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Above 90-degree weather and soupy ice cream didn’t deter nearly 70 from attending a candidate’s forum put on by the Republicans of Spokane County last week.
In fact, the outdoor, picnic-in-the-park was just part of the charm of the GOP event held at Mirabeau Point Park on July 23.
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| Spokane Valley City Council Member Diana Wilhite addresses the Republicans of Spokane County at Mirabeau Point Park on July 23 while opponent Brenda Grassel looks on. Photo by: Mike Huffman |
Although, if you closed your eyes, it may have been difficult to tell council hopefuls apart – all are of Republican leanings and hit on conservative touchstones like free markets, low taxes and public safety – there were differences in the attitudes of Spokane Valley City Council incumbents Rich Munson and Diana Wilhite and their challengers.
Bob McCaslin and Brenda Grassel – who are challenging Munson and Wilhite for Positions 5 and 1, respectively, on the council – have aligned themselves with the group Positive Change, a loose-knit band that includes unopposed council candidates Tom Towey and incumbent Gary Schimmels. Before the forum started, all four were seen chatting amiably while slurping melting huckleberry ice cream.
A theme of “slow and steady” growth and direct representation of the people was hit upon by both McCaslin and Grassel, taking aim at Munson and Wilhite’s support of the Sprague-Appleway Revitalization Plan, which seeks to overhaul zoning and tighten building requirements along the business corridor to spur new development.
First up was Grassel, who owns Precision Cutting Technologies with her husband, who said that she favored a government that “protects and serves the people, not the other way around.”
“I believe in a free-enterprise system with business-friendly regulations,” Grassel said. “I want to make (Spokane Valley) the best place to do business.”
Wilhite, also a local business owner, mentioned her stint as mayor of the city – a title that Munson now holds, as the position is appointed from amongst the council membership – and her reputation as being a financial stickler. She said the city only had to pay a fraction of the cost of the federally funded Barker Bridge project, for example.
“I feel I’ve done a good job, but there are more things to do,” Wilhite said.
When it comes to a new city hall – tentatively planned for the University City area as part of a new “city center” – Wilhite said the city should “do what the people say we should do.” Grassel countered, “I think we should do what makes the most financial sense.”
When asked what the city’s biggest responsibility to its citizens is, Grassel said it should serve at “the bequest of the public.” Wilhite said it should provide “public safety and good roads.’
Both said they would like to see Appleway Boulevard extended, believe light rail is a mistake at this time, and neither is a fan of the disincorporation movement.
“”I’d to tell them they’re all wet when they’re talking about the finances,” Wilhite said, saying the city has reserves in the bank. “They need to think about what they’re talking about. We have a balanced budget.”
“The city does provide us with a voice,” Grassel said. “But I do understand that a lot of business owners are frustrated.”
Munson and McCaslin took the podium next, with both introducing themselves as longtime residents of the area. Although McCaslin – a 4th District state senator for nearly three decades – has the edge on political experience, Munson has been in a leadership role since the city incorporated in 2003.
“I’ve declared three states of emergency, for fire, snow and more snow,” he said. “I want to make Spokane Valley a better place to be so my grandchildren want to live here and get career-building jobs.”
McCaslin touted his history in the state Senate, saying he wasn’t afraid to get tough on the food tax back in 1980 despite the measure’s passage. He also said he wasn’t afraid to run against an incumbent, despite 16 hopefuls coming forward and attempting to be appointed to the City Council after Steve Taylor departed last month.
“You should admire me, mayor, for running against you,” McCaslin said.
Munson countered that he “voted for (McCaslin) every time, but I don’t think I’m going to vote for you this time.”
When asked about serving on the various committees and boards that are required by council members, McCaslin said he would “serve wherever (the council) put him” while Munson said he currently “serves on seven.”
Both are in favor of having Spokane Valley primarily contract for services – McCaslin said it was a cost-saving measure while Munson said it was the “backbone” of the city – and neither want to see the city disincorporate.
“I’d prefer people come and talk to us,” Munson said. “My advice is to come and help us build the city, not destroy it.”
McCaslin offered that he “hadn’t signed any petitions.”
“Let’s continue this and try to make it better,” he said.
They differed, however, on the future of City Hall. McCaslin said the city should continue to rent and not build a new structure.
“When you buy a building, you take a property off the tax rolls,” he said. “I think we should stay where we are.”
Munson said that made sense – if City Hall were “just another building.”
“We’ve got to invest,” he said. “When is going to happen? I have no idea.”
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By
Mike Huffman
