Incumbent Airway Heights councilman up for re-election seeks partnerships to boost community

As Airway Heights continues to grow, a city council incumbent has his eyes set on increasing activities for the youth, mitigating traffic and fixing a housing shortage.

After four years in office, Larry Bowman, 36, is seeking re-election. He is challenged by Jared Lacambra, an electrical engineer and project manager. Lacambra did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Bowman, a 13-year Air Force veteran, has lived in Airway Heights for 11 years. He owns Coffee Corner on Fairchild Air Force Base.

While he recognizes the burden of Airway Heights growth, Bowman also views it as an opportunity.

“There is so much we can do with the growth that is going on out here,” he said.

To solve Airway Heights’ traffic crunch, Bowman said he would rely on the expertise of the staff in place, including the city’s public works director, to enact a plan that channels traffic away from one source and reduces the flow of cars to U.S. Highway 2.

Bowman also outlined the importance of continuing to improve roadways, a task which he said would require outside assistance.

“We need help, we can’t fund everything ourselves,” Bowman said. He plans to seek extra funding from the Department of Transportation to lessen the financial burden on the citizens of Airway Heights.

“It is (the council’s) responsibility to reach out for those other options,” Bowman said.

Partnership also will be key to Bowman’s plans for creating additional housing in the community.

Bowman said it would be beneficial to partner with the the Kalispel and Spokane tribes.

“There has been talks of developments that they are projecting into the future and how can we partner and team with them to ensure that we do it right and get it right for our city, that we have the best options available,” Bowman said.

As a father of two children growing up in Airway Heights, Bowman is hopeful the city’s expansion can be a catalyst for delivering programs to the youth.

“I want to see the youth of Airway Heights have resources they’ve never had,” he said.

While on the council, Bowman assisted in garnering the votes and making the push to complete the voter-approved $17 million Airway Heights Recreation Center that opened in May.

Bowman said the project’s completion is an example of the camaraderie the council has created and a sign of what consistency in the position can bring to the city.

“I think the citizens trust us to do what is in their best interest, and I want to continue it,” Bowman said. “I love the work, I love Airway Heights, I truly love the people, and this is where my kids live. This is going to be their future so why not give them something that is better than we inherited.”

According to his candidate statement, Lacambra has been living and raising his family in Airway Heights since 2016.

“I have invested back into Airway Heights through my involvement in coaching at the local middle school and high school since 2009,” Lacambra wrote in the statement. “I am eager to continue my service of Airway Heights in a larger role on the City Council.”

Including position No. 5, two of the three City Council positions on the ballot for Airway Heights are contested.