Spokane Valley Speaks

Interview With Ted Cummings

covering some more topics. Listen to Interview 1 for more

Interview with Brian Noble.reference:https://www.facebook.com/ChurchandState1776/videos/536290554814696

Interview with Mary Kuney Candidate for Spokane County Commissioner District 4 (South Valley).

Special Announcement: Spokane Valley City Council votes 4 - 3 (Haley, Higgins, Woodard, Padden) to DEFUND VALLEYFEST :(Interview with Larry Haskell. Covering his race and his opponent who did not respond to repeated requests to interview.

in this episode, Spokane Valley Speaks addresses some breaking news on Sheriff Candidate Wade Nelson. Resources:Candidate interviews/forums/debates:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZqbY87eg6E https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeRFAdCYe2chttps://www.facebook.com/SpokaneNews/videos/398286042272312Primary documents released by PIR:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aLLXv2TNpHboul7hHJQKh5_C3s8Q8MPV?usp=sharing Spokane Valley Council Corner:https://spokanevalley.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=3&clip_id=1171&meta_id=74618

(Repost) Interview with Larry Haskel

(Repost) Stephanie Olsen Interview

Al interviews Stephanie Collins

Al Interviews Tiffany Smiley, Candidate for US Senator from Washington State. 

Al Interviews candidates for District Court Judge.

Al Interviews candidates for District Court Judge.

Al Interviews candidates for District Court Judge.

Al Interviews candidates for District Court Judge.

Al interviews Washington Secretary of State Candidate Julie Anderson for 2022. This is a very important race for those who are concerned about election integrity. We discuss voting, archives, and many other great topics!https://julieanderson.org/

Interview with Vicky Dalton, Spokane County Auditor since 1999. In part 2 we discuss election management. Note: Candidate Bob McCaslin, also running for Auditor, was invited to interview as well. He initially agreed but withdrew after receiving the questions which were the same as those used for this interview. Al Merkel509-315-6416al@alforval.com

Interview with Vicky Dalton, Spokane County Auditor since 1999. In part 1 we discuss the general role of the auditor as well as the following specific duties: Recording, Motor Vehicle Licensing, and Financial Services. Note: Candidate Bob McCaslin, also running for Auditor, was invited to interview as well. He initially agreed but withdrew after receiving the questions which were the same as those used for this interview. Al Merkel 509-315-6416al@alforval.com

Regular Episode:CVSD's Superintendent search is detailed including information on all 4 candidates. Council Corner on Valley Council meetings of March 22, March 29 and April 12, 2022

Al Interviews CVSD School Board President Cindy McMullen about the most controversial topics of the day: School COVID Response, Critical Race Theory, School Bonds, the new CVSD Super Intendant, and more.  Part 2 of 2Interested in advertising on the program? Contact us at al@alforval.com or 509-315-6416Are you a listener interested in sponsoring our podcast? check out our Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/Spokanevalleyspeaks

Al Interviews CVSD School Board President Cindy McMullen about the most controversial topics of the day: School COVID Response, Critical Race Theory, School Bonds, the new CVSD Super Intendant, and more.  Part 1 of 2Interested in advertising on the program? Contact us at al@alforval.com or 509-315-6416Are you a listener interested in sponsoring our podcast? check out our Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/Spokanevalleyspeaks

NOTE: During this episode, I wrongly referenced the Mead School District, IN FACT, it was Deer Park that had to make changes NOT Mead. This change does not really alter the substance of the conversation from the Spokane Valley perspective or for the 4th as neither school district is in the 4th Legislative District. Al Interviews Candidate for 4th District Legislative Representative, MJ Bolt discussing her platform and policies for this crucial election. 

Al Interviews Candidate for 4th District Legislative Representative, Suzanne Schmidt discussing her platform and policies for this crucial election. 

Al discusses how the current Spokane County Prosecutor's Office works with Mr. Larry Haskell, Spokane County Prosecutor since 2014, and candidate for Prosecutor this year 2022. we discuss: General Office FunctionCrime Rates IncreasingBlake CaseSpokane Valley ContractNew JailControversies involving insensitive comments made by Mr. Haskell's wife

Al discusses how the current Spokane County Prosecutor's Office works with Ms. Stephanie Olsen, candidate for Prosecutor this year 2022. we discuss: General Office FunctionCrime Rates IncreasingBlake CaseSpokane Valley ContractNew JailControversies involving insensitive comments made by Mr. Haskell's wife

Al covers how our city government is composed, explains how a weak mayor system differs from Spokane City's system.Council CornerCovers Meetings:   2/22, 2/24, 3/1, 3/8, and 3/15Resources:Fair and Expo Center Packet:https://spokanevalley.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=3&clip_id=1105&meta_id=69561Solid Waste Strategyhttps://spokanevalley.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=3&clip_id=1108&meta_id=69752TPA Section:https://spokanevalley.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=3&clip_id=1112&meta_id=69930Council Salary Packethttps://spokanevalley.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=3&clip_id=1113&meta_id=70067

Al Interview's Former Mayoral Candidate, Former Spokane City Council President, and Current Chair of the Continuum of Care about the region's response to the homelessness crisis. 

Part 2 of 2, Al discusses Craig Chamberlin's thoughts on Spokane Valley crime rates, the contract, financials, and other issues. 

Part 2 of 2, Al discusses John Nowels' thoughts on the specifics of Spokane Valley's crime issues, contract, and some other issues. 

Part 1 of 2, Al discusses Craig Chamberlin's philosophy on policing and how that philosophy will guide his policies if elected Sheriff

Part 1 of 2, Al discusses John Nowels philosophy on policing and how that philosophy will guide his policies if elected Sheriff

Al talks about the situation in Ukraine from his Foreign Service Background. This is a bonus episode, not needed for local politics, only here for listener edification.

Al goes through a basic introduction to the problem of Homelessness and how the Continuum of Care leads (or at least tries to lead) efforts to help/combat the problem of Homelessness in the Spokane Metro Area. 

part 1 of a series on housing and apartments in Spokane Valley. Al discusses Spokane Valley's 'Apartment Crisis', or what some may call the "Housing Crisis" and it's status today. Al shows why Spokane Valley does not have a Housing Crisis, and how the code allows developers to place costs on Valley residents with no returns to our city. Also, why this is different than other cities like Spokane.Al talks about the city council meeting of 2/15/2022.Resources:Spokane Valley Council Agenda, minutes, and video:https://www.spokanevalley.org/content/6836/6892/6931/6941.aspxSpokane Valley Housing Needs Assessment Annex:https://www.spokanevalley.org/filestorage/6836/6896/7072/HAP_Appendices_Final.pdf

Introduction to Al Merkel and Spokane Speaks. Al tells 3 stories that helped formulate his values in order to help listeners understand his perspective and how he recognizes problems.