By JAMES EIK
Staff Reporter
Peg James is the new member of the Medical Lake Planning Commission, filling in the vacancy left by retiring commissioner Joyce Calloway.
Aside from her new position on the commission, James is also one of the faces at the Medical Lake Food Bank, where she has volunteered for the past three years. Prior to that, she was living the life of a retiree, having lived in Medical Lake for the past nine years.
“You can only do so many crossword puzzles and yard work,” she said.
A visit to the food bank changed her perspective.
“I was hooked from that minute on,” she said. “I just couldn't believe that there was such a need in Medical Lake.”
She said the food bank served 215 families last month, and this year has seen a 30 percent increase over last year. While initially jumping at the idea to help the organization, she was hesitant to take on a leadership role.
The position, however, has grown on her with time.
“I can't imagine not doing it,” she said. “This place is so vital to the community.”
Prior to retiring, James' career was in the aviation industry, working on the ramp, placing luggage inside the plane, handling mail and other behind the scenes jobs. Although she began her career in Spokane, it took her to places like Phoenix, Ariz., Monterey, Calif., Fairbanks, Alaska and eventually back here.
When seeking a place to live, there was only one stipulation: it needed to avoid travel on the Sunset Hill. With that in mind, she found the West Plains, and ultimately Medical Lake.
“It's quiet, quaint and it has everything I need,” she said. “Anything that's not here, I can drive 12 miles.”
Looking around, James said that Medical Lake still has the feeling of a Norman Rockwell painting.
“I got up and shoveled the snow on the walkway and my neighbor's walk,” she said. “I know that if we get a whole bunch of snow, I'm going to look outside and my neighbors are going to do the same thing. I love that.”
James, however, isn't coming to the commission without any firsthand experience. Prior to her time in Spokane, she served on the City Council in Lewiston, Idaho.
“I love having my finger on the pulse of things,” she said. “I don't necessarily need to have my fingers in the pie.”
At this point, James is just looking to catch up with the recent items the commission looked at. She said she hasn't read the updated comprehensive plan, but hopes to be up to speed quickly.
“Obviously I'd love to see more economic growth for this community, but that's not something I have any control over,” she said.
As for outgoing commissioner Calloway, James calls her a good friend. Calloway was the one who pointed James in the direction of the planning commission.
“I have a great deal of respect and affection for her,” she said. “To have that much respect and affection for someone and have them ask you to take their spot, that was a huge honor for her to even mention it to me.”
Although there is much to catch up on, James is ready for the challenge.
“I have a lot to live up to,” she said.
James Eik can be reached at [email protected].
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