Spokane mayor candidate profiles
David Condon, 41
His pitch: A mayor who reformed and restored trust in the police department while lowering crime rates; kept utility rates low while meeting environmental mandates; and whose re-election would provide stability and leadership continuity at City Hall.
His words: “I think good government makes good politics. I’ve taken that approach, a less politically driven and really nonpartisan view. That in itself is a much better way to govern. We brought a lot of disparate people together in my administration on issues that people are passionate about. It’s really freed us up to do a whole host of great government wins, in my opinion.”
Neighborhood: Comstock
Day job: Incumbent mayor
Notable experience: Former district director and deputy chief of staff for Republican U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers from 2005 to 2011. Served in U.S. Army from 1996 through 2005, including as a company commander at a combat support hospital.
Fundraising total: $292,949
Shar Lichty, 49
Her pitch: A cooperative progressive who will listen to and fight for all people, not just moneyed interests, especially on issues of police accountability and economic development.
Her words: “That’s something that’s lacking right now. The relationship between the branches of government, it’s not cooperative right now. I don’t see the mayor bringing all the voices to the table on any issue, let alone bringing council in and clueing them to what’s going on, or working to negotiate an outcome that’s a win-win.”
Neighborhood: Downtown (Riverside)
Day job: Political organizer with the Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane.
Notable experience: Worked on campaign of Referendum 74, the 2012 statewide ballot measure that legalized gay marriage. Has been with PJALS since 2009 and graduated from Eastern Washington University with a degree in social work in 2010. Before then, she worked for nine years as a para-educator with special-needs students for the Deer Park School District.
Fundraising total: $8,899
Mike Noder, 57
His pitch: A small government conservative who will defend Spokane from burdensome federal and state government mandates, and work to create greater oversight of the police department.
His words: “I believe in the United States Constitution. I believe in the Bill of Rights. I believe in as much freedom for individuals as possible. I don’t believe government mandates our morality.”
Neighborhood: Comstock
Day job: Manager of the Nevada-based Advanced Mineral Compounds, which uses metals to cure diseases. Co-owner of MoMike, a Spokane demolition company, though he’s been “on strike” from that business since 2007.
Notable experience: Ran for mayor in 2007, came in fourth with 3.4 percent of the vote. Ran again in 2011, came in third with 3.5 percent.
Fundraising total: $0