Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Jeff Martin

A candidate for Spokane City Council, northwest district, City of Spokane in the 2019 Washington Primary Election, Aug. 6

Party: No party

Age: 55

City: Spokane, WA

Occupation: Certified fraud examiner for state of Washington

His words: "When I make a decision, when I’m elected, I will be looking at both sides, both poles of the spectrum, and ask what are your pros/cons? I'll make a calculated decision based on my constituents. It's going to be rational decision-making." 

His pitch: Martin calls himself a "true moderate," having served as both an officer for the local GOP and a representative for his union in state employment. He said he doesn't see public service as a career in Spokane and says that he believes he'd bring "balance" to the council amid actions that he said were inspired by political or ideological beliefs. Spokane is going through what he called "growing pains," and he said he'd work to enable more housing to be built, including re-examining the urban growth boundary. 

Work experience: Certified fraud examiner with the state of Washington, assigned to the Department of Labor & Industries, for the past 18 years. Previously worked in retail as a training supervisor, and with Ford Motor Credit in Spokane before state employment. 

Education: Received bachelor's degree in business administration from Colorado State University (Fort Collins) in 1992. Completed continuing education coursework at Eastern Washington University. Graduated from high school in Chicago in 1987. 

Political experience: First run for public office. Serves as a district leader and precinct committee officer for the Spokane County Republican Party. Former union representative. Serves on board of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. Serves on the Spokane County Citizens' Commission on Salaries, reviewing the pay of elected officials at the county level. 

Family: Married. Two sons. 

Neighborhood: Indian Trail

Contact information

Related Coverage

Election preview: Spokane City Councilwoman Karen Stratton draws five challengers in the northwest

Andy Rathbun, Jeff Martin, Christopher Savage, Ken Side and Jeff Rugan have filed against the incumbent councilwoman, who’s been in office since 2015 and has, at times, butted heads with Mayor David Condon as a member of the council’s perceived liberal supermajority.

Election preview: Crowded 7-member field of candidates seeks to replace Mike Fagan on Spokane City Council

The open seat to represent northeast Spokane on the City Council has drawn multiple challengers, including seasoned political players and first-time candidates. They all agree, however, that their district has been overlooked at City Hall for dollars to support infrastructure and industry.