THOMPSON FALLS CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES

WARD 1

NAME: Catherine DeWitt

Education: Graduate Nathan Hale High School, Seattle, WA; Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology University of Washington, Seattle, WA; Bachelor of Science in Nursing University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Honors: Magna Cum Laude, Sigma Theta Tau

Occupation: Retired RN. I worked as a Critical Care nurse for 35 years.

What qualities make you a good candidate for council? First and foremost, I am good at problem-solving. I am a good listener and have been complimented on my diplomacy and peacemaking skills. When confronted with challenges, I get as much information as possible about an issue before forming my opinions. Having dealt with people during some of the hardest times in their lives I am not afraid of challenges. After dealing with surgeons and cardiologists for decades, I know how to fight for what is right!

What do you like about living in Thompson Falls? I have lived in Thompson Falls for 6 years. All my life, however, I have spent summers and vacations in Sanders County (mainly in Plains and at our family cabin on the Thompson River). My ancestors go back 5 generations in Sanders County. I have lived all over the country, but I always knew this was “Home.” It is a beautiful place to live. I love the sense of community here. I have made so many friends through the Woman’s Club, the museum, and other groups. The people I know here really feel like family.

If elected, what three items would you like to see changed or improved? Communication is important. If elected, I will do my best to make people know what the City Council is doing. I want residents to feel they have an avenue to voice their opinions and concerns. Suggestions: a bulletin board at the post office, suggestion/comment boxes, widely advertised town meetings, and posts on relevant Facebook pages. I would like to foster increasingly positive relationships with the council, residents, and businesses in the town. We need to work together to find/create permanent funding to keep our city pool open and maintained. The city pool is extremely important to people of all ages!

NAME: Raoul Ribeiro

Education: Masters in Social Work.

Occupation: Licensed social worker, owner of Cabinet Mountain Counseling PC

What qualities make you a good candidate for council? The most important quality is being able to listen. There was a time when people who disagreed were able to remain civil and cordial. I see myself as someone who is open to listening and able to find solutions to everyday problems. The art of compromise is very important in bringing people together for the good of the city or neighborhood. Another quality important for the position is being able to take in new ideas and think about possible solutions to the problems concerning the city and its citizens. Everyone has a voice and needs to feel heard and listened to as decisions are being made for them.

What do you like about living in Thompson Falls? I love living in a small town where an individual can have a positive impact on the direction of the town. We raised our family here and they are very happy with the choice of living in Thompson Falls. Knowing neighbors, helping those in need and watching new families strive and grow is priceless. Thompson Falls is a safe community, thanks to many of its citizens and the police department. Families can gather in the parks, walk the streets and enjoy the outdoors without concerns.

If elected, what three items would you like to see changed or improved? If re-elected, I would like to see continued improvements with the water system, concentrate on the small things until we get them right. For example Ainsworth Park still needs some attention to the improvements that have been made over the years. Although it is very expensive, improvements/work needs to be made on many of our back roads and side streets.

WARD 2

NAME: Katherine Maudrone

Education: BS Geography/Botany

Occupation: Director of Land Services, Sanders County

What qualities make you a good candidate for council? I strive to remain objective and listen attentively to issues and objectives. I embrace the practice of giving back and investing in the sustainability of Thompson Falls.

What do you like about living in Thompson Falls? I like the small town feeling and community oriented folks that live here and the quick access to recreation.

If elected, what three items would you like to see changed or improved? In support of Thompson Falls as a great place to live, I’d like to see our city remain a viable community that supports happy, healthy living. I believe this can be achieved through continued improvement of the roads, which includes addressing storm water, continued improvement of the water system, which supports additional housing and continued cleaning up of properties all while being mindful of the impact to the taxpayers.

WARD 3

NAME: Hayley Allen-Blakney

Education: Bachelors of Science in Biology and Ecological Studies, University of Toronto, 2004. Masters of Social Work, University of Montana, 2009

Occupation: Licensed Clinical Social Worker

What qualities make you a good candidate for council? I am interested in others’ experiences and a good listener and question asker. I don’t assume I have the answer or know what someone else’s experience is. I’ve spent my career collaborating with different people and systems and I approach people and situations with an open mind and curiosity. I have school age children and work with youth, so I am always thinking about opportunities for our kids to be part of our community as they grow. I have learned a lot during the last two years on the council and have definitely asked a lot of questions!

What do you like about living in Thompson Falls? I love the beauty, nature and wildlife we are surrounded by. I feel lucky to be part of a small town where people know one another and get to watch all of our kids grow up together. I feel so lucky to be able to be out in the mountains, rivers or trails most days, on my own or with my family. We have such amazing outdoor recreation available to us right in our town; our trail system is awesome.

If elected, what three items would you like to see changed or improved? I’d like to see more access for community members input and involvement in council issues; the city is gearing up to make meetings available for people to call in. There has been a lot of change and growth in our town and it would be great to see the options for community involvement continue growing. I’d like to explore forming a recreation district for the city to make more resources available for maintaining and improving parks, following up on a past feasibility study. I also look forward to the pool improvements and swimming programs coming back.

NAME: Gunner Junge

Education: Current student of the manual for Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth and the School of Life

Occupation: Research/Volunteer/Ministry/Gardening/Landscaping/Maintenance and Repair

What qualities make you a good candidate for council? Any qualities I may have are by God’s grace through people who have faithfully invested themselves; demonstrating a willingness to help others; doing what is in the best interests and highest good of another. This community has been my home for over 40 years now; and I have grown to appreciate it and the people who have chosen to make it theirs. I’ve always asked a lot of questions of people; wanting to know and understand why things are done a certain way. Sometimes examining and considering out of the box approaches to accurately evaluate and address problems.

What do you like about living in Thompson Falls? When I first moved here I loved the mountains; the smell of the trees; and way of life. I still treasure those things; and it has been a gift that others are also discovering. With that comes change and growth that we’ve all seen and experienced. Over time, little intangible things like common sense in preserving and protecting the quality of life here; the beauty and values that still make our community a desirable place; taking personal pride in our community; businesses; neighborhoods and homes; are a reflection on us all that I’ve grown to appreciate as well.

If elected, what three items would you like to see changed or improved? A. Returning representative government back to the people by seeking their input and ideas. Looking for ways to keep people informed; actively involved in their government; and engaged in decisions made by their representatives. B. Greater transparency and accountability. It’s one thing to give people a resource to limited information; but a greater benefit to proactively provide people all the pertinent facts; the answers to questions they might not even wonder about yet; and then help them be responsible stewards knowing how and where exactly their money is being spent. C. Choosing principles and people over policies and procedures.