typically pulls three to four tons of debris from the river’s banks and depths. Lindsay Box of the Lands Council said this year marked the most interest the event has ever garnered. “We still tend to fill up a large dumpster every year doing this same section,” said Terry Winzenburg, a longtime volunteer. The cleanup is a visible annual symbol of community-led efforts to preserve the river that have accelerated since the 1990s. The Spokane River Forum manages the cleanup and volunteers from State Line to Boulder Beach. Land crews collected trash at six access sites and another crew floated the river to pull out the tougher-to-reach items. Along the river’s Valley corridor, the River Forum is a leading voice in promoting the river. The nonpartisan nonprofit fosters

The Spokane River Cleanup on Sept. 15 drew over 850 volunteers, a record for the event. Each year, the effort removes three to four tons of debris from the river and its banks. The 15th annual cleanup covered several areas including Spokane Valley, Riverside State Park, the University District and Downtown River Gorge area. Contributed photo

The Current

48 • OCTOBER 2018

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