The Current
FEBRUARY 2014 • 5
NEWS
Grafos takes citizen-centered approach into new mayoral role Council member calls appointment to ceremonial office ‘an evolution of my service’
old Grafos worked summers at his future father-in-law’s resort. In fact, Grafos first met his wife as a fifth-grader in church. After going to Eastern Washington University, Grafos and his wife moved back to the Valley. Grafos has been a local real estate broker and business By Eli Francovich CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR owner ever since. In that time, he’s Dean Grafos doesn't like asking others to seen the Valley go do his job. Spokane Valley’s newest mayor from a series of small prefers to get it done himself. rural communities to In 2010, while spearheading the political GRAFOS a sprawling, almost push to remove the Sprague/Appleway Reurban conglomeravitalization Plan (SARP), then-Councilman tion of communities. This rapid growth is Grafos went door to door asking local busione of the challenges faced by the Valley ness owners how the proposed plan would — and its leaders. Grafos characterizes it as affect their business. He then compiled the the “‘push-pull’ of urbanization.” This forces testimonials and presented them to the politicians and citizens to strike a balance council. Ultimately, SARP was voted down. that, “preserves Valley character and yet po“When he tackled SARP, he would go out sitions our community for the new century.” and get testimonials, real testimonials from It’s this rural background that gives the business owners,” said Brenda Grassel, who Valley its unique character, Woodard said, served with Grafos on the City Council at saying Grafos’ background as a rural kid the time. “He wasn’t sitting up there and gives him a perspective that serves the best saying, ‘OK citizens, go call so and so.’ He interests of Valley residents. Woodard refers would go and do it himself.” to it as “the chewing of the straw,” or a sensiGrafos was chosen by the City Coun- bility that demands plenty of thought before cil as Spokane Valley’s mayor at the Jan. 7 anything is said or done. meeting. His passion and commitment to “We’re just straw-chewing hicks, and the betterment of Spokane Valley makes that’s OK,” Woodard said. “We come from Grafos the perfect choice for mayor, said a very rural background, and I think Dean Arne Woodard, who was among the counis a product of that because he really chews cil members who gave Grafos the nod over on and digests things before he does them.” fellow Councilman Chuck Hafner in a 4-3 In fact, Grafos prefers to stay out of the vote. Woodard was elected deputy mayor at spotlight. Both Woodthe same meeting. ard and Grassel said Like the hands-on Grafos is relatively quiBECOMING SPOKANE information gatheret, preferring to lead ing he is known for, VALLEY’S MAYOR from the background. Grafos’ governing “Well, I think he’s The city of Spokane Valley has a philosophy is citizenkind of shy, which I centered. council-manager form of governappreciate about him,” ment. Residents elect council “I see myself more Grassel said. “He’s not members. In turn, the council as a citizen, entrusted out to make a name for members choose a city manager, for a short time to look himself or to climb the after the needs of my who is responsible for the day-topolitical ladder.” community and their day operations of the city. The city That being said, he tax dollars,” Grafos council also chooses the mayor has integrity and isn’t said in an interview from among its seven members. afraid to confront conducted by email. The mayor acts as the ceremonial those he believes aren’t “One of the dangers head of the city. acting honestly or in of being in political the best interests of life is getting too comPast Spokane Valley mayors: their constituents, she fortable and finding 2002-2004: Mike DeVleming said. yourself in a ‘political bubble’ and forgetting 2005-2007: Diana Wilhite “He wants justice,” who you represent.” Grassel said. “He’s a 2008-2009: Rich Munson very quiet person, but Grafos has grown 2010-2013: Tom Towey he’s going to go afup with the Valley. In ter the truth and call the ’50s, an 11-year2014-: Dean Grafos people out that aren’t
trustworthy.” Grafos first got involved in Valley politics in 2009 when he was elected to complete a vacated term. He was then reelected to serve a four-year term running January 2012 through December 2015. When he first started as a councilman, Grafos said he had no real political ambition — and certainly didn’t plan to become mayor. “Becoming mayor was not at the forefront of my thinking,” Grafos said. “Like many things, it was an evolution of my service and the encouragement of several members of the council and many in the community.” Ultimately, that’s the picture Woodard and Grassel paint of the Valley’s newest mayor. He’s a humble man that is fundamentally concerned with serving the community — the community he’s grown up with and lives in. “The Valley has my heart,” Grafos said. “The people here are amazing. They are strong, hard working and common-sense oriented. They’re outgoing, friendly and very protective of their community and their ‘Valley culture.’”
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