Al (Albert) Merkel
A candidate for Spokane Valley City Council, position 3, City of Spokane Valley in the 2019 Washington Primary Election, Aug. 6
Age: 38
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Arne Woodard | 6,843 | 43.81% |
| Lance Gurel | 3,993 | 25.56% |
| Al (Albert) Merkel | 3,460 | 22.15% |
| Adam Smith | 1,325 | 8.48% |
Related Coverage
New Spokane Valley detox center appeases neighbors after opposition
A new detox center in the Ponderosa neighborhood of Spokane Valley agreed to install street lights, set up a security system and host a yearly barbecue to win support from its apprehensive neighbors.
Incumbents advance in Spokane Valley City Council races; Woodard’s opponent uncertain
Voters whittled down their choices for three seats on the Spokane Valley City Council on Tuesday night, but with some votes still to be tallied, the slates for the general election were not entirely clear.
Family of white supremacist murder victims, including Spokane Valley City Council candidate, call for racial equity talk in the city
Lance Gurel, who is one of the candidates running against Spokane Valley City Councilman Arne Woodard, said this weekend the impending execution of Danny Lewis Lee shows why the city must face its racial equity challenges. Woodard defended the city’s approach to the question while condemning Lee’s actions.
Spokane Valley leaders clash over racial equity proposal at Tuesday council meeting
A tense and awkward exchange about race emerged at a Spokane Valley City Council meeting Tuesday night, exposing a rift about whether the city is welcoming to people of different ethnic backgrounds and whether it needs to take action to be more so.
Control of Spokane Valley City Council a top issue for two of Councilman Arne Woodard’s primary challengers
Two candidates hoping to unseat conservative Spokane Valley City Councilman Arne Woodard say their goal is to shift the balance of power on the council. Former government contract negotiator Al Merkel and accountant Lance Gurel said they more often agree with more moderate members of the council, Brandi Peetz, Ben Wick and Linda Thompson.
Spokane Valley council candidate Al Merkel facing DUI charge after May crash
Spokane Valley City Council Candidate Al Merkel is facing a charge of driving under the influence after he was arrested in May.