OCTOBER 2025 • 15
The Splash
city of liberty lake pos. 6
What best qualifies you for this position? One of my strengths is listening with curiosity, meaning I truly want to understand others’ perspectives. This skill contributed to my successful career in project management and process improvement at a large financial firm. I led teams in communicating with each other, reviewing and understanding data,
and finding agreement on lasting solutions. So far this summer my volunteers and I have been to over 3,000 Liberty Lake doors. I’ve personally talked with hundreds of voters on their doorsteps, at house parties, and over a coffee. Voters want a council that listens to them, works together, and finds common ground. I am that leader. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? Smart, forwardthinking growth must be addressed. At full buildout, Liberty Lake will have 8,000 more residents. City council must take the time to plan correctly and build responsibly. Rework is costly. For example, our council
recently spent tens of thousands of dollars and a year or more working on plans to move our Library to Legacy Church only to abruptly change course and decide to move City Hall there instead. Liberty Lake has the data, tools, and a knowledgeable city staff to help us make effective, prudent decisions. What we need is leadership committed to using them wisely. As an engaged citizen concerned about the management of city resources, I’m already attending council meetings, studying our budget, and reviewing our strategic, capital, and comprehensive plans. I’m ready to get to work, include you in the process, and plan for the future.
What best qualifies you for this position? I am an innovative, resultsorientated professional with administrative, financial, and organizational experience. I am extremely focused on identifying problems and finding solutions for our community. Liberty Lake is a beautiful, fast-growing community and I have absolute understanding in community structure and establishing goals for success. To successfully lead this community, one needs a genuine understanding of community dynamics. I, along with others, had the pleasure of incorporating Liberty Lake in 2002. Incorporation was a tremendous undertaking,
everyone worked extremely hard and stayed true to our mission and vision. My public services career spans 43 years with 25 years of leading four municipalities. I know municipal government inside-and-out. My passion is public service. I ask the citizens of Liberty Lake for their vote. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? Managed sustainable growth. The city is expected to reach a population of 20,000 over the next ten years. As a city we must be prepared for this through various partnerships; our schools, public safety, affordable housing, and business to support the residents. Currently, the city has an advisory vote on the
Arlene Fisher
Judie Schumacher Candidate
Candidate
November ballot for our library. Regardless of the outcome, we will need a resolution. My education consists of a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in public administration. Along with my experience and education I have the foundation to make sound and solid decisions.
THIS RESPONSE WAS SUBMITTED LATE
What is your favorite place to volunteer? Phil Folyer - City Planning Commission Rick Klingler - Helping my wife in her first-grade classroom Judie Schumacher - Partner’s INW Food, Diaper, and Clothing Bank Arlene Fisher - 2nd Harvest Brandon Arthur - accompanying my daughter on school field trips Allen Skidmore - University High School Pam Orebaugh - events that are related to bringing Jesus to people Mark Bitz - Local Schools