BEST ELECTED OFFICIAL
JON SNYDER
If you spot City Councilman Jon Snyder around town, he’ll likely offer a friendly wave, quite possibly from atop his bicycle. Elected in 2009, the city’s District 2 representative has pushed for expanded walking and biking access as well as improved police accountability. His supporters see him a forwardthinking man of the people. (JJ) 2nd PLACE: Mayor David Condon; 3rd PLACE: City Council President Ben Stuckart; NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Mayor Steve Widmyer, CdA
BEST AUTHOR
JESS WALTER
Even as his writing has accumulated national acclaim, Jess Walter has continued to champion his hometown. Beyond setting many stories in the Lilac City, Walter has offered his support to a variety of community and literary programs as well. Spokane native Tom Giardino writes of Walter: “His prose is simple, direct, and true, and he has a funny way of telling us things we already know about ourselves. He’s not just the best local author — he’s one of the best American authors.” (JJ) 2nd PLACE: Sherman Alexie; 3rd PLACE: Katie Youngren
48 INLANDER BEST OF THE INLAND NW 2014