CHENEY — The City Council is a legislative body comprised of Seven Councilmembers elected by the public to four-year terms, “responsible for formulating and adopting City policies.” Three City Council postings are currently open, and Position No. 3 has five candidates bidding for election: Jacquelyn Belock, Ryan Delaney, Tim Gainer, Mark Posthuma, and Justin Amyot. Each candidate was contacted and the information that follows was provided by those who replied. Further information can be found in the Voter Pamphlet.
Why are you running?
Justin Amyot: I’m running because I’m a lifelong resident of Cheney. My family has been in the west pains for more than five generations, and I think I represent the average citizen of Cheney.
Jacquelyn Belock: I am running for Cheney City Council Pos. No. 3 to offer a voice on the council that speaks for those who don’t feel heard or represented. I genuinely love this city and my neighbors. This city is full of people who are quick to lend a hand, defend the innocent, and band together to get through a once in a lifetime pandemic. We are a uniquely diverse and vibrant city and it is important that our leadership is reflective of this. As your representative on the Cheney City Council, I will advocate for you.
Ryan Delaney: I am running to serve my community, gain a better understanding of local politics and to better the future of our small but flourishing town.
What issues are most important to you?
Justin Amyot: First and foremost is property tax. At the rate that property values are increasing, increasing the rate they are taxed it is in my opinion double dipping. Second, I would like the city to spend more efficiently and effectively. Third, I would like to see a revamp of summer and year round activities for the youth, including increases in the public parks and athletic programs.
Jacquelyn Belock: Updating city infrastructure, access to affordable housing, and revitalizing the downtown corridor.
Ryan Delaney: Maintaining a small town feel while managing growth in a reasonable and sustainable manner.
How do you intend on confronting those issues?
Justin Amyot: Property taxes and effective spending go hand in hand, there is no need to increase a tax if we are spending more efficiently and effectively. Most projects (side walk repair, sewer repair, etc) only a single business that submits a bid. Are we reaching out to other businesses and encouraging additional bids for work? Are we getting the best price for these projects? The revamp of the summer and year round activities can be addressed with offering programs that youth would actually want to participate in, activities like coding camps and eSports. I would also love to see a life skills program offered to ALL ages. This program would go over insurance terminology, what to look for in an insurance plan, how to balance a check book, interview fundamentals, etc. The swimming pool going out of commission presents us with an excellent, albeit expensive opportunity. I would love to see a year round pool and aquatic activities with free swim days and monthly memberships to help offset the operational costs. Along with a small outdoor aquatic park for summer use.
Jacquelyn Belock: City Infrastructure: By seeking grants and funding to pay for needed infrastructure updates with minimal financial impact on taxpayers. Our water lines need updating, our city pool is in disrepair, and much of our infrastructure is due for updates. We can repair these without increasing our tax burden. Affordable housing: By assessing current and proposed zoning restrictions and working with local non-profits that specialize in suburban growth and development. I will work to explore ways we can grow without steep increases in property taxes. Revitalize Downtown: By working closely with the Historic Preservation Commission, downtown business owners, and the community to create a walking tour of Downtown Cheney, showcasing our rich history and preserving historic landmarks for future generations. This will increase tourism and revenues to downtown businesses and make Cheney a shopping and dining destination for much of the greater West Plains and Spokane region.
Ryan Delaney: Certain areas are more suited for growth than others, it is important to prioritize growth in a manner that fits our small town.
What will you bring to the city council that is unique?
Justin Amyot: I bring an attitude that spending money is good as long as there is a return on that money. The return could be as simple as smiling faces on children or roads that won’t damage your rims, but spending money for the sake of spending it is something I just can’t do. I’m also the type of person that researches peerlessly before I buy something. I have to make sure I have the best price for the product I intend on buying and even then I see if there is a way I can drop that price by a few more dollars. Additionally, I have lived here my entire life and don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon, so I think I have the best interests of this town and its citizens in mind.
Jacquelyn Belock: My dedication to my community coupled with my ability to actively listen and find common ground between disparate groups. It is important that everyone feels heard and represented within their larger community, especially one as diverse and fluid as ours. I will maintain an open line of communication between the council and Cheney’s citizens and businesses. Whether you were born and raised here, here for an education, or seeking opportunity, I want to hear from you and I want to know what matters to you. I will maintain a dedicated space on social media for updates and communication, be available for chats over coffee,or family playdates at the park. As your Cheney City Council member, I am here to serve you and your needs.
Ryan Delaney: I grew up in Cheney and graduated from Cheney High. I moved to Hawai’i for college and spent 12 years there. I now run a small business in Cheney and have a vested interest in making sure the City of Cheney receives the attention and care it deserves.
Scott Davis can be reached at news@cheneyfreepress.com.
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