The gavel is staying right where it is.
Although during his first two years it “took a lot of time and energy,” Spokane Valley Mayor Tom Towey appeared more than willing to accept the City Council’s support Tuesday night to have him continue in that role.
“I really, really enjoy it,” Towey, who was elected in 2009 as part of the Positive Change movement, said.
Towey went on to thank the council and city staff.
“I’m really encouraged by the direction the city of Spokane Valley is going,” Towey said. “We have a great staff and great council.”
Also getting unanimous approval for another go-round was current Deputy Mayor Gary Schimmels, who has served on the council since his election in 2002.
“All I can say is thank you,” Schimmels said. “We all have a job to do, and we do have a good city here.”
Council members offered up no other nominees.
Under Spokane Valley’s council/manager form of government, the mayor and deputy mayor are chosen by a vote of council members. While the role is largely ceremonial, the mayor does have the responsibility of conducting meetings and representing the city at certain functions.
Towey and his wife have two children, who graduated from University High School. He graduated from West Valley High School and attended Spokane Falls Community College before starting his 32 years with Rosauers, where he managed four stores – all but one in Spokane Valley.
Before being elected to the council, Towey had been appointed to the city Planning Commission by former Mayor Rich Munson.
Shimmels is also a lifetime Valley resident, married with five adult children. After high school, he attended Eastern Washington State College. He has worked in utilities, site work, road construction, real estate and as a locksmith. He was also director of the Consolidated Irrigation District 19 for 24 years.
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TheSpokane Valley News Herald