Karen J. Stratton
A candidate for Spokane City Council, northwest district, City of Spokane in the 2019 Washington Primary Election, Aug. 6
Party: No party
Age: 65
City: Spokane, WA
Occupation: Incumbent councilwoman
Her words: "My father used to say, if you really want to know what people think and what people want, you need to go to them. And I believe that. To me, the vibrancy and the pulse of the city is in the neighborhoods."
Her pitch: Stratton says more work needs to be done to improve the quality of life in the northwest neighborhoods, particularly West Central. The former Spokane city clerk says she'll continue to advocate on behalf of municipal employees, efforts that have often put her at odds with Mayor David Condon's office. She defended the city's approach to providing services for the homeless in her four years on the Spokane City Council, but said she'd advocate for more partnerships in the community between city social workers, educators, mental health care providers and others to provide more and longer-term services for those living on the streets.
Education: Graduated from Marycliff High School in 1977. Earned bachelor’s degree in communications and general studies from Eastern Washington University in 1989.
Work experience: Worked at Washington State University Spokane and the Community Colleges of Spokane. Served as a clerk in the city clerk's office.
Political experience: Incumbent councilwoman. Appointed to complete term of Steve Salvatori. Former aide to Mayors Jim West and Mary Verner in 2014. Former legislative aide in the Washington state House.
Family: Married. One adult son. Her mother, Lois Stratton, was a legislator in Olympia as a Democrat from 1979 to 1993, and her father, Alan Stratton, was a member of the Spokane City Council from 1965 to 1975.
Neighborhood: Audubon-Downriver
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More about Karen J. Stratton
Race Results
| Candidate | Votes | Pct |
|---|---|---|
| Karen J. Stratton (N) | 7,616 | 47.68% |
| Andy Rathbun | 3,831 | 23.98% |
| Jeff Martin (N) | 2,293 | 14.35% |
| Ken Side (N) | 810 | 5.07% |
| Christopher Savage | 751 | 4.70% |
| Jeff Rugan (N) | 673 | 4.21% |
Related Coverage
Getting There: Northwest Spokane City Council candidates talk Monroe, Five Mile and other needed street repairs
City Councilwoman Karen Stratton and her opponent in the November election, Andy Rathbun, both say there are roads in the northwest part of town that need attention from City Hall. They offered their opinions on road diets and what should be done to alleviate heavy traffic in the rapidly growing reaches of the Five Mile area.
Spokane City Council: Rathbun vs. Stratton
At the Northwest Passages Pints and Politics debate between Spokane School Board and City Council candidates, incumbent Karen Stratton and Andy Rathbun debate the issues as they seek the District 3 seat on the City Council. Debate was October 3, 2019 and held at OverBluff Cellars’ tasting room at the Washington Cracker Building in Spokane.
Race to represent northwest Spokane on City Council pits candidates with different styles
Part of the debate between Andy Rathbun and incumbent Karen Stratton in their bids to represent the northwest district on the Spokane City Council is about style.
Homeless to be left in the cold as Condon, City Council trade jabs over lack of adequate shelter space
Mayor David Condon acknowledged that the city will not have adequate shelter space when cold weather hits this weekend. The Spokane City Council and mayor held dueling press conferences on homelessness on Wednesday.
Ethics complaint targets Spokane Councilwoman Karen Stratton’s endorsement of Pasco marijuana business
The complaint filed Friday alleges Stratton violated several portions of the city’s ethical code prohibiting city officials from using public resources to further their own financial interests. The councilwoman said the timing of the complaint, after a letter she wrote last summer had been shared publicly in conservative circles online, indicates it is politically motivated and that she hasn’t benefited financially from the action.
Ties to marijuana businesses are disqualifying bankruptcy filers, including City Councilwoman Karen Stratton
The U.S. Trustee Program, responsible for policing the federal courts’ bankruptcy proceedings, is weeding out cases involving people or firms with ties to state-sanctioned marijuana businesses. Earlier this summer, that included Karen Stratton and her husband, Chris Wright, despite the fact that the majority of their debts were not wrapped up in the family-owned farm they’ve helped operate since 2014.
Police Guild watches its watchdog, escalates protest against investigation into violent arrest
In an escalation of its protest against an investigation into a violent February arrest, the Spokane Police Guild has filed a public records request for the communications of numerous city officials.
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.
Spokane City Council candidates disagree on homelessness, affordable housing
Spokane City Council candidates were divided on how to make Spokane safer and reduce homelessness, with some arguing for mandatory drug treatment and more police, and others saying more housing was the best way to get people off the street.