Linda (Hatcher) Thompson
A candidate for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 7, City of Spokane Valley in the 2021 Washington General Election, Nov. 2
Age: 71
City: Spokane Valley, Washington
Education: Graduated from Central Valley High School in Spokane Valley in 1971. Has a bachelor's in general studies with a certificate in public relations from Eastern Washington University. Has a master's in organizational leadership from Gonzaga University.
Work experience: Worked in banking until the early 1990s. Since 1993 has worked as executive director of the Greater Spokane Substance Abuse Council, a nonprofit.
Political experience: Elected to Spokane Valley City Council in 2017. Was a finalist for a vacant Spokane Valley City Council seat in 2013 but lost a tie vote after a coin toss decided the matter. Ran unsuccessfully against Councilman Rod Higgins later in 2013. Ran unsuccessfully against Republican state Rep. Larry Crouse in 2008. Served on the Washington State Governor’s Council on Substance Abuse from 2002 to 2010, and the Washington Association for Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention since 2000. Served on the steering committee in charge of a park expansion and library project in Spokane Valley.
Family: Married to Richard Thompson and has two children. Three-year-old son killed in 1986 by drunken driver.
Campaign fundraising: Raised $9,600 as of Oct. 11, 2021. Contributors include the Spokane Regional Labor Council ($1,000), former Spokane Valley Mayor Dean Grafos ($500), former Spokane Valley City Councilman Bill Gothmann ($100), and Spokane Valley City councilmembers Tim Hattenburg ($55) and Brandi Peetz ($115).
Contact information
Race Results
| Candidate | Votes | Pct |
|---|---|---|
| Laura Padden | 11,020 | 53.57% |
| Linda (Hatcher) Thompson | 9,553 | 46.43% |
Related Coverage
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Incumbent City Councilwoman Linda Thompson faces a tough opponent in Laura Padden, wife of 4th Legislative District Republican Sen. Mike Padden.
Northwest Passages - Virtual Debate Spokane Valley City Council Position 7
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It looks like Mayor Ben Wick and Councilwoman Pam Haley won’t have to work hard to retain their seats, but Councilwoman Linda Thompson will have to battle if she’s going to fend off challenger Laura Padden.
Linda Thompson facing candidate with name recognition and deeper pockets in fight to retain seat
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