Two panels’ openings draw dozen applicants

The city of Spokane Valley has received seven applications for three planning commission seats and five applications for four positions on the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee.

The terms of three planning commissioners expire at the end of the year. Two of the three, Fred Beaulac and John Carroll, are seeking reappointment; Commissioner Rustin Hall is leaving the board. The other five applicants are: Kevin Anderson, a former manufacturing manager; Christina Carlsen, an environmental geologist; Joseph Collins, a self-employed carpenter; Robert McCaslin, a teacher and son of the late senator and Spokane Valley councilman Bob McCaslin; and Sam Wood, a real estate appraiser.

The terms of four Lodging Tax Advisory Committee members are also expiring at the end of the year. Two positions must be filled by representatives of hotels/motels and two must be filled by representatives of organizations eligible to receive funding from the tax, which must be spent to promote tourism.

Incumbents Lee Cameron, owner of the Mirabeau Park Hotel, and Jeff Fiman, general manager of the Quality Inn Valley Suites, are seeking reappointment. Applications have also been received from Keith Backson, vice president and director of conventions sales and services with Visit Spokane; Herman Meier, a Spokane Valley Heritage Museum board member; and Rick Wilhite, president of the Valleyfest board of directors.

Mayor Tom Towey will announce his recommendations for the positions at the Dec. 11 City Council meeting. The council must approve the mayor’s recommendations.