LaVerne Biel

A candidate for Spokane City Council dist. 2, City of Spokane in the 2013 Washington Primary Election, Aug. 6

Age: 72

City: Spokane, WA

Occupation: Business Owner

Her words: “Part of being a CEO is understating that hard discussions need to happen, and they need to happen transparently. Your employees need to know what’s going on. We can’t just keep them in the dark. That also has to happen at City Hall. The citizens need to know what’s going on. There’s less heartache in that.”

Her pitch: A business leader who will bring focus back to City Hall’s mission statement of delivering efficient and effective services.

Notable experience: CEO and owner of Access Unified Networks, which installs voice and data systems for businesses. Served as chairwoman of the East Central Business Association in 2010-2011. Served as president of Associated Builders and Contractors in 2003. Currently works with the East Central Community Organization. Earned a master’s degree in business at age 57. Currently a Board Member for Friendsview Retirement Home.

Education: Graduated from Concord (California) High School in 1970. Earned associate’s degree from Spokane Falls Community College in 2001. Earned bachelor’s degree in management communications from Western Baptist Bible College (now called Corban University) in 2003. Earned master’s degree in business administration from Corban University in 2010.

Neighborhood: South Perry (East Central)