"My husband and I built a home in RValley Acres in Spokane Valley. We have about 138 one acre tracts in our neighborhood. It seems like it must be a quarter of a century ago that some of us in the neighborhood began ‘defending’ the integrity and quality of life in our neighborhood. Each time we thought ‘well, we are through’ and then something else raised its head.
I have also been a Sheriff Community Oriented Policing volunteer for about 15 or so years and a Neighborhood Watch Leader for about a quarter of a century.
With that said, and without knowing your issues, still, I can understand the frustration Painted Hills must experience with current new development.
However, although I did not vote for Mark Richard the first time he ran for office, I have since, because of defending and working for my neighborhood, been able to watch his work in the community. Because of his concern for the transition between new and existing developments he opened the County Development Task Force which is comprised of neighborhood persons, fire officials, the development community, home builders and staff from the County. We meet once a month, in that time we have been able to begin to identify many of the issues neighborhoods have with new development and its intrusion upon existing neighborhoods. We have also been able to listen to the development community and their concerns and suggestions on what might be done to mitigate some of the transition issues. In addition we have the fire department input on their issues in protect ing us. There is a very rough draft being prepared as a talking paper. It is a work in process. If you have concerns and we have not already brought similar issues up, we could use your input for that rough draft. Please forward them to the email below.
I have learned that there are many regulations, the Growth Management Act, ordinances, etc etc etc which were adopted by former County Commissioner Boards that this Board of Commissioners must live with. There are buzz words like ‘connectivity’ which means connecting neighborhoods. So, for safety how do you connect neighborhoods ‘without’ running the new development through the existing neighborhood? Another new buzz word “infill” Some of the regulations allow duplexes anywhere in any development to fill in to maximum units in the GMA. And so on…
In the Ponderosa, for example, although Sheriff Knezovich cannot support running more cars through that neighborhood for safety reasons, and Commissioner Richards will vote against any additional land included in the GMA until ingress and egress is solved there are still regulations that are forcing the Ponderosa to go to court to prevent additional development around the Ponderosa.
In the recent fires in the Dishman Hills, we are again reminded that there is more to planning and safety than just throwing up homes. So, where do we go from here? The only answer I have seen is just to continue to work, have goals that mitigate the issues of safety and neighborhood integrity when faced with new development, support the development community so that they can continue to build our homes, and support those officials that are truly trying to take care of our community.
I would like to see Commissioner Richard continue the work he is doing for the community. I also am concerned that we continue to have his support for Law Enforcement in these changing times. We are blessed to have a strong and capable leader in our Sheriff, I also would like to see that work completed. I have grandchildren in this community, I am very interested in the environment they grow up in."
-Deanna Hormann
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Endorsement from Terry Lynch
"Mark Richard, Spokane County Commissioner from the Spokane Valley has worked hard for issues critical to the valley. He has supported requests to put conservations future ballot measure before voters without a sunset. He lobbied for ban on phosphates in dishwasher soap to protect our water supply. He worked to adopt conservation plans in the county utilities division that offers citizens tools to reduce water consumption voluntarily.
He Called neighborhood meetings in Liberty Lake to assure residents Spokane County would not force them to include Holiday Hills in their growth area. He Followed through on pledge he made 5 years ago, to protect the East end of LLake by brokering a deal that puts over 100 acres of developable land in county park/conservation futures land immediately to the North of the County Park.
He has met with residents in Ponderosa to hear their concerns; assuring them he had denied and would vote against including additional land inside the GMA until such time as another access road was provided. He worked with the Sheriff on his evac plan for Ponderosa. He went against family friends and his political party to appoint the Sheriff in part because of his candid response to neighbors that there was no evac plan but he was going to provide one if elected. He attended Ponderosa evacuation table top exercises and made sure a neighborhood rep was invited. He was intimately involved with valley view fire; both as a resident and an evacuee, and also in attending meetings, speaking to troops at 6 A.M. roll call, touring the fire site several times by air and ground, and ensuring Sheriff that what ever resources he needed to please call.
Mark assembled a Development Task force that has Deanna Horman as well as other neighborhood reps, developers and fire reps that are working on how to fix our development regs and zoning codes (all adopted prior to his arrival; all development residents see today is a result of previous laws and growth boundaries adopted by former board) to better fit new with existing communities. Mark advocated then and now for transitional zoning (he lost in proposal to former board of commissioners) that stair steps zoning away from larger tracts. The idea being you don’t go right up to existing acreage with 6 homes per acre, but you start with lower density and work toward the mandates put upon us by state law for high her density.
He is presently working on and assisted in spurring development of a county wide wildfire protection plan that will propose changes to code, development regulations, road standards, housing material products, public and private land management, as well as education efforts to implement proactive initiatives to better protect us from when, not if, the next fire occurs.
I support Mark Richard for County Commissioner and ask you to also. He is doing a very good job for the Spokane Valley and the county. Mark needs your vote to keep working for all of us in Spokane County.
He is also endorsed by Chuck Hafner and Deanna Horman as well as Sheriff Knezovich and many others. Please visit his website at www.richardforcommissioner.com for more information on his leadership as our County Commissioner."
-Terry Lynch, Chair Spokane Valley Business Association
Past Chair S V C of C - Past Chair BBB Spokane - Past Chair City of Spokane Valley Public Safety Transition Committee
Washington State Hotel-Motel Association & Inland Empire Innkeepers Association
Former Owner - 38 Years
The Park Lane Motel, Suites and RV Park
He Called neighborhood meetings in Liberty Lake to assure residents Spokane County would not force them to include Holiday Hills in their growth area. He Followed through on pledge he made 5 years ago, to protect the East end of LLake by brokering a deal that puts over 100 acres of developable land in county park/conservation futures land immediately to the North of the County Park.
He has met with residents in Ponderosa to hear their concerns; assuring them he had denied and would vote against including additional land inside the GMA until such time as another access road was provided. He worked with the Sheriff on his evac plan for Ponderosa. He went against family friends and his political party to appoint the Sheriff in part because of his candid response to neighbors that there was no evac plan but he was going to provide one if elected. He attended Ponderosa evacuation table top exercises and made sure a neighborhood rep was invited. He was intimately involved with valley view fire; both as a resident and an evacuee, and also in attending meetings, speaking to troops at 6 A.M. roll call, touring the fire site several times by air and ground, and ensuring Sheriff that what ever resources he needed to please call.
Mark assembled a Development Task force that has Deanna Horman as well as other neighborhood reps, developers and fire reps that are working on how to fix our development regs and zoning codes (all adopted prior to his arrival; all development residents see today is a result of previous laws and growth boundaries adopted by former board) to better fit new with existing communities. Mark advocated then and now for transitional zoning (he lost in proposal to former board of commissioners) that stair steps zoning away from larger tracts. The idea being you don’t go right up to existing acreage with 6 homes per acre, but you start with lower density and work toward the mandates put upon us by state law for high her density.
He is presently working on and assisted in spurring development of a county wide wildfire protection plan that will propose changes to code, development regulations, road standards, housing material products, public and private land management, as well as education efforts to implement proactive initiatives to better protect us from when, not if, the next fire occurs.
I support Mark Richard for County Commissioner and ask you to also. He is doing a very good job for the Spokane Valley and the county. Mark needs your vote to keep working for all of us in Spokane County.
He is also endorsed by Chuck Hafner and Deanna Horman as well as Sheriff Knezovich and many others. Please visit his website at www.richardforcommissioner.com for more information on his leadership as our County Commissioner."
-Terry Lynch, Chair Spokane Valley Business Association
Past Chair S V C of C - Past Chair BBB Spokane - Past Chair City of Spokane Valley Public Safety Transition Committee
Washington State Hotel-Motel Association & Inland Empire Innkeepers Association
Former Owner - 38 Years
The Park Lane Motel, Suites and RV Park
Endorsement from Anita Messex
"I think most folks who have not been in the public scene do not have a clue of the difficulty of constant stress for most holding public office. Some few thrive and do a good job. It requires many folks to assist with the information gathering, to be out circulating, checking on and encouraging the working citizen. All of us can only do our best: be honest, have courage and integrity what ever happens. I vowed long ago not to consider mud slingers to be viable candidates for any election. Thanks, Mark. The exemplary cleanliness of your campaign has certainly been noteworthy and refreshing against the news media, et all."
-Anita Messex
-Anita Messex
Friday, August 22, 2008
Dear friends, family and interested voters in Spokane County:
I thought you might be interested to know that of the 243,706 ballots that have been mailed in the County, 48,845 have been returned as of this morning.
This County Commissioner race is critical on so many fronts. Please get your ballot mailed in, and if you are in District 2 for the County, I am asking for your vote.
Spokane is on the Move. We are solving some incredibly difficult problems that have been left unsolved for years.
The choice is clear in the race for Spokane County Commissioner, District 2
I have a track record for supporting business while requiring total compliance with laws.
My opponent touts the need for more regulations, higher taxes and impact fees and a general disdain for business. (I encourage you to read his website)
I have a record of supporting Strategic investment in infrastructure and initiatives to diversify and strengthen the local economy.
My opponent is a sitting councilman who has no record of accomplishments in his 6 years in office.
I have a record of championing care for our mentally ill and vulnerable youth and senior programs as well as funding for the Armed Services Aerospace Museum and the Spokane Valley Hub project for kids.
Again, my opponent has no record in these areas.
I have supported the purchase of a regional sports/racing complex (SRP), and am working to implement a plan that includes regional a ball field park, regional law enforcement training and a vibrant economic engine in a race track to grow the tax base through tourism while providing recreation to an amazing number of local racing enthusiasts. These efforts are supported by the City of Airway Heights, most law enforcement officials and many business leaders like Harry Sladich; the Executive Director for the Spokane Convention and Visitors Bureau and the entire Spokane County Hotel Motel Association.
My opponent says its a bad idea and we should sell it. His strongest supporter (my fellow commissioner) tried to sell it before we owned it for less than we paid for it.
I believe in growing the economy so each of us pay less in taxes and more of us have good paying jobs. Yet I have also taken the lead on homelessness issues for Spokane County to get our Veterans and Mentally ill off of the streets and keep them out of our jails.
My opponent doesn't say what his vision is. His whole campaign has been about trashing me, and he has no track record of leadership in any of these areas after 6 years in office.
I have provided the Board leadership, to first find our flaws in our Criminal Justice System through an independent audit, and now I am helping lead the process of major reforms. I am also lead Commissioner addressing our dangerous and overcrowded jail; that today is forcing us to let criminals out on the street.
I was first to begin the discussion and then helped lead the efforts with Sheriff Knezovich, to restore Crime Check to Spokane County citizens.
In addition, Today, we have a stronger SCOPE program, we have more deputies on the street and more resource officers working in our schools.
My opponent has no track record in public safety.
I founded the Council of Governments (doing as I promised to bring elected officials together to solve real problems and to regionalize services while reducing lawsuits and childish bickering amongst elected officials.) As a result I have been blessed with endorsements from nearly every segment of law enforcement and fire, as well as elected officials on both sides of the political isle; and I have earned a reputation for diplomacy and getting things done.
My opponent rarely attends these productive meetings and his few public endorsements come from partisan elected officials from one political party.
The Primary Election is critical to our momentum thus far in the campaign and I am asking for your vote. I also ask that you please encourage everyone you know to vote by Tuesday the 19th of August.
If I am not on your ballot that means you live in a different district, but I will be in November as we run county wide; and I ask for your support then.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Mark Richard
Citizens to Re-Elect Mark Richard
County Commissioner District 2
www.richardforcommissioner.com for more information
251-3643
PS> if you have not registered to vote, it is not too late to do so for the November Election. Please visit my website for a link to get you registered today!
This County Commissioner race is critical on so many fronts. Please get your ballot mailed in, and if you are in District 2 for the County, I am asking for your vote.
Spokane is on the Move. We are solving some incredibly difficult problems that have been left unsolved for years.
The choice is clear in the race for Spokane County Commissioner, District 2
I have a track record for supporting business while requiring total compliance with laws.
My opponent touts the need for more regulations, higher taxes and impact fees and a general disdain for business. (I encourage you to read his website)
I have a record of supporting Strategic investment in infrastructure and initiatives to diversify and strengthen the local economy.
My opponent is a sitting councilman who has no record of accomplishments in his 6 years in office.
I have a record of championing care for our mentally ill and vulnerable youth and senior programs as well as funding for the Armed Services Aerospace Museum and the Spokane Valley Hub project for kids.
Again, my opponent has no record in these areas.
I have supported the purchase of a regional sports/racing complex (SRP), and am working to implement a plan that includes regional a ball field park, regional law enforcement training and a vibrant economic engine in a race track to grow the tax base through tourism while providing recreation to an amazing number of local racing enthusiasts. These efforts are supported by the City of Airway Heights, most law enforcement officials and many business leaders like Harry Sladich; the Executive Director for the Spokane Convention and Visitors Bureau and the entire Spokane County Hotel Motel Association.
My opponent says its a bad idea and we should sell it. His strongest supporter (my fellow commissioner) tried to sell it before we owned it for less than we paid for it.
I believe in growing the economy so each of us pay less in taxes and more of us have good paying jobs. Yet I have also taken the lead on homelessness issues for Spokane County to get our Veterans and Mentally ill off of the streets and keep them out of our jails.
My opponent doesn't say what his vision is. His whole campaign has been about trashing me, and he has no track record of leadership in any of these areas after 6 years in office.
I have provided the Board leadership, to first find our flaws in our Criminal Justice System through an independent audit, and now I am helping lead the process of major reforms. I am also lead Commissioner addressing our dangerous and overcrowded jail; that today is forcing us to let criminals out on the street.
I was first to begin the discussion and then helped lead the efforts with Sheriff Knezovich, to restore Crime Check to Spokane County citizens.
In addition, Today, we have a stronger SCOPE program, we have more deputies on the street and more resource officers working in our schools.
My opponent has no track record in public safety.
I founded the Council of Governments (doing as I promised to bring elected officials together to solve real problems and to regionalize services while reducing lawsuits and childish bickering amongst elected officials.) As a result I have been blessed with endorsements from nearly every segment of law enforcement and fire, as well as elected officials on both sides of the political isle; and I have earned a reputation for diplomacy and getting things done.
My opponent rarely attends these productive meetings and his few public endorsements come from partisan elected officials from one political party.
The Primary Election is critical to our momentum thus far in the campaign and I am asking for your vote. I also ask that you please encourage everyone you know to vote by Tuesday the 19th of August.
If I am not on your ballot that means you live in a different district, but I will be in November as we run county wide; and I ask for your support then.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Mark Richard
Citizens to Re-Elect Mark Richard
County Commissioner District 2
www.richardforcommissioner.com for more information
251-3643
PS> if you have not registered to vote, it is not too late to do so for the November Election. Please visit my website for a link to get you registered today!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Campaign Update - August 14th
RUNNING OUT OF TIME!!!!!! HELP!!!!!
Need ITEM DONATIONS for the raffle and
VOLUNTEERS for the Unity in the Community Event:
August 16th!!! 10:00 – 4:00 pm
Riverfront Park Clock Tower!!!!!
(Need helpers from 12:00 to 4:00)
Bring the kids and make a day of it!
So many events, so many volunteers needed!Garland Street Fair August 16th!
Need volunteers to run a booth during the festivities!
Lots of activities for your family to enjoy too!!!!
Contact lucy.devleming@comcast.net ASAP!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Campaign Newsletter - August 12th
REMINDER: ITEM DONATIONS FOR THE "UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY EVENT" ARE STILL NEEDED FOR THE RAFFLE!
All proceeds go to the Unity Org. for education needs
August 16, 2008 / Riverfront Park Clock Tower
Volunteers to help with booth are also needed!
10:00am - 4:00pm Contact A.S.A.P.:
lucy.devleming@comcast.net
(509) 535-7329 / (509) 701-3404
(Yes, I have resorted to begging!!!)
Save the Date!
Volunteer Now!
Coming events (click here to view full calendar) :
August 16th: Garland Street FairMore events to come Contact: lucy.devleming@comcast.net
August 27th - Sept. 1st: Pig Out in the Park
Labor Day Symphony (Sept. 1st): Comstock Park
September 5th - 14th: Spokane County Fair
FRIENDS, WE NEED TO GET OURHere are some contact details:
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR INTO
THE LOCAL PAPERS
VISIT: WWW.RICHARDFORCOMMISSIONER.COM
FOR MARK'S POSITIONS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
WHILE IN OFFICE! WRITE THOSE LETTERS!!!!!
VITAL INFORMATION NEEDS TO GET OUT!!!
Spokesman Review: editor@spokesman.com - Letters to the Editor must be 200 words or less & you must include your daytime phone and mailing address
Spokane Valley Herald: vnh@onemain.com - Letters to the Editor must be signed with an address & phone number included. Must be 300 words or less, be original and will be confirmed. Must be submitted by noon on Tuesday's for the Thursday paper.
Journal of Business: paulr@spokanejournal.com - No set policy on size of letter. Try to keep to 3 or so paragraphs.
Voter Turnout: As of 08/08/08, only 11% of the registered voters in District 4 have voted. Please email your list, tell your friends, call your neighbors to get out the vote. This election will not be won by competition but lost due to voter apathy. The vote is critical. A judge who receives 51% of the vote will be elected from these ballots... Your PCO will be elected from this ballot... The two top choices of the people will go on to the General Election. Make your choices and send in your ballot!!
GO MARK GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Campaign Newsletter - August 8th
ITEM DONATIONS NEEDED TO RAISE MONEY FOR:
14th Annual Unity In The Community event on August 16, 2008 at Riverfront Park, Clock Tower in Spokane, Washington.
Let’s help the community while we are campaigning!
14th Annual Unity In The Community event on August 16, 2008 at Riverfront Park, Clock Tower in Spokane, Washington.
Let’s help the community while we are campaigning!
Contact: lucy.devleming@comcast.net
The Re-Elect Mark Richard Campaign will be hosting a booth at this event and Mark will be speaking. We are looking for individuals and/or businesses that may have items they wish to donate for the raffle being put on by the Unity Organization. Ideas from past raffles are: Shock tickets, Indians Baseball tickets, weekend condo use, bikes, various businesses donating from their stock, or donating billable hours, etc. ALL PROCEEDS GO TO Unity in the Community NEW ITEMS ONLY PLEASE
“We will have over 45 cultures represented in our cultural village; we have school supplies and bike helmets for the kids and many other giveaways not to mention a very full program of very talented performers. Even more significant is your outpour of support between businesses, community organizations, government and higher educational institutions, a thirty five member planning committee and over thirty event sponsors, all coming together to share a strong vision of "vitality" for Spokane.” (www.nwunity.com) See attached documents for more information on Unity in the Community.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Contact lucy.devleming@comcast.net
Saturday August 16th
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Hand out materials, candy, balloons, etc.
Bring the WHOLE FAMILY for a great day at the park!
REMEMBER TO VOTE!! AUGUST 19TH
Reminder – still need volunteers for:
Airway Heights Festival at Sunset Park – August 9th (Booth)
GET YOUR FRIENDS TO VOTE!! AUGUST 19TH
Fairchild AFB Sky Fest – August 9 – 10th
Wear T-Shirts and Hand out materials.
Save the Dates!
Volunteer Now!
Volunteer Now!
Confused?
In the Primary Election August 19th, only those
individuals that live in Mark's district will be able
to vote for him.
In the General Election individuals County wide will be
able to vote for Mark.
August 16th: Garland Street Fair
August 27 – Sept. 1: Pig Out In The Park
Labor Day Symphony (Sept. 1): Comstock Park
September 5 – 14th: Spokane County Fair
Be sure to pass this on to your contacts that wish to see Mark Re-Elected!!!
www.richardforcommissioner.com - check it out!!!!
Looking for sign locations in the Liberty Lake area. We are a little scarce in that area and we need to make an impression in our opponent’s back yard!
Contact: robjr@suntoya.com or wainwright450@hotmail.com
Contact: robjr@suntoya.com or wainwright450@hotmail.com
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