For the 2021 Voters Guide, we emailed candidates a set of questions on professional experience, local priorities and general issues. We have included those questions and the unedited responses. We have noted when candidates left questions unanswered. We have also provided links to candidate websites, campaign funding reports and other local media coverage when available.
Any questions or suggestions should be sent to: whitmancowatch@gmail.com
CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE
How would you describe your current occupation or job title(s)?
Retired – my work experience includes WSU and University of Georgia in secretarial/administrative positions; bookkeeper/secretary for Kendall Cattle Sales; I also operated my own local bookkeeping service for several years.
What other memberships or community affiliations would you like to share with voters?
My husband is a Lion’s Club member. As the spouse of a member, I frequently serve as support for various club functions. I have enjoyed the years of service to the community and have gained amazing friendships through the Lion’s Club. I am also currently serving on the 2022 GPHS All Class Reunion planning committee.
What, if any, charities, political campaigns, or nonprofits have you donated money or volunteer hours to in the past year?
My family are Viking Boosters and have supported numerous school fund raisers and scholarship programs. We also donated to St. Jude; NSUJL (which supports families of linemen who have lost their lives on the line); and we are dog lovers who donate to a couple rescue and adoption organizations.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
Self-employment . It requires dedication and discipline, but is extremely rewarding to “be your own boss” and provide for your family.
What is your vision for Palouse as a community, and are there any other towns you seeing doing things right or would like to emulate?
Palouse needs more attention to the infrastructure (maintenance, repairs, upgrades): streets, swimming pool, downtown, parks, cemetery, water/sewer. Another area in need of improvement is the Police Department which appears fractured. This is unfortunate and appears to be a growing concern among community members.
What is your top priority for quality of life and what, if any, changes would you make regarding that issue?
I view our quality of life as “good” in Palouse. We are blessed with solid business-people who provide superb services and shopping in our little town. Although Covid has been tough for small businesses, our community stepped up to support these business owners. That alone is proof of how solid our community is. I would be open to ideas from business owners and community members regarding how to further prosperity and unity in Palouse. I also sleep well at night knowing we have outstanding EMS/Fire Services in town.
Has the city done a good job supporting local businesses and how do you know? What else could the city council do to help encourage economic growth and development?
It is my opinion that the city has been supportive of local businesses. However, the Chamber of Commerce appears to be more proactive in this respect and has done a fine job. I can’t emphasize enough, the importance of listening to our business owners and community members, regarding economic growth and development. This is something I would bring to the table with me: the desire to listen.
What is the best action the city government or the council has taken in the past five years?
The RV Park has been an excellent addition to Palouse. It provides a pleasant location with full hook ups, for folks passing through, or as a temporary home base for construction workers, WSU fans, and people attending community events. The location, across from the city park and swimming pool, and just a short walk to Main Street, make it convenient and shows thoughtfulness on the part of the city.
What is the worst decision or biggest opportunity the council has missed the past five years?
Taking sides on social and political issues. It has caused a lot of hurt, misunderstanding and division in this community. We are living in very difficult times under Covid restrictions. Although I understand that emotions and strong opinions can overcome us, it is important City Council stay neutral. While that is not an easy goal, Council really has to be for ALL the people LIVING in Palouse, and do it’s best to make decisions accordingly.
What do you think will be the most significant challenge or threat the City of Palouse will face in the next five years?
In my opinion, inflation and expansion could propose significant challenges. Palouse has always been a “bedroom community” to Pullman and Moscow, as many of our community members commute to Pullman or Moscow for work. The new housing developments are bringing more citizens to Palouse. With inflation on the rise, the added difficulty in getting goods and supplies, and the additional strain on the infrastructure, there could be challenges in meeting the needs of a growing population.
As a steward of taxpayer dollars, how do you approach balancing demands for city service against the citizen tax burden?
I try to follow the council minutes, but the information provided is sparse. If elected, I would strive for this to be a more transparent “balancing” communicated to the community.
What city infrastructure do you think needs the most attention or additional funding, and why?
I believe the city’s water and sewer needs a lot of attention, and should be a high priority. Any repairs and updating of infrastructure is something I see myself strongly supporting.
What is your highest priority for city parks and recreation efforts? What, if anything, would you like to see changed?
Previously, our parks, cemetery and downtown areas were all immaculately attended. Green areas were lush, streets clean, the cemetery well-tended. Attention to these areas seem to have fallen to the wayside under this council, and the community has taken notice. The cemetery has been of great concern. Citizens should be able visit their loved one’s resting place and find it beautifully, and respectfully tended. Another concern is the swimming pool. Managing the flow of out of town vs. local users has been of concern for community members. Pool admission “free” to Palouse residents is a wonderful thing. Maintaining and managing that is important. I These are both areas where community input and support should be welcome.
What, if anything, would you change to make the city more transparent or to improve communication with the public?
As I stated earlier: detailed minutes, more transparency and communication with the public. This could be done through the city website, community newsletter that can be picked up at city hall and various locations around town, or periodic townhall meetings if the community showed interest in that. There has been very little transparency under this council. While these are voluntary positions, council members are there to serve the community and citizens. Questions and inquires by community members should not be met with indifference, hostility or deflection, no matter what the issue.
If you could wave a magic wand and instantly change one thing about Palouse, what would it be and why?
I have said this throughout my questionnaire, without really saying it: we need to return to the days when we joined together as a community to make decisions for the greater good. We need to stop treating each other as part of a specific “group” and see one another as individuals. In that same vein, as a council member, I would strive to do this myself. Palouse should be a small town where people from all walks of life come together. We can agree to disagree, but can work together to move towards what is best for our community as a whole.