(The Center Square) – Seventeen candidates are seeking appointment to a lone vacant seat on the Spokane City Council.
The vacancy for the Position 2 representative from District 2 opened after incumbent Betsy Wilkerson was elected in November as the new council president. Wilkerson assumed that role last month.
An application period opened Dec. 8 with a Jan. 5 deadline for submission to the city clerk’s office. The council, which normally consists of seven members, intends to interview candidates during an open public meeting on Jan. 18, possibly followed the same day by an executive session to evaluate qualifications.
The council intends to vote in open session on Jan. 22 to fill the vacancy – a nonpartisan position carrying an unexpired two-year term that will be up for election in 2025.
The candidates are: Michael Addams, Barry Barfield, Jamie Bartlett, John Cross, Ayden Franklin, Alexander Gibilisco, Shane Gronholz, Sarah Hunter, Patrick Lang, Barbara Liliana Navarrete Lorenzo, Anna Marie Martin, Mary Ann McCurdy, Travis Melcher, Timothy O’Brien, Scott Rasmussen, Kathryn Sheehan, and Michael Tillis.
The candidates were asked to complete a three-page application form which asked how long they had been continuous residents of the city and the district and if they are registered to vote in Spokane.
They are also asked their education and employment histories, whether they have been elected or appointed to other public positions within the state, their thoughts on municipal government, experience in budget management, and ability to attend all meetings including board and commission assignments.
The candidates are also queried on their views regarding the city’s role in reducing or mitigating the effects of climate change, addressing the issues of homelessness and affordable housing, criminal justice reform and diversion, equity in city hiring and board appointments, and multi-modal transportation.
In its municipal government, Spokane has a council president and six council members representing three districts within the city. District 2 largely encompasses the south and westerly parts of the community.
The annual salary for a Spokane city council member in 2024 is $49,779.
