14 • OCTOBER 2025
What is your favorite restaurant?
The Splash
City of liberty lake pos. 4 Phil Folyer
What best qualifies you for this position? I believe my background uniquely qualifies me to continue serving on the Liberty Lake City Council. I am a 21-year Army National Guard veteran, a longtime small business owner, and an experienced public servant who has held leadership roles in both civic and industry organizations. My time on the Liberty Lake Planning Commission,
City Council, and as Mayor Pro-Tem has given me firsthand understanding of how decisions are made— and how those decisions affect the daily lives of residents and businesses. I’ve also had the privilege of serving as president of the Spokane Home Builders Association and on the statelevel Building Industry Association of Washington, where I worked to advance practical solutions for housing and economic development. These experiences have equipped me with the leadership skills, fiscal discipline, and collaborative mindset needed to deliver results for our community. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? The most important
issue facing Liberty Lake today is ensuring fiscal responsibility while meeting the demands of growth. Rising costs, state mandates, and infrastructure needs put pressure on our city’s budget. Every dollar we spend must provide a meaningful return for residents. At the same time, we must address housing attainability, public safety, and infrastructure in a way that protects Liberty Lake’s small-town character. By asking tough questions, resisting unnecessary spending, and focusing on projects that truly benefit the community, we can balance growth with quality of life. My goal is to ensure Liberty Lake remains strong, safe, and financially sound for years to come.
What best qualifies you for this position? I am deeply committed to Liberty Lake and bring over two decades of leadership experience in healthcare and business development. For 22 years, my wife Lauralee and I have proudly called this city home, raising our children here and investing in the relationships that make Liberty Lake special. Professionally, I’ve served as a registered nurse and later as a business executive, managing multimilliondollar operations across 17 states. These roles taught me to listen carefully, apply evidencebased solutions, and lead with integrity—skills
that directly translate into thoughtful, nonpartisan local governance. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? The most pressing issue is responsible, wellplanned growth. Liberty Lake is projected to reach build-out within the next two decades, meaning decisions made now will shape our community for generations. Residents are concerned about traffic, housing density, and protecting our smalltown character. If not managed carefully, growth can strain infrastructure, public safety, and the environment. My vision is balanced: plan ahead with data, ensure infrastructure keeps pace,
Rick Klingler
Candidate
Phil Folyer - hat’s based on my drink preference at the time Rick Klingler - The Pentagon or Trailbreaker Judie Schumacher - - Emrys Beer & Mead Works Arlene Fisher - Palenque’s Mexican Restaurant Brandon Arthur - Ponderosa Grill Allen Skidmore - Hay J’s Bistro Pam Orebaugh - I love a great steak meal Mark Bitz - Our kitchen with garden ingredients
Candidate
protect open spaces, and keep residents’ voices central. With thoughtful planning, Liberty Lake can grow stronger without losing what makes it unique.