Voters for Position 4 this year will find themselves picking between a Republican incumbent and at least one far-right challenger. Incumbent Ben Wick describes himself as conservative but has made some solid votes while in this position. He's run, won, and lost several bids for city council. Following a 2015 loss, he won in 2017 and was chosen as mayor by the council in 2020. Wick points to the hiring of a housing and homeless coordinator, as well as increasing regional cooperation with the county on homelessness, as big steps forward for dealing with the housing crisis. He also supported buying 45 acres of parkland in support of resident feedback during the last city master-plan process.
There are three other candidates in this race: Christopher Ingraham, Mark McManus, and Brandon Fenton. Ingraham has a bare-bones voters' pamphlet statement and has yet to raise money or publish campaign materials. McManus' statement says that's withdrawing to give support to other candidates.
Fenton, on the other hand, wants to roll back that progress, saying that the city should spend fewer resources helping people experiencing homelessness. The bar owner, who is the son of fellow city council candidate Wayne Fenton, describes himself as a Trump Republican. He refused to close his bar during the pandemic, endangering the very residents he's running to represent.
While progressive voters may not find a perfect choice for this seat, Fenton is even more conservative than Wick, who has at least made several good votes that support the residents of Spokane Valley and is not an extremist. Voters should consider the more moderate Wick for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 4.
Voters for Position 4 this year will find themselves picking between a Republican incumbent and at least one far-right challenger. Incumbent Ben Wick describes himself as conservative but has made some solid votes while in this position. He's run, won, and lost several bids for city council. Following a 2015 loss, he won in 2017 and was chosen as mayor by the council in 2020. Wick points to the hiring of a housing and homeless coordinator, as well as increasing regional cooperation with the county on homelessness, as big steps forward for dealing with the housing crisis. He also supported buying 45 acres of parkland in support of resident feedback during the last city master-plan process.
There are three other candidates in this race: Christopher Ingraham, Mark McManus, and Brandon Fenton. Ingraham has a bare-bones voters' pamphlet statement and has yet to raise money or publish campaign materials. McManus' statement says that's withdrawing to give support to other candidates.
Fenton, on the other hand, wants to roll back that progress, saying that the city should spend fewer resources helping people experiencing homelessness. The bar owner, who is the son of fellow city council candidate Wayne Fenton, describes himself as a Trump Republican. He refused to close his bar during the pandemic, endangering the very residents he's running to represent.
While progressive voters may not find a perfect choice for this seat, Fenton is even more conservative than Wick, who has at least made several good votes that support the residents of Spokane Valley and is not an extremist. Voters should consider the more moderate Wick for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 4.
Voters for Position 4 this year will find themselves picking between a Republican incumbent and at least one far-right challenger. Incumbent Ben Wick describes himself as conservative but has made some solid votes while in this position. He's run, won, and lost several bids for city council. Following a 2015 loss, he won in 2017 and was chosen as mayor by the council in 2020. Wick points to the hiring of a housing and homeless coordinator, as well as increasing regional cooperation with the county on homelessness, as big steps forward for dealing with the housing crisis. He also supported buying 45 acres of parkland in support of resident feedback during the last city master-plan process.
There are three other candidates in this race: Christopher Ingraham, Mark McManus, and Brandon Fenton. Ingraham has a bare-bones voters' pamphlet statement and has yet to raise money or publish campaign materials. McManus' statement says that's withdrawing to give support to other candidates.
Fenton, on the other hand, wants to roll back that progress, saying that the city should spend fewer resources helping people experiencing homelessness. The bar owner, who is the son of fellow city council candidate Wayne Fenton, describes himself as a Trump Republican. He refused to close his bar during the pandemic, endangering the very residents he's running to represent.
While progressive voters may not find a perfect choice for this seat, Fenton is even more conservative than Wick, who has at least made several good votes that support the residents of Spokane Valley and is not an extremist. Voters should consider the more moderate Wick for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 4.
