Tony Kiepe

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

Party: No party

Age: 62

City: Spokane, WA

Occupation: Healthcare consultant with AristaPoint

Why running: Kiepe says he is running to provide a voice on the City Council for those who are not politically progressive. He argues the current council is too ideologically aligned with the left and hopes to be an alternative who ensures “everybody is heard, not just progressives.”

His pitch: Kiepe wants to address the infrastructure needs of neighborhood streets. He believes the city should partner with local nonprofits to tackle the homelessness issue, while also offering “tough love” when necessary.

Education: Attended high school in Memphis, Tennessee. Earned a bachelor degree in biology, with minors in chemistry and business from the University of Memphis, followed by a master's of business administration from the same school in 1996.

Political experience: Kiepe unsuccessfully sought appointment to the City Council in 2016. He ran unsuccessfully for City Council in 2017.

Work experience: Kiepe moved to Spokane in 2000 and worked as director of sales at Hollister-Stier, but he was laid off when Jubilant bought the company. He then owned Rapid Refuel, an ink and toner replacement business, before shutting down the business and becoming a health care consultant for AristaPoint. He has since retired and is campaigning full-time.

Family: Kiepe and his wife, Diane, have been married for 31 years. They have four children.