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No Good Choices

There are no good choices in the race for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 2. Write in the progressive name of your choice for this race.

Jessica Yaeger is running to replace retiring council member Brandi Peetz on the Spokane Valley City Council, Position 2. Yaeger is a first-time candidate for city council who serves as a Republican precinct committee officer and works as a director in the senior living industry.

Yaeger is running on a conservative platform. She argues Spokane Valley should spend valuable resources to create its own police department instead of cooperating with Spokane County on law enforcement. Yaeger stokes fears by promising that we will feel safer if we just jail more people. But stronger community safety comes from making sure everyone has a safe and affordable home and access to social services and health care.

Instead of acknowledging the need for a rapid increase of safe, and affordable homes, Yaeger supports discriminatory zoning laws. She explicitly states she will fight against allowing more affordable multi-family housing, which was recently passed by the Legislature. Her approach would increase rents, destroy affordable options, and push more of us out of our homes and onto the streets. On top of that, when it comes to homelessness, Yaegar doesn't support low-barrier shelters or temporary housing in hotels, leaving an enormous gap in policy on how to help people struggling in Spokane Valley.

Rachel Briscoe is also running for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 2 as a first-time candidate who describes herself as conservative. She is the co-founder of Briscoe Construction and a content creator at the Ladies Business Community. She volunteers in a women’s local Bible study group.

Briscoe’s policy platform is also advancing a conservative agenda. She wants to reduce city funding, which will harm vital services that we all rely on, from infrastructure to social services. At the same time, she wants to use more of the budget that she's proposing to shrink towards expanding law enforcement. 

Write in a candidate of your choice for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 2.
 

There are no good choices in the race for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 2. Write in the progressive name of your choice for this race.

Jessica Yaeger is running to replace retiring council member Brandi Peetz on the Spokane Valley City Council, Position 2. Yaeger is a first-time candidate for city council who serves as a Republican precinct committee officer and works as a director in the senior living industry.

Yaeger is running on a conservative platform. She argues Spokane Valley should spend valuable resources to create its own police department instead of cooperating with Spokane County on law enforcement. Yaeger stokes fears by promising that we will feel safer if we just jail more people. But stronger community safety comes from making sure everyone has a safe and affordable home and access to social services and health care.

Instead of acknowledging the need for a rapid increase of safe, and affordable homes, Yaeger supports discriminatory zoning laws. She explicitly states she will fight against allowing more affordable multi-family housing, which was recently passed by the Legislature. Her approach would increase rents, destroy affordable options, and push more of us out of our homes and onto the streets. On top of that, when it comes to homelessness, Yaegar doesn't support low-barrier shelters or temporary housing in hotels, leaving an enormous gap in policy on how to help people struggling in Spokane Valley.

Rachel Briscoe is also running for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 2 as a first-time candidate who describes herself as conservative. She is the co-founder of Briscoe Construction and a content creator at the Ladies Business Community. She volunteers in a women’s local Bible study group.

Briscoe’s policy platform is also advancing a conservative agenda. She wants to reduce city funding, which will harm vital services that we all rely on, from infrastructure to social services. At the same time, she wants to use more of the budget that she's proposing to shrink towards expanding law enforcement. 

Write in a candidate of your choice for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 2.
 

City of Spokane Valley

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Election Day November 7, 2023
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Spokane County Ballot Measures

Spokane County Measure #1

VOTE NO

Vote NO to increasing the sales tax to double the size of the county jail

Website

Spokane Measure 1 proposes to raise the sales and use tax by $1.7 billion over the next 30 years to pay for an expensive new downtown jail. 

This measure would add a sales and use tax of 2 cents per $10 dollars spent in Spokane County through 2054. Despite this massive price tag, county commissioners who proposed Measure 1 have not outlined specific plans for how the money would be spent. In addition, the current county commission failed to implement any of the policies for reducing jail crowding that were recommended by their own Justice Task Force before proposing the construction of a big new jail. In fact, a national expert hired by the county to analyze the region's future needs found that a new jail is not needed and would be the most expensive option. 

Criminal legal experts and civil rights leaders agree that the county should instead pursue commonsense reforms that save money and are proven to reduce crime, like affordable housing and mental health and addiction services. We should fund more of these solutions that will reduce crime at a fraction of the cost. 

Spokane residents deserve proven, cost-effective approaches to public safety, not $1.7 billion boondoggles that lack accountability to taxpayers. Vote No on Spokane Measure 1.

Last updated: 2023-10-18

Spokane Measure 1 proposes to raise the sales and use tax by $1.7 billion over the next 30 years to pay for an expensive new downtown jail. 

This measure would add a sales and use tax of 2 cents per $10 dollars spent in Spokane County through 2054. Despite this massive price tag, county commissioners who proposed Measure 1 have not outlined specific plans for how the money would be spent. In addition, the current county commission failed to implement any of the policies for reducing jail crowding that were recommended by their own Justice Task Force before proposing the construction of a big new jail. In fact, a national expert hired by the county to analyze the region's future needs found that a new jail is not needed and would be the most expensive option. 

Criminal legal experts and civil rights leaders agree that the county should instead pursue commonsense reforms that save money and are proven to reduce crime, like affordable housing and mental health and addiction services. We should fund more of these solutions that will reduce crime at a fraction of the cost. 

Spokane residents deserve proven, cost-effective approaches to public safety, not $1.7 billion boondoggles that lack accountability to taxpayers. Vote No on Spokane Measure 1.

Last updated: 2023-10-18

Spokane Valley City Council

Spokane Valley City Council, Position #2

No Good Choices

There are no good choices in the race for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 2. Write in the progressive name of your choice for this race.

Jessica Yaeger is running to replace retiring council member Brandi Peetz on the Spokane Valley City Council, Position 2. Yaeger is a first-time candidate for city council who serves as a Republican precinct committee officer and works as a director in the senior living industry.

Yaeger is running on a conservative platform. She argues Spokane Valley should spend valuable resources to create its own police department instead of cooperating with Spokane County on law enforcement. Yaeger stokes fears by promising that we will feel safer if we just jail more people. But stronger community safety comes from making sure everyone has a safe and affordable home and access to social services and health care.

Instead of acknowledging the need for a rapid increase of safe, and affordable homes, Yaeger supports discriminatory zoning laws. She explicitly states she will fight against allowing more affordable multi-family housing, which was recently passed by the Legislature. Her approach would increase rents, destroy affordable options, and push more of us out of our homes and onto the streets. On top of that, when it comes to homelessness, Yaegar doesn't support low-barrier shelters or temporary housing in hotels, leaving an enormous gap in policy on how to help people struggling in Spokane Valley.

Rachel Briscoe is also running for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 2 as a first-time candidate who describes herself as conservative. She is the co-founder of Briscoe Construction and a content creator at the Ladies Business Community. She volunteers in a women’s local Bible study group.

Briscoe’s policy platform is also advancing a conservative agenda. She wants to reduce city funding, which will harm vital services that we all rely on, from infrastructure to social services. At the same time, she wants to use more of the budget that she's proposing to shrink towards expanding law enforcement. 

Write in a candidate of your choice for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 2.
 

There are no good choices in the race for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 2. Write in the progressive name of your choice for this race.

Jessica Yaeger is running to replace retiring council member Brandi Peetz on the Spokane Valley City Council, Position 2. Yaeger is a first-time candidate for city council who serves as a Republican precinct committee officer and works as a director in the senior living industry.

Yaeger is running on a conservative platform. She argues Spokane Valley should spend valuable resources to create its own police department instead of cooperating with Spokane County on law enforcement. Yaeger stokes fears by promising that we will feel safer if we just jail more people. But stronger community safety comes from making sure everyone has a safe and affordable home and access to social services and health care.

Instead of acknowledging the need for a rapid increase of safe, and affordable homes, Yaeger supports discriminatory zoning laws. She explicitly states she will fight against allowing more affordable multi-family housing, which was recently passed by the Legislature. Her approach would increase rents, destroy affordable options, and push more of us out of our homes and onto the streets. On top of that, when it comes to homelessness, Yaegar doesn't support low-barrier shelters or temporary housing in hotels, leaving an enormous gap in policy on how to help people struggling in Spokane Valley.

Rachel Briscoe is also running for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 2 as a first-time candidate who describes herself as conservative. She is the co-founder of Briscoe Construction and a content creator at the Ladies Business Community. She volunteers in a women’s local Bible study group.

Briscoe’s policy platform is also advancing a conservative agenda. She wants to reduce city funding, which will harm vital services that we all rely on, from infrastructure to social services. At the same time, she wants to use more of the budget that she's proposing to shrink towards expanding law enforcement. 

Write in a candidate of your choice for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 2.
 

Spokane Valley City Council, Position #3

Al Merkel photo

Al Merkel

Website Facebook Endorsements

Moderate Al Merkel is running for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 3. He previously worked as a contractor for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and in Veteran's Affairs, and now owns a business. 

Merkel has a very long and detailed list of propositions available on his website, including thoughts on economic development, homelessness, and more. Some notable policies include creating a cultural center or artisanal district in Spokane Valley, seeking reliable modeling and a regional approach for homelessness, and improving the sheriff's contract with a performance incentive. 

He is running against Arne Woodard, who has been a conservative vote on the council for over a decade. First elected in 2011, Woodard often critiques progress in all forms. He asked if the city could limit protests at city hall after progressive constituents organized rallies at the location. He has also denounced anti-racism efforts in the city, stating that racism isn't a problem, and has made comments about light-skinned people of color.

Woodard endorsed former Rep. Matt Shea, who was under investigation by the state House of Representatives for training young men in "biblical warfare" and laying out plans for a theocratic takeover of the state. Woodward's conservative ideology and refusal to compromise has even led some council members to resign in recent years. 

While Merkel isn't progressive and is endorsed by Republican groups, voters will find in him a more moderate choice for council. Vote Merkel for Spokane City Council, Position 3.
 

Last updated: 2023-10-20

Moderate Al Merkel is running for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 3. He previously worked as a contractor for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and in Veteran's Affairs, and now owns a business. 

Merkel has a very long and detailed list of propositions available on his website, including thoughts on economic development, homelessness, and more. Some notable policies include creating a cultural center or artisanal district in Spokane Valley, seeking reliable modeling and a regional approach for homelessness, and improving the sheriff's contract with a performance incentive. 

He is running against Arne Woodard, who has been a conservative vote on the council for over a decade. First elected in 2011, Woodard often critiques progress in all forms. He asked if the city could limit protests at city hall after progressive constituents organized rallies at the location. He has also denounced anti-racism efforts in the city, stating that racism isn't a problem, and has made comments about light-skinned people of color.

Woodard endorsed former Rep. Matt Shea, who was under investigation by the state House of Representatives for training young men in "biblical warfare" and laying out plans for a theocratic takeover of the state. Woodward's conservative ideology and refusal to compromise has even led some council members to resign in recent years. 

While Merkel isn't progressive and is endorsed by Republican groups, voters will find in him a more moderate choice for council. Vote Merkel for Spokane City Council, Position 3.
 

Last updated: 2023-10-20

Spokane Valley City Council, Position #6

Tim Hattenburg photo

Tim Hattenburg

Website Endorsements

Incumbent and retired teacher Tim Hattenburg is running for re-election to the Spokane Valley City Council, Position 6. Prior to his election in 2019, Hattenburg served on the Spokane County Library District Board for a decade. 

Hattenburg ran last time on a platform of dealing with rapid growth, increasing transparency on the council, and improving public safety. During his first term, he secured a seat on the Spokane Transit Authority board, where he advocated for new electric buses and new routes. The council has also doubled the city's park space and hired a full-time housing and homeless director. Hattenburg has earned broad endorsements from the county and district Democrats, as well as several labor unions. 

Challenging Hattenburg is former state representative Rob Chase. Chase is an outspoken COVID-19 conspiracy theorist, QAnon advocate, and secessionist. He had a 93 percent rating from a conservative organization for his votes while representing the 4th Legislative District. He also supports the continued lie that Trump won the 2020 election. 

Spokane Valley doesn't need a person with a dangerous disregard for the truth and community well-being in office. Hattenburg is the clear choice in this race.
 

Last updated: 2023-10-20

Incumbent and retired teacher Tim Hattenburg is running for re-election to the Spokane Valley City Council, Position 6. Prior to his election in 2019, Hattenburg served on the Spokane County Library District Board for a decade. 

Hattenburg ran last time on a platform of dealing with rapid growth, increasing transparency on the council, and improving public safety. During his first term, he secured a seat on the Spokane Transit Authority board, where he advocated for new electric buses and new routes. The council has also doubled the city's park space and hired a full-time housing and homeless director. Hattenburg has earned broad endorsements from the county and district Democrats, as well as several labor unions. 

Challenging Hattenburg is former state representative Rob Chase. Chase is an outspoken COVID-19 conspiracy theorist, QAnon advocate, and secessionist. He had a 93 percent rating from a conservative organization for his votes while representing the 4th Legislative District. He also supports the continued lie that Trump won the 2020 election. 

Spokane Valley doesn't need a person with a dangerous disregard for the truth and community well-being in office. Hattenburg is the clear choice in this race.
 

Last updated: 2023-10-20

Endorsed By: Teamsters Joint Council 28 , Washington Education Association

Central Valley School Board

Central Valley School Board, Director, District #1

Cindy McMullen photo

Cindy McMullen

Website

Cindy McMullen is running for Central Valley School Board Director from District 1 against Jeff Brooks. McMullen is a retired lawyer and served on the Central Valley School Board for many years. She also volunteers with the local Girl Scouts and is a member of the Rotary. 

McMullen is running to ensure every student gains the knowledge and skills they need for their chosen path after graduation. She is proud of her record of helping hire a new superintendent, implementing the "I, You, We Belong" initiative, and expanding coursework options for students. 

Jeff Brooks is another member of the far-right slate trying to take over the Central Valley School Board. He was quoted in the Spokesman-Review in September saying "we're all trying to basically overturn the board, because if we don't, it'll be civil war." These kinds of threats of violence have no place in our schools and his narrow, ideologically driven campaign will hurt our students.

Cindy McMullen is the clear choice for Central Valley School Board from District 1 based on her endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. 
 

Last updated: 2023-10-20

Cindy McMullen is running for Central Valley School Board Director from District 1 against Jeff Brooks. McMullen is a retired lawyer and served on the Central Valley School Board for many years. She also volunteers with the local Girl Scouts and is a member of the Rotary. 

McMullen is running to ensure every student gains the knowledge and skills they need for their chosen path after graduation. She is proud of her record of helping hire a new superintendent, implementing the "I, You, We Belong" initiative, and expanding coursework options for students. 

Jeff Brooks is another member of the far-right slate trying to take over the Central Valley School Board. He was quoted in the Spokesman-Review in September saying "we're all trying to basically overturn the board, because if we don't, it'll be civil war." These kinds of threats of violence have no place in our schools and his narrow, ideologically driven campaign will hurt our students.

Cindy McMullen is the clear choice for Central Valley School Board from District 1 based on her endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. 
 

Last updated: 2023-10-20

Endorsed By: Washington Education Association, Spokane County Democrats

Central Valley School Board, Director, District #2

Debra Long photo

Debra Long

Website

Debra Long is running for Central Valley School Board Director from District 3 against Stephanie Jerdon. Long has served on the board since 2003 and works as an accounting manager for Rockwood Retirement Communities. She is also active in the community, including organizing the Central Valley Craft Fair, and is a member of the Central Valley Theatre.

Long is running for re-election to continue building partnerships between parents, teachers, and administrators. She will also work to ensure that all students have the tools and opportunities they need to be successful after graduation.

Long faces a challenge from Stephanie Jerdan, who is part of the slate of far-right candidates seeking to take over the school board. She has fought against public health recommendations as well as science-based comprehensive sexual education. If elected, she would politicize the school board by further inserting the district into legislative advocacy in Olympia.

Debra Long is the clear choice for Central Valley School Board from District 2 based on her track record and endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders.

Last updated: 2023-10-19

Debra Long is running for Central Valley School Board Director from District 3 against Stephanie Jerdon. Long has served on the board since 2003 and works as an accounting manager for Rockwood Retirement Communities. She is also active in the community, including organizing the Central Valley Craft Fair, and is a member of the Central Valley Theatre.

Long is running for re-election to continue building partnerships between parents, teachers, and administrators. She will also work to ensure that all students have the tools and opportunities they need to be successful after graduation.

Long faces a challenge from Stephanie Jerdan, who is part of the slate of far-right candidates seeking to take over the school board. She has fought against public health recommendations as well as science-based comprehensive sexual education. If elected, she would politicize the school board by further inserting the district into legislative advocacy in Olympia.

Debra Long is the clear choice for Central Valley School Board from District 2 based on her track record and endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders.

Last updated: 2023-10-19

Endorsed By: Washington Education Association, Spokane County Democrats

Central Valley School Board, Director, District #3

Keith Clark photo

Keith Clark

Website

Dr. Keith Clark is running for Central Valley School Board Director from District 4. He has owned the Pet Vet Hospital and Wellness Center for 28 years. Clark has served four terms on the school board and his children have attended schools in the Central Valley School District for 26 years. He's running for re-election to keep our kids safe, maintain a quality curriculum, and make sure every student feels like they belong at school. 

Clark faces a challenge from Anniece Barker, a far-right conservative. Barker is part of a slate of candidates trying to take over the Central Balley School Board to impose their political ideology on our schools. She was part of a far-right group that tried to overturn comprehensive sexual education rules and has engaged in various conspiracy theories.

Keith Clark is the clear choice for Central Valley School Board from District 3 based on his solid track record and endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. 
 

Last updated: 2023-10-20

Dr. Keith Clark is running for Central Valley School Board Director from District 4. He has owned the Pet Vet Hospital and Wellness Center for 28 years. Clark has served four terms on the school board and his children have attended schools in the Central Valley School District for 26 years. He's running for re-election to keep our kids safe, maintain a quality curriculum, and make sure every student feels like they belong at school. 

Clark faces a challenge from Anniece Barker, a far-right conservative. Barker is part of a slate of candidates trying to take over the Central Balley School Board to impose their political ideology on our schools. She was part of a far-right group that tried to overturn comprehensive sexual education rules and has engaged in various conspiracy theories.

Keith Clark is the clear choice for Central Valley School Board from District 3 based on his solid track record and endorsements from our partners and trusted community leaders. 
 

Last updated: 2023-10-20

Endorsed By: Washington Education Association, Spokane County Democrats