2021 Davenport Times Voter's Guide

This voter's guide covers seven contested races around Lincoln County including the Davenport, Reardan, Harrington, Edwall and Sprague areas. Each contestant was given the opportunity to submit biographical information, a photo and answers to two to three questions specific to their race in an effort to help local voters make informed decisions on their ballots this election season. 11 of the 14 candidates covered in these races responded with all or most of the requests, as is seen in the guide.

Ballots must be postmarked by 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3.

You can expect complete coverage of the local races in The Davenport Times & The Odessa Record publications as well as online at http://www.odessarecord.com.

Happy voting!

FIRE DISTRICT 4 COMMISSIONER NO. 2

CAROL PAUL, Edwall

Education: Reardan High School graduate, B.A. Eastern Washington University K-12 Music Education; Spokane Community College, Emergency Medical Technician Certification; numerous Snure Law Seminars for fire districts.

Political experience: Commissioner Lincoln Co. Fire District #4 since 1994 & currently, Chairman of the Board.

Occupation: Retired, currently, part time seamstress.

Professional experience: Retired substitute teacher Reardan, Sprague, Cheney School Districts. Other experience; piano teacher, Colorguard Coach, waitress, ranch hand, mom.

Community Service: Edwall Women in Action; Volunteer Firefighter & EMT 20+ years; Lincoln Co. Trauma Council since 1997 + 3 years Parlimentarian; Lincoln Co. & State Washington Farm Bureau Board of Directors; Edwall Water Association Treasurer, Library volunteer.

Biographical information

Family: One son, an electrical engineer in Georgia, and his 15 year old son. One daughter, a cattle rancher near Edwall and her daughter, an International Business major at EWU & Lewis & Clark Drill Team coach.

What is the biggest funding or staffing issue facing the district currently, and what steps can you take to help solve this issue?

Our current staff, district Chief, Secretary and Training Officer are efficient and sufficient to meet the administrational needs of the District. There is a constant need for more emergency responders, and we have been more successful than surrounding districts in recruiting new volunteers. Young adults are bound up in raising their kids, attending their sporting events, school activities and making a living, it is understandable that volunteer time is sparce. We have recruited 17 year-olds for training so they can join when they turn 18 and this program needs further emphasis.

Fire season seems to be more and more lethal each year. What contributes to this, and what strategies must the district and state implement to combat the growing wildfire risk in the area?

People in the district should have a green, defensible space around their home. District personnel can help with that planning for anyone who requests it. Unfortunately, there is little we can do to manage government owned State and Federal land​. As long as Government agencies manage the land by letting burned, bug-infested timber rot, removing undergrowth through controlled burns which contributes to more carbon emissions and removing logging roads needed to fight the fires, the rampant destruction of our timber will continue. I could write extensively about mismanagement and solutions and why they would work, but there is not enough space here. In short, alternate sheep, goats and cattle to remove ground fuel as each has a different preferred diet and log trees, as the purpose for setting aside the land was to provide revenue to the school districts and other government entities.

BRANDON TURNER, Reardan

Age: 43

Family: Single

City of residence: Reardan

Education: High School

Work experience: U.S. Navy Veteran, WA Air National Guard Veteran, Owner Operator Truck Driver, Fire Fighter, EMT

Community service experience: Current Volunteer fire fighter/EMT Lincoln County Fire District 4

What is the biggest funding or staffing issue facing the district currently, and what steps can you take to help solve this issue?

I think our biggest funding issue is the fact we don't spend the money we receive from the taxpayers. We have a substantial amount in the bank. This is not OUR money. This money belongs to the residents of district 4. It needs to be used to upgrade equipment, supplies and provide training for the Firefighters and EMTs of District 4. The tax dollars are not doing anything for the citizens when they are sitting in a bank account and never used. Staffing is a big concern of mine. The majority of our personnel are over 40 years old. We need to find a way to attract younger generations, that have the desire to be a part of our team to help protect our community. We need to make this happen while the veterans are still around to teach the rookies

Fire season seems to be more and more lethal each year. What contributes to this, and what strategies must the district and state implement to combat the growing wildfire risk in the area?

There are many factors that contribute to fire seasons each year. Some, like weather patterns are beyond our control. Politics and land management are major contributing factors. When land is properly managed and taken care of fire danger is reduced. When there is a fire, the focus needs to be on putting the fire out as soon as possible. Politics and regulations hinder these efforts. Officials need to focus on initial attack. When certain agencies wait for it to come to them instead of attacking it directly, that increases the risk of the fire getting out of control. Initial attack is key. Hard and fast, before it can explode into a major incident

FIRE DISTRICT 5 COMMISSIONER NO. 2

MATT SCHNEIDER, Davenport

Age:42

Family: Wife, Sydney and two children Sam & Addie

City of residence: Davenport

Education: I graduated from Davenport High School and then received a diesel mechanic degree from SCC

Work experience: In high school I worked for my dad on the farm and for various other local farmers. After I graduated from SCC I worked at Western Farm Service, now Nutrien Ag Solutions. I worked there for 3 years before I started farming full time.

Community service experience: I have been a Dist. 5 Fire Commissioner for 18 years. I have been involved in many community organizations including Davenport Little Guy Wrestling, Flag football, Davenport High School Ag Advisory Board and have helped my wife with the Christmas Care Project and our children's 4-H club. I am also the Cattle Producers of Washington current President, Spokane County Cattlemen's Association Industry Advisor, and Lincoln County Cattlemen's Association President. I am the Davenport High School Assistant Wrestling Coach.

Do you think it's time to build a new fire station in Davenport? If so, how would you propose funding it? If not, please give your reason why.

Absolutely yes. Our station is very outdated, and our volunteers and patrons deserve a station that is up to date that will better fit our community needs. The location of the current fire station limits parking for our volunteers which can delay our firefighters from responding to fires and the access to HWY 2 is not very visible to oncoming traffic. The current building does not have a diesel fume exhaust system which puts our firefighters in danger of inhaling dangerous exhaust fumes. The meeting room is upstairs and does not meet current ADA specifications, it is not handicap accessible. We currently do not have enough bays for our current fleet of trucks. A new fire station at the east end of town would alleviate all those issues.

The current Commissioners see the need for and importance of improving the station for the future. The station in Davenport has 30 Firemen in the house. These firemen can respond to fires in Egypt, Seven Bays Deer Meadows. The more tools we can give our fireman the better our protection will be.

Of course, our hope is to be able to build this new fire station with little to no cost to our local taxpayers. The property was paid for over the span of a few years from the landowner with funds out of the general fund. We have talked to Representative Alex Ybarra about a possible grant to finish this build and we are waiting for this request to be approved before we run a local levy. In the past 18 years as a fire commissioner, I have helped updated 9 fire trucks. 3 trucks in the Deer Meadows/Seven Bays station, 2 in the Egypt station and 4 in Davenport. All were updated without running any levies or increasing local taxes.

Fire season seems to be more and more lethal each year. What contributes to this, and what strategies must the district and state implement to combat the growing wildfire risk in the area?

This topic is very near and dear to my heart. I have watched people in my industry and my hometown suffer because of these wildfires. In my opinion the first part of your question is simple to answer... public grounds that are not allowed to be grazed or logged the way they used to be is a major player. Another factor is urban growth. Simply put, the more people that are moving into the area the more there is to protect.

The second part of your question coming from the fire department side is we have to a good relationship with our local DNR. One thing I think we can do on the local level is to increase awareness of the DNR Firewise program to make green space around people's properties. The DNR are the guys with the big equipment planes, helicopters, dozers, prison crews and so on. On the other end of things, as President of the Lincoln County Cattlemen's Association we have been working on reaching out to our legislators to help on the local and state levels to bring back cattle grazing on public land to reduce fuel loads, so our firemen have a chance to get a head of these big fires.

DON STALEY, Deer Meadows

Age: 62

Family:Lisa Staley

City of residence: Deer meadows Wa

Education: 12 plus years including online courses.

Work experience: 42 plus yrs in construction . 33 yrs as a licensed and general bonded general contractor.

Community service experience: 12 yrs as a volunteer fire fighter, 10 yrs on the firefighters aux as well as 7 yrs as chair aux. community member.

Do you think it's time to build a new fire station in Davenport? If so, how would you propose funding it? If not, please give your reason why.

District five doesnt include the city of Davenport. Davenport has a mutual aid agreement with the district. I feel a new station is needed, maybe one without all the bells and whistles.I.E museum, work out room and living quarters. Funding would come from unincorporated district levy , support from the city, who would also use the station and grants. we all must be in agreement when it comes to these issues.

Fire season seems to be more and more lethal each year. What contributes to this, and what strategies must the district and state implement to combat the growing wildfire risk in the area?

I feel climate change has made our summers get hotter and drier sooner, ask a farmer about a spring wheat. I feel we need better communications between fire officials and law enforcement, so everyone can be on the same page, and the residents will know when and what they can burn. Get the conservation district as well the community involved in the fire wise program, and fire readiness during harvest season.

Harrington SCHOOL BOARD POSITION 4

CADE CLARKE, Harrington

Family: Wife-Bonnee (married 25+ years)

Children: Victoria and Nikolas (Harrington Grad. 2020)

City of residence: Harrington

Education:

3 year AA from Nazarene Bible College; Illinois Nazarene School of Ministry; US Army-Armament, Avionics, Electronics-Helicopter Technician

Certificates/Apprentices: Leadership, Butcher, Machinist,

Work experience: 4 years Harrington School Board Member; 27 years Bi-Vocational Pastor (Senior Pastor, Youth Pastor, and Media Pastor); 10 years Colorado Department of Revenue; Security Enforcement Officer; Abstinence as an Alternative in the Public schools-Teacher; Hospice Chaplain; Library Security/Relations

Community service experience: Harrington Chamber of Commerce-Vice President; Harrington Opera House Member (Past); Rotary International-Policy and Procedure Director; American Red Cross-Instructor, Board of Directors; Law Enforcement Chaplain, Community Pastors Alliance; Soccer, Volleyball, Public Speaking Coach

The school district is facing declining enrollment. What do you think is contributing to this trend? Is it a trend that needs reversing, and if so, what steps would you take to help tackle that issue?

There are several factors in declining enrollment; Quality of competitive education, competitive sports with full teams; the Covid-19 pandemic; students/parents not willing to work with some current teaching staff.

The educational system needs to catch up with the 21st century and learning how to supplement efforts with learning outside school hours. Workshops and events that focus on teaching STEM to students in innovative ways are a great way to help prepare the youth for tomorrow. Reaching as many students as we can must be the goal at hand.

Our educational program needs to both prepare academically to attend higher education in a Jr. College or University but also for life and trades in the work force.

Competitive Sports is a tough endeavor in a rural community. We need to work on fielding sports that we can have full teams and that the students would enjoy. We also need to find ways to fairly work with other school districts so that our students have equal and fair playing time.

Covid 19- we need to prepare our Students, Teachers and Staff to excel in virtual online and blended learning. The students in the 2019-2020 were held-up and cheated in their participation of learning and sports opportunities due to lack of preparedness.

One of the largest issues facing our schools is mask and vaccination mandates. What is your stance on masks and mandated COVID-19 vaccinations for school children and staff, and how would that translate to your work on the board?

I support the mask mandate for the purpose of health-somewhat.

It hinders the learning process for both teachers and students. Masks in the learning, and mental growth of students are shameful, and hinders personality development, it's a way of hiding and not seeing facial expressions. When children try to understand someone, they actually pay attention to their eyes, their nose, and their mouth and how their lips move. Students use that information to comprehend what that person is talking about. Without seeing one's face, it can be difficult for them to understand what that person is saying.

I think vaccination should be and individual's choice and the decision of the individual and family fully supported.

JUSTIN SLACK, Harrington

Age: 45

Family: Married, 2 school-age children

City of residence: Harrington

Education: BA, Gonzaga University

Work experience: Owner, The Post & Office, Harrington, WA; VP, Chief Appraiser, WaFd Bank

Community service experience: Lincoln County Fire Protection District #6 – Volunteer EMT & Volunteer Firefighter (2018 – present)

Harrington City Council (elected) – 2016 – 2018, 2020 – 2021

Harrington Mayor (appointed) – 2018 – 2019

Harrington Lions Club Member – 2014 to present

Lincoln County Planning Commission – 2015 to present (Member, Vice-Chair, Chair)

Lincoln County Solid Waste Advisory Committee – 2015 to present (Member)

Harrington Schools – Scoreboard/ Clock operator (Volleyball, Basketball) – 2015 – 2021

Harrington Schools – Facilities Committee (2017-2018)

Harrington Schools – Reopening Committee (2020)

Harrington Schools – Athletic Committee (2019-2021)

The school district is facing declining enrollment. What do you think is contributing to this trend? Is it a trend that needs reversing, and if so, what steps would you take to help tackle that issue?

Challenges facing all rural schools during the pandemic have contributed to Harrington Schools' declining enrollment. I would encourage stronger communication between families, Administration, and the School Board. I think it is imperative that these stakeholders work together to ensure success and build a stronger school community.

One of the largest issues facing our schools is mask and vaccination mandates. What is your stance on masks and mandated COVID-19 vaccinations for school children and staff, and how would that translate to your work on the board?

The current situation is extremely challenging for schools and families. In Washington, state funding is key to the viability of our schools. Governor Inslee and State Superintendent Reykdal have indicated that any school district not complying with these mandates will lose their state funding; noting that Harrington Schools receives between 75% and 80% of their annual budget from this revenue stream makes that decision easy-our school has to comply as we have no other funding source available to us to cover that kind of short fall. I think the School Board should continue to encourage parents and guardians to voice their concerns on the issue, both at local school board meetings and at the state level.

Sprague COUNCIL POSITION 2

JOHN C. EAGLESON, Sprague

No biographical information submitted

So, cleaning up the city. Been my written mission statement as Mayor from day one, almost four years ago. Sprague hasn't exactly received a lot of backing from the officials/clerks in the courthouse in Davenport that I would've thought. They assist other cities in Lincoln County with enforcing that city's nuisance ordinances, but when we send violations to the courthouse so there could be a court date, it gets sent back to us, stating it wasn't done right. What's wrong with the letter we ask, to be told many times, "I'm not a lawyer, so I can't say." Well, Sprague has a lawyer of course, and he has gone over what letters of violations we have sent to Davenport, only to be returned to us my clerk has informed me. Frustrating, However, we are determined to find a way forward. Whatever it takes! I don't want to lay all blame on Davenport. Our residents with run-down properties should show more pride in what they have.

I would love to see apartments built here in Sprague. We get multiple calls weekly from people searching for housing. I think Sprague Lake should be marketed more than it is, and if I had to pick one business, it would be hardware, or auto parts. The farmers just outside our city limits do a great job of helping out Sprague residents year-long, and it would be great to have a business in town to help them out when they need repair parts.

SCOOTER DEARING, Sprague

No information submitted

Sprague MAYOR

M. SHAWN COOMBS, Sprague

Age:61

Family: Myself, Wife Kathy, and son Seth, daughter Deylene, Grandchildren Gia

City of residence: Sprague, Washington

Education: GED and Spokane Community College

Work experience: Managed cattle herds, Animal control

Community service experience: City Counsel for 5 years

Many mayoral candidates talked about a desire to "clean up" Sprague during the primary race. Is this a priority of yours, and if so, what would you do as mayor to achieve that goal?

This is one of my goals and I mean in the physical sense. There are properties here with cars and trucks that are undriveable and some of my sitting for many years; there are piles of garbage and abandoned homes in disrepair. I intend to use the city's ordinances to encourage property owners to clean up the trash and make the appropriate improvements to their residences.

What kind of businesses would you like to see attracted to Sprague?

If elected, I will encourage a variety of businesses to open in Sprague. We will have a new Avista charging station in the downtown corridor and I would like some additional businesses to take advantage of the outside visitors using this service. I will also work to advance the Miller annexation and encourage a variety of small and/or medium sized businesses (truck stop, eating establishment, etc) to come take advantage of the I-90 access. Additional housing would also be encouraged.

SUNNIE FORTIN, Sprague

No information submitted

Harrington COUNCIL POSITION 1

DENISA HOLLING, Harrington

Age: 54

Family:

City of residence: Harrington

Education:

Work experience:

Community service experience:

The city is in the middle of a state audit. What financial know-how and knowledge of city RCW's will you bring to a position where you'd have control of taxpayer dollars amidst that audit?

There are guidelines to follow regarding Washington RCW's in which every city or town must follow. The state auditor will dictate the audit process as well. My job as councilmember will be to make sure our city government follows these RCW's and conducts day-to-day business within these guidelines.

Residents are concerned about their water bills potentially rising as the moratorium ends. Is this a concern you hold, and if so, what steps as a councilmember can you take to address that?

Costs seems to be rising in our daily lives all around us. However, there is no correlation between rising water bills and the moratorium ending. The moratorium was set forth to aide rate payers who were affected financially as a result of the pandemic. The city has costs associated with providing quality water and the infrastructure. It will be my job to keep these costs as low as possible but still provide the quality of service.

What skill sets would you bring to council that aren't a part of the current council?

Honesty, integrity, transparency and diplomacy with good small town farming community values.

JOE ARMAND, Harrington

Age: 55

Family:

City of residence: Harrington

Education: Business Management, Photojournalism, and Computer Sciences at Cascadia College

Work experience: Insurance Professional and Risk Manager for 30+ years. Ownership in multiple businesses from Insurance Agencies, a Media Company, and a Coffee Roasting company. Currently Managing an Agribusiness/Commercial Insurance agency and do Freelance commercial and sports photography when the opportunity presents itself.

Community service experience: From working at ground level, to serving as a Board Member of a Non-Profit organization, I have been fortunate to be able to give back to my communities. I earned the Habitat for Humanity Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. I have served as Medical and Security Director for the Washington State Special Olympics. After moving to Harrington, I became actively involved in the Harrington Food Bank. I will be the Secretary for the Harrington Chamber of Commerce starting in 2022.

The city is in the middle of a state audit. What financial know-how and knowledge of city RCW's will you bring to a position where you'd have control of taxpayer dollars amidst that audit?

Harrington is in the middle of a legally required Accountability Audit by the WA State Auditor's Office for 2019-2020. There are a variety of Audits required by and conducted by the State Auditor's office. This required Accountability Audit is to be completed at least every 3 years. This audit can comprise of a review of adherence to local and state laws as well as the City's own regulations. Financial affairs of the City are required to be reviewed as well. (https://sao.wa.gov/about-audits/about-local-government-audits/ )

My 'know how' of the Council Members of the City of Harrington is the Council does not have control of taxpayer dollars. The current Audit is not only reviewing finances, but also the other areas of compliance. As a Council Member, I will be able to assist the Mayor and City Clerk, if requested, to help streamline the information based on the Auditors recommendations. This is important as my council seat will still be in office when the next required Audit would begin.

Residents are concerned about their water bills potentially rising as the moratorium ends. Is this a concern you hold, and if so, what steps as a councilmember can you take to address that?

I have heard from Residents they are concerned about their Water/Sewer/Garbage bills being increased, however the Moratorium coming to an end would not be a trigger for rate changes. My understanding is some Residents have unfortunately fallen behind with their utilities. My observation during City Council Meetings has been a City Government that is sympathetic to all Harrington Residents and those who are behind should be reaching out to City Hall to work out solutions for their arrearage.

That being said, Regardless of the Moratorium in place or not, the City Council should be looking for ways to reduce costs when available, utilize the resources Harrington has available to eliminate increased utility costs. As a member of the Council, I would review all options before accepting another rate increase for the Residents of Harrington. While this is a challenge amid a pandemic and economic inflation, I believe the solutions are out there to be found, without cutting services.

What skill sets would you bring to council that aren't a part of the current council?

I believe the current council is well equipped and well-rounded with experience and understanding of the community and City of Harrington. I have been in the Insurance industry for most of my professional life, however it would be my 20 years of Business Ownership and Volunteering Leadership that give me a unique perspective to learn the inner workings of an organization and help maximize the available resources. The City of Harrington is a lot like Non-Profit service organizations I have been involved with; Limited Resources, Large needs, and an overwhelming expectation to not make big changes. The current council works well together as a team, and I am excited for the opportunity to become part of that Team.

Harrington COUNCIL POSITION 3

STEPHEN HARDY, Harrington

Age: 33

Family: Wife - Rebecca Hardy

City of residence: Harrington

Education: BA from Eastern Washington University

Work experience: Contractor to Microsoft since 2008, group manager since 2019

Community service experience: Harrington Lions Club treasurer from 2015 to 2021, building restoration and fundraising musical performances at the Harrington Opera House, Harrington Community Meals (namely, our Thanksgiving meal - on pause since COVID)

The city is in the middle of a state audit. What financial know-how and knowledge of city RCW's will you bring to a position where you'd have control of taxpayer dollars amidst that audit?

My experience in managing government funds is limited to my time on council, and its budget committee, thus far. I have attended AWC training, and am learning from the experience already on and around the council. On the budget committee I've worked with Mayor Luck, Councilman (former Mayor) Slack, and Treasurer (former Councilman) Cronrath in crafting the 2021 budget. Outside of government involvement, I have experience working with project budgets exceeding $1M at work, and six years of service as Lions Club treasurer.

As for control of taxpayer dollars, I believe I've shown an aggressive pursuit of increasing our operational efficiency. From cutting our Centurylink bill, to selling unused city properties (which cost maintenance time and money, and do not contribute property tax), to avoiding systems with recurring costs, to demanding clear explanations for how we would justify and pay for the recent increases in public works salaries - in just a year and a half I've worked with our Mayor and council to increase the value we get from every dollar of taxpayer money.

Residents are concerned about their water bills potentially rising as the moratorium ends. Is this a concern you hold, and if so, what steps as a councilmember can you take to address that?

It is possible that water bills will rise as the moratorium ends. Costs to the city in providing the water utility continue to rise. The infrastructure continues to age, costs of employee compensation continues to rise, state and federal regulations continue to increase, the water shortage in the western United States continues to worsen (thereby making water more precious/costly), and several other contributing factors continue their unstoppable march toward higher water bills. The question is not if, but rather when, how much, and how efficient are we with taxpayer dollars.

I can't say whether an increase will coincide with the moratorium ending, or whether I would vote for such a (currently theoretical) proposal. But, I can say that I'd like to see our water billing restructured. Currently, the city includes several thousands of gallons of water in the base rate. Because it is included in the base rate, citizens pay for those gallons whether they use them or not. I'd like to see the base rate decrease, and the price per gallon increase somewhat, in a manner that better reflects the way in which the city incurs the costs of providing the service. Whether that is a net increase or decrease to a resident's water bill depends on how much water they use.

What skill sets would you bring to council that aren't a part of the current council?

Given that I'm currently on the council (I was appointed to a vacant position early last year), my skill sets are inherently already present. However, I try to bring a balanced approach, build relationships amidst conflicting viewpoints, and find opportunities to move forward where we can find agreement. I believe my project management experience helps the council by distilling information, prioritizing work, and establishing clear next-steps.

CHRISTOPHER MEATS, Harrington

No information submitted