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

Candidates on the issues: Mike Lish and Zack Zappone

  • Do you support adding fluoride to Spokane's water?

    • Mike Lish Lish believes it should be up to the voters.
    • Zack Zappone Zappone did not commit, saying the city first needs to look at the research. He will listen to science and the voters, he said.
  • Do you support eliminating single family zoning?

    • Mike Lish Lish supports “enhancing” single family zoning, but not eliminating it.
    • Zack Zappone, Democratic challenger Not across the board. Zappone does support expanding density along the city’s designated centers and corridors.
  • Do you believe city employees should be required to be vaccinated?

    • Mike Lish Lish would encourage them to get vaccinated, but “it’s their choice.”
    • Zack Zappone Zappone said the City Council should defer to Mayor Nadine Woodward.
  • Do you believe the city should implement a plan to ban natural gas from new construction?

    • Mike Lish No. Lish is concerned about the cost of heating the home with electric power.
    • Zack Zappone The city is not at the point where it can ban natural gas connections, but it needs to be looking at transitioning to sustainable energy sources, Zappone said.
  • Would you have voted in favor of the most recent Spokane Police Guild contract?

    • Mike Lish Lish believes he would have voted for it, but he has not read the entire document.
    • Zack Zappone Yes.
  • Is the police department adequately funded?

    • Mike Lish No, Spokane has a small force for a city its size and he would like to see all vacant positions filled. It may require more money to do so.
    • Zack Zappone The City Council has done a good job of funding the police and offers competitive wages, but the city needs to to ensure the department’s leaders are recruiting for it, Zappone said.
  • Should a City Council member view their role as a full-time job?

    • Mike Lish No.
    • None The city is growing and has many challenges, so it requires representatives who can dedicate the time and energy to meet those challenges, Zappone said.
  • Do you support changing downtown Spokane’s one-way streets to two-way?

    • Mike Lish Has not considered it.
    • Zack Zappone, Democratic challenger Zappone wants to explore ways the city can promote vibrancy downtown and improve the experience for people, which could include things like changing two-way streets to one-ways and adding bike lanes.