The Current
6 • OCTOBER 2013
ABOUT THIS SECTION WHO DID WE ASK? The Current contacted 24 local candidates in September asking for responses, in writing, to a questionnaire that included basic resume information and five interview questions. The candidates contacted are those facing opposition in the November 2013 election for elected leadership positions serving the city of Spokane Valley, city of Millwood, town of Rockford, East Valley School
District and Spokane Valley Fire Department. WHO RESPONDED? The Current received responses from 22 candidates, representing all but one race. Candidates from Town of Rockford Council Position No. 1, Steven Lyle Christman and David Thompson, did not respond. Some respondents chose not to submit a photo or respond to all the questions. WHAT WERE THE GROUND RULES? Given
SPECIAL ELECTION PREVIEW
a “job application” theme, the candidates were given a total of 150 words to use at their discretion among questions in the “resume” portion (the breakout boxes that contain candidate bios) and 600 words to spread as desired among the five interview questions (displayed in Q&A format). HOW WERE THE WRITTEN RESPONSES EDITED? The candidates responses were ed-
ited slightly and only for consistency of style and grammar. No words were substituted, added or deleted. WHAT ABOUT LIBERTY LAKE? An identical process was used for three competitive Liberty Lake City Council races and are printed in the October issue of The Current’s sister publication, The Splash, and can be viewed at www. libertylakesplash.com.
Mayor of Millwood What is the one thing about you that you believe best qualifies you for the role of Millwood mayor? My experience with our city and our local government. I understand how our city operates, how we manage our finances, resources and personnel, and our desire as a city to hear and serve as many of our citizens as possible. I also understand how we interact and with other local jurisdictions and agencies (the county, Sheriff, fire district, library and city of Spokane Valley) and the responsibilities, contracts and commitments that come from these relationships. What concerns about the city of Millwood prompt you to want to be involved? I have two specific concerns: 1. Maintaining and planning for the future of our roads, sidewalks, parks and water and sewer systems in a way that makes sense for our city, and 2. Developing a stable commercial/business presence along Argonne Road and Trent Avenue. What opportunities for the city of Millwood excite you about service as a mayor? Our potential to enhance the city for our residents and businesses. We need to continue working with our local business and commercial property owners to address issues that hinder their ability to develop or maintain a business in Millwood. We also need to continue enhancing our city’s park and public spaces in ways that bring our residents the greatest benefit. What is the main thing that separates you from your opponent in this race? My service and commitment to our city. I served first on the city planning commission for six years and then as a councilman for eight years. I and my family truly enjoy living in Millwood. Being involved in local government has given me an understanding that the actions you do or don’t take today will have
KEVIN M. FREEMAN AGE: 46 FAMILY: Wife: Lisa; Son: Nathan (16); Daughter: Abbie (13) CURRENT OCCUPATION: Principal hydrogeologist and Spokane location manager, ARCADIS U.S. Inc.; owner, Inland Earth Sciences LLC; councilman, city of Millwood RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Eight years as city of Millwood councilman; six years as member of city of Millwood Planning Commission RELEVANT TRAINING/EDUCATION: BS geology, University of Idaho; MS hydrology, University of Idaho COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Member of West Valley High School Band Boosters; past president, Seth Woodard Elementary PTO HOBBIES AND INTERESTS: Gardening, golfing, whitewater rafting
a definite impact on tomorrow. I participate in our city government because I want Millwood to be a great place for all of us to live, now and in the future. Millwood has potential to be better than it is now for its residents and businesses. The mayor needs to be a person who wants to develop and enhance our city in line with the wishes of the citizens. I feel my service to the city has given me an opportunity to hear and understand those wishes. Finally, for fun, who is one person, past or present, you would like to have lunch with — and where would you eat it? Theodore Roosevelt at Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park.
What is the one thing about you that you believe best qualifies you for the role of Millwood mayor? Did not answer.
DENNIS HAMLIN
What concerns about the city of Millwood prompt you to want to be involved? Did not answer.
AGE: Did not answer.
What opportunities for the city of Millwood excite you about service as a mayor? My visions for Millwood would include a parking lot area for or wonderful park. I will work on lowering water rates so that people can water their lawns and gardens. I will work with the businesses in Millwood to improve their signage and visibility to promote their business in our city. A monthly newsletter to all would include three yea or nay questions. This would allow me to hear from those residents unable to attend City Hall meetings. I will represent you and the majority vote to the City Council. I see a better way for all. What is the main thing that separates you from your opponent in this race? I will be a full-time mayor with a cell phone on Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. I will work on reducing the overhead cost in City Hall.
MILLWOOD
CANDIDATE FORUM
FAMILY: Did not answer.
No photo submitted
CURRENT OCCUPATION: Did not answer. RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: For the past 34 years, I have owned corporations, partnership and sole proprietor. I have managed employees and overseen government and city contracts. My first business was in 1980, and I installed the first wind turbine in Washington state, feeding the first electricity into Washington Water Power’s grid. In 2000, I traveled to Mexico with the Washington state mission to Mexico. Along with Gov. Locke and Ralph Munro, secretary of state, and 26 others. My part was to speak on plugging in the wind. My last business was an asphalt construction management company, working large corporation. RELEVANT TRAINING/EDUCATION: Did not answer. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Did not answer. HOBBIES AND INTERESTS: Did not answer.
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15 WHERE: Millwood City Hall Council Chambers, 9103 E. Frederick Ave., Millwood INVITED PARTICIPANTS: Millwood mayoral candidates HOSTED BY: Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce
Finally, for fun, who is one person, past or present, you would like to have lunch with — and where would you eat it? Did not answer.