Al (Albert) Merkel
A candidate for Spokane Valley City Council Position 1, City of Spokane Valley in the 2017 Washington Primary, Aug. 1
Party: No party
Age: 39
City: Spokane Valley, WA
Education: Graduated from University High School in 2004. Graduated from Whitworth University in 2009 with bachelor’s degrees in mathematics, political science and economics.
Political experience: Unsuccessfully ran for Spokane Valley City Council in 2017 and 2019. Was elected to the city council in 2023, beating longtime Valley Councilman Arne Woodard. Serves as a Republican precinct committee officer.
Work experience: Co-owns Dee's Dog Grooming with his wife. Works as an emergency substitute teacher for the Central Valley School District. Was chief financial officer, and briefly, chief executive officer of Sequoia Detox Centers. Has worked for several companies and agencies as a contract specialist, including the Centene Corporation, the U.S. Agency for International Development, Chemonics International, Premier Management Corporation and Louis Burger.
Family: Married to Stephanie Merkel. Has one child.
Campaign Fundraising: Has raised a cumulative $1,171 as of July 12, comprised of $470 in small cash gifts and $701 of in-kind donations to himself.
Contact information
Race Results
| Candidate | Votes | Pct |
|---|---|---|
| Rod Higgins (N) | 0 | 0% |
| Chris Jackson (N) | 0 | 0% |
| Al (Albert) Merkel (N) | 0 | 0% |
Related Coverage
Higgins, Merkel in Valley council race
The race comes down to the experience of Rod Higgins, and the fresh perspective of Al Merkel. We think both should advance and continue that debate.
Spokane Valley Mayor Rod Higgins faces two challengers in re-election bid
The 2017 City Council election in Spokane Valley has turned into a barnstorm of new faces challenging incumbents. The five open seats have attracted 13 candidates resulting in two contested primary races, one of which is the race for Position 1, held by Mayor Rod Higgins.
Eight, including 5 Spokane Valley council members, to seek election in fall
Five open positions on the Spokane Valley City Council draw early filings with the PDC from new and veteran politicians including Ben Wick