OCTOBER 2025 • 17
The Current
city of millwood mayor Shaun Culler Candidate
What best qualifies you for this position? As a third-generation Millwood resident, I’ve served on the City Council for 17 years and have acquired institutional knowledge regarding the day-to-day operations of the city, as well as the future projects the city faces. Throughout my tenure, I made a point to show up each meeting in which we voted on an important issue and
What best qualifies you for this position? I grew up in Millwood and have lived in this wonderful town for half a century, so my worldview is deeply rooted in this community. I have served on the city council for over eight years (elected in 2017 and 2021). Additionally, I earned the Certificate of Municipal Leadership (CML) through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC). This means I hold over 30 credits in topics such as legal issues, budgeting, land use, community, and leadership. This knowledge will be crucial as we navigate housing mandates around the Growth Management Act (GMA). What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?
never abstained from such votes because the topic was unpopular or difficult. It takes a deep understanding of the issues, careful analysis of relevant law or policy, and commitment to the City to make important decisions that affect the lives of our citizens, business owners, and other Millwood stakeholders. For example, despite pushback from some, I was an early and consistent advocate of the Argonne decongestion project to add left turns, improve pedestrian/ bicycle access, and make safety improvements along Argonne. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? With inflation and costs rising across the board, the City must minimize
Millwood’s business community includes chain stores, unique local shops, pubs and cafes, service storefronts, the school district, community organizations, and home-based businesses. All of these contribute to Millwood’s economy and deserve the city’s attention and respect. I believe that regular and reliable communication is key to building strong relationships. Another high priority for me is to provide an attractive, wellmaintained, and functioning infrastructure. Businesses rely on safe water, reliable sewers, and well-maintained roads, as well as effective fire and crime protection. They also benefit from trails, sidewalks, light post banners, nearby parks, and responsive city services. Finally, I am excited to work with the Millwood
any tax or utility fee increases passed on to the citizens and local businesses. Millwood is unique in that we are surrounded by Spokane Valley on three sides with little room to grow. We can, however, foster economic development in our existing commercial zones with overly districts to encourage developers to build mixed-use properties, increasing tax receipts. Operating and capital costs of our water system can be defrayed by wholesaling water into adjacent water systems, reducing future fee increases on our ratepayers. Together we can grow Millwood while maintaining the quiet, close-knit feel of our business district and residential neighborhoods.
Shawna Beese
Candidate
What is your favorite place to volunteer? Mike Kelly - L’Arche of Spokane Kris Pockell - in our local schools Ben Wick - My kids’ schools Pam Haley - Project ID Catherine Nelson - Spokane County Fair Laura Padden - Donating at the Blood Bank Brad Hohn - Valleyfest Shaun Culler - Spokane County Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee Shawna Beese - Millwood Impact Dan Sander- STA Brandon Arthur - accompanying my daughter on school field trips
Community Association on their Main Street Program initiative through the Washington State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation. I believe the city has a role in collaborating with, encouraging, and supporting our business community’s efforts to both provide resources to residents and serve as an attractive destination for visitors from outside Millwood.
Allen Skidmore - University High School Pam Orebaugh - events that are related to bringing Jesus to people Mark Bitz - Local Schools Carolyn Petersen - my church’s youth group Dan Hansen - West Valley School Board