City of Spokane Valley
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Welcome to the Fuse Progressive Voters Guide to the 2025 General election, preview edition! Since 2008, we've compiled information about candidates and ballot measures that allows you to make informed decisions about the races on your ballot, based on your values. You can learn about our partners and decision-making process here. Please share this guide with your friends and family, and remind them to vote by November 4!
We will continue adding more recommendations for candidates and ballot measures until voting begins on October 15.
Statewide Ballot Measures
SJR 8201 will grow Washington’s long-term care fund for aging people and people with disabilities, keeping premiums low, without costing taxpayers a single penny. Also known as the “Allow Investment of Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Fund Amendment," SJR 8201 is a constitutional amendment adding accountability protections to our long-term care fund, requiring that 100% of investment income be used for long-term care.
If passed, SJR 8201 would increase the state’s long-term care fund for vulnerable Washingtonians by at least $67 billion over the next 50 years by allowing the nonpartisan Washington State Investment Board to diversify investments. In the state legislature, 128 legislators voted in favor of the measure, and only 16 were opposed. Additionally, it has the support of groups such as the Washington State Nurses Association, the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters, Planned Parenthood, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Vote APPROVED on SJR 8201 to protect and grow our state’s independent long-term care fund for aging adults and people with disabilities.
Last updated: 2025-10-03
SJR 8201 will grow Washington’s long-term care fund for aging people and people with disabilities, keeping premiums low, without costing taxpayers a single penny. Also known as the “Allow Investment of Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Fund Amendment," SJR 8201 is a constitutional amendment adding accountability protections to our long-term care fund, requiring that 100% of investment income be used for long-term care.
If passed, SJR 8201 would increase the state’s long-term care fund for vulnerable Washingtonians by at least $67 billion over the next 50 years by allowing the nonpartisan Washington State Investment Board to diversify investments. In the state legislature, 128 legislators voted in favor of the measure, and only 16 were opposed. Additionally, it has the support of groups such as the Washington State Nurses Association, the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters, Planned Parenthood, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Vote APPROVED on SJR 8201 to protect and grow our state’s independent long-term care fund for aging adults and people with disabilities.
Last updated: 2025-10-03
Spokane Valley City Council
Two conservative candidates are running for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 5. Unfortunately, we cannot recommend voting for either candidate.
Incumbent Pam Haley is a conservative who previously ran as a Republican in 2024 to serve in the state Senate. She has been a Republican Precinct Committee Officer since 2020 and the Mayor of Spokane Valley since 2020.
Haley's platform is vague, stating that she supports public safety, fiscal responsibility, and reduced government regulation, without providing specific policies or outlining how she would achieve these goals. Given her affiliation with the Republican Party, it is assumed that she will continue to implement conservative policies if re-elected for another term.
Catherine Nelson is challenging Haley for Position 5. She is a realtor and former mortgage broker who is running a self-proclaimed conservative campaign. Nelson is leading her campaign with "Republican conservative values," echoing common right-wing talking points such as relying solely on the police for public safety and cutting public services in order to balance the city budget.
Everyone, including police officers, agrees that we are asking too much of them. It’s time to revamp public safety so that qualified experts, such as mental health and social workers, can work alongside the police to provide people with the help they need to keep communities safe.
We recommend writing in a progressive candidate of your choice for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 5.
Two conservative candidates are running for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 5. Unfortunately, we cannot recommend voting for either candidate.
Incumbent Pam Haley is a conservative who previously ran as a Republican in 2024 to serve in the state Senate. She has been a Republican Precinct Committee Officer since 2020 and the Mayor of Spokane Valley since 2020.
Haley's platform is vague, stating that she supports public safety, fiscal responsibility, and reduced government regulation, without providing specific policies or outlining how she would achieve these goals. Given her affiliation with the Republican Party, it is assumed that she will continue to implement conservative policies if re-elected for another term.
Catherine Nelson is challenging Haley for Position 5. She is a realtor and former mortgage broker who is running a self-proclaimed conservative campaign. Nelson is leading her campaign with "Republican conservative values," echoing common right-wing talking points such as relying solely on the police for public safety and cutting public services in order to balance the city budget.
Everyone, including police officers, agrees that we are asking too much of them. It’s time to revamp public safety so that qualified experts, such as mental health and social workers, can work alongside the police to provide people with the help they need to keep communities safe.
We recommend writing in a progressive candidate of your choice for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 5.
Two conservative candidates are running for Spokane Valley Council, Position 7.
Laura Padden is running for re-election for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 7. Padden is a far-right candidate whose husband is Republican Sen. Mike Padden
On her campaign website, Padden said, "City revenue is good and I see absolutely no need for any new taxes!” Yet in 2024, Padden voted in favor of a 0.1% sales tax increase to fund the Spokane Valley Police Department. She has refused to address problems facing Spokane Valley with proven solutions like social supports, instead dumping money into ever more militarized police. She also said that housing is a priority, but did not expand further on strategies to improve the affordability of homeownership, aside from reducing the cost of construction.
Brad Hohn is also running for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 7. In his candidate statement, Hohn said he is prioritizing public safety, stopping tax increases, and improving infrastructure. He is a conservative candidate who is wants to divide and scare us into silence by sending militarized police forces into our community. He also claimed his opponent has voted for tax increases and defunding the police; however, he did not specify whom he was referring to.
Two conservative candidates are running for Spokane Valley Council, Position 7.
Laura Padden is running for re-election for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 7. Padden is a far-right candidate whose husband is Republican Sen. Mike Padden
On her campaign website, Padden said, "City revenue is good and I see absolutely no need for any new taxes!” Yet in 2024, Padden voted in favor of a 0.1% sales tax increase to fund the Spokane Valley Police Department. She has refused to address problems facing Spokane Valley with proven solutions like social supports, instead dumping money into ever more militarized police. She also said that housing is a priority, but did not expand further on strategies to improve the affordability of homeownership, aside from reducing the cost of construction.
Brad Hohn is also running for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 7. In his candidate statement, Hohn said he is prioritizing public safety, stopping tax increases, and improving infrastructure. He is a conservative candidate who is wants to divide and scare us into silence by sending militarized police forces into our community. He also claimed his opponent has voted for tax increases and defunding the police; however, he did not specify whom he was referring to.
Central Valley School Board
Brandon Arthur is running for Central Valley School Board Director, District 2. Arthur is a district parent running a conservative, anti-trans, and pro-parents' rights campaign. He is recommended by the Spokane County GOP in this race. Arthur is on the record as making deeply insulting comments about transgender students in local classrooms.
No matter their skin color, zip code, or gender, we want our kids to have the freedom to be themselves and pursue their dreams. If elected, Brandon Arthur will only cause more harm to our vulnerable students. He is not fit to serve on the Central Valley School Board.
Brandon Arthur is running for Central Valley School Board Director, District 2. Arthur is a district parent running a conservative, anti-trans, and pro-parents' rights campaign. He is recommended by the Spokane County GOP in this race. Arthur is on the record as making deeply insulting comments about transgender students in local classrooms.
No matter their skin color, zip code, or gender, we want our kids to have the freedom to be themselves and pursue their dreams. If elected, Brandon Arthur will only cause more harm to our vulnerable students. He is not fit to serve on the Central Valley School Board.
Mark Bitz is running for Central Valley School Board Director, District 5. He is a retired educator and engineer who was recognized as Educator of the Year in 2023.
With his experience in both business and education, Bitz hopes to ensure strong schools, skilled graduates, and a collaborative community. He is also prioritizing fiscal responsibility, ensuring that schools remain safe and well-maintained. As a 40-year resident of Liberty Lake, he wants to leverage his local relationships to bring people together and ensure the district doesn't get dragged into partisan political fights.
Given Mark Bitz's extensive experience in the Central Valley School District, we recommend voting for him for Central Valley School Board Director, District 5.
Last updated: 2025-10-01
Mark Bitz is running for Central Valley School Board Director, District 5. He is a retired educator and engineer who was recognized as Educator of the Year in 2023.
With his experience in both business and education, Bitz hopes to ensure strong schools, skilled graduates, and a collaborative community. He is also prioritizing fiscal responsibility, ensuring that schools remain safe and well-maintained. As a 40-year resident of Liberty Lake, he wants to leverage his local relationships to bring people together and ensure the district doesn't get dragged into partisan political fights.
Given Mark Bitz's extensive experience in the Central Valley School District, we recommend voting for him for Central Valley School Board Director, District 5.
Last updated: 2025-10-01
Endorsed By: The Washington Bus, Spokane Regional Labor Council
Mark Bitz is running for Central Valley School Board Director, District 5. He is a retired educator and engineer who was recognized as Educator of the Year in 2023.
With his experience in both business and education, Bitz hopes to ensure strong schools, skilled graduates, and a collaborative community. He is also prioritizing fiscal responsibility, ensuring that schools remain safe and well-maintained. As a 40-year resident of Liberty Lake, he wants to leverage his local relationships to bring people together and ensure the district doesn't get dragged into partisan political fights.
Given Mark Bitz's extensive experience in the Central Valley School District, we recommend voting for him for Central Valley School Board Director, District 5.
Last updated: 2025-10-01
Endorsed By: The Washington Bus
,
Spokane Regional Labor Council
Other Candidates
Conservative Pam Orebaugh is running for re-election for Central Valley School Board Director, District 5. She is a conservative who was a part of the 2020 campaign to oppose comprehensive sexual and emotional health education in Washington schools. She is experienced in helping with conservative campaigns and collecting signatures for Referendum 90, according to The Spokesman-Review.
Despite being a registered nurse, Orebaugh opposed any mask mandates. In her current campaign, she argues that parents should have the right to opt their children out of any curriculum they disagree with. Additionally, she encouraged a stronger police presence in schools, but made no mention of the disproportionate impact that policing in schools has on students of color. Furthermore, she co-penned a letter expressing concern over the WIAA's allowance of transgender youth participation in girls' sports.
Mark Bitz is the clear choice from District 5.
Last updated: 2025-10-01
Conservative Pam Orebaugh is running for re-election for Central Valley School Board Director, District 5. She is a conservative who was a part of the 2020 campaign to oppose comprehensive sexual and emotional health education in Washington schools. She is experienced in helping with conservative campaigns and collecting signatures for Referendum 90, according to The Spokesman-Review.
Despite being a registered nurse, Orebaugh opposed any mask mandates. In her current campaign, she argues that parents should have the right to opt their children out of any curriculum they disagree with. Additionally, she encouraged a stronger police presence in schools, but made no mention of the disproportionate impact that policing in schools has on students of color. Furthermore, she co-penned a letter expressing concern over the WIAA's allowance of transgender youth participation in girls' sports.
Mark Bitz is the clear choice from District 5.
Last updated: 2025-10-01