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No Good Choices

There are no progressive candidates running for Central Valley School Board Director, District 2.

Brandon 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.

Allen Skidmore is an active parent in the district and serves on various committees, including the Sex Education and Parent Advisory committees. Skidmore's campaign is focused on fiscal responsibility, community engagement, and being a decision-making advocate. A common theme through Skidmore's platform is maintaining student safety and a high-quality education. Unfortunately, Skidmore has also made disparaging comments about transgender students that are out of step with local families.

No matter their skin color, zip code, or gender, we want our kids to have the freedom to be themselves and pursue their dreams. Write in a more progressive candidate of your choice in this race.

There are no progressive candidates running for Central Valley School Board Director, District 2.

Brandon 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.

Allen Skidmore is an active parent in the district and serves on various committees, including the Sex Education and Parent Advisory committees. Skidmore's campaign is focused on fiscal responsibility, community engagement, and being a decision-making advocate. A common theme through Skidmore's platform is maintaining student safety and a high-quality education. Unfortunately, Skidmore has also made disparaging comments about transgender students that are out of step with local families.

No matter their skin color, zip code, or gender, we want our kids to have the freedom to be themselves and pursue their dreams. Write in a more progressive candidate of your choice in this race.

City of Spokane Valley

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Election Day November 4, 2025
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Statewide Ballot Measures

Constitutional Amendment #8201

VOTE APPROVED

Approve 8201 to grow WA Cares Funding!

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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: 2025-10-09

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: 2025-10-09

Spokane Valley City Council

Spokane Valley City Council, Position #1

Kristopher Pockell photo

Kristopher Pockell

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Kristopher "Kris" Pockell is running for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 1. He is a software engineering manager and tech company founder who has unsuccessfully run for various political positions in the past. In 2015, Pockell ran as a Libertarian for a Spokane Valley Fire Department commissioner seat. He also ran for the State House to represent Legislative District 4 with no party preference.

Pockell is running a moderate campaign for city council, prioritizing public safety, economic opportunity, and infrastructure. On attainable housing, he proposes reducing regulations to open the market for entry-level housing, providing more options for first-time home buyers. Pockell takes a more compassionate approach to public safety, offering support for those struggling to meet their basic needs. He is also supportive of expanding the city's co-response initiative, which helps in harm reduction for our most vulnerable neighbors.

Although he is endorsed by the Republicans of Spokane County, Pockell is a more balanced candidate who has shown himself to be a collaborative leader. Kristopher Pockell is the best candidate for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 1.

Last updated: 2025-10-16

Kristopher "Kris" Pockell is running for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 1. He is a software engineering manager and tech company founder who has unsuccessfully run for various political positions in the past. In 2015, Pockell ran as a Libertarian for a Spokane Valley Fire Department commissioner seat. He also ran for the State House to represent Legislative District 4 with no party preference.

Pockell is running a moderate campaign for city council, prioritizing public safety, economic opportunity, and infrastructure. On attainable housing, he proposes reducing regulations to open the market for entry-level housing, providing more options for first-time home buyers. Pockell takes a more compassionate approach to public safety, offering support for those struggling to meet their basic needs. He is also supportive of expanding the city's co-response initiative, which helps in harm reduction for our most vulnerable neighbors.

Although he is endorsed by the Republicans of Spokane County, Pockell is a more balanced candidate who has shown himself to be a collaborative leader. Kristopher Pockell is the best candidate for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 1.

Last updated: 2025-10-16

Other Candidates

Mike Kelly is running for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 1. Kelly is a local business owner and was a Spokane Valley City Planning Commission member. He spent most of his career in real estate-related work, after an early conviction and incarceration for drug-selling-related offenses. He attributes his early sentence to a life of renewed purpose, accountability, and commitment to building an ethical life. Kelly previously ran as a Republican to represent Legislative District 4 in the state Senate.

Kelly is currently running a conservative campaign to "protect Valley freedoms, grow Valley businesses, and reject Spokane failures." His website offers no policy proposals or concrete actions. His previous campaign emphasized conservative criminal legal policies that don't provide people with the second chance he himself enjoyed. In this race, Kelly is also promoting transphobic and misogynistic ideas through the disturbing rhetoric of protecting “the very essence of womanhood.” Like other far-right candidates across the country, Kelly is campaigning to remove public curricula that teach accurate American history and multiculturalism.

Mike Kelly will be an obstacle to progress if elected. We recommend voting for Kristopher Pockell for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 1.

Last updated: 2025-10-22

Mike Kelly is running for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 1. Kelly is a local business owner and was a Spokane Valley City Planning Commission member. He spent most of his career in real estate-related work, after an early conviction and incarceration for drug-selling-related offenses. He attributes his early sentence to a life of renewed purpose, accountability, and commitment to building an ethical life. Kelly previously ran as a Republican to represent Legislative District 4 in the state Senate.

Kelly is currently running a conservative campaign to "protect Valley freedoms, grow Valley businesses, and reject Spokane failures." His website offers no policy proposals or concrete actions. His previous campaign emphasized conservative criminal legal policies that don't provide people with the second chance he himself enjoyed. In this race, Kelly is also promoting transphobic and misogynistic ideas through the disturbing rhetoric of protecting “the very essence of womanhood.” Like other far-right candidates across the country, Kelly is campaigning to remove public curricula that teach accurate American history and multiculturalism.

Mike Kelly will be an obstacle to progress if elected. We recommend voting for Kristopher Pockell for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 1.

Last updated: 2025-10-22

Spokane Valley City Council, Position #5

No Good Choices

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 served as 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 served as 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.

Spokane Valley City Council, Position #7

No Good Choices

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

Central Valley School Board, Director, District #2

No Good Choices

There are no progressive candidates running for Central Valley School Board Director, District 2.

Brandon 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.

Allen Skidmore is an active parent in the district and serves on various committees, including the Sex Education and Parent Advisory committees. Skidmore's campaign is focused on fiscal responsibility, community engagement, and being a decision-making advocate. A common theme through Skidmore's platform is maintaining student safety and a high-quality education. Unfortunately, Skidmore has also made disparaging comments about transgender students that are out of step with local families.

No matter their skin color, zip code, or gender, we want our kids to have the freedom to be themselves and pursue their dreams. Write in a more progressive candidate of your choice in this race.

There are no progressive candidates running for Central Valley School Board Director, District 2.

Brandon 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.

Allen Skidmore is an active parent in the district and serves on various committees, including the Sex Education and Parent Advisory committees. Skidmore's campaign is focused on fiscal responsibility, community engagement, and being a decision-making advocate. A common theme through Skidmore's platform is maintaining student safety and a high-quality education. Unfortunately, Skidmore has also made disparaging comments about transgender students that are out of step with local families.

No matter their skin color, zip code, or gender, we want our kids to have the freedom to be themselves and pursue their dreams. Write in a more progressive candidate of your choice in this race.

Central Valley School Board, Director, District #5

Mark Bitz photo

Mark Bitz

Website Endorsements

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: 2025-10-20

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: 2025-10-20

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: 2025-10-20

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: 2025-10-20