A little Q & A with Medical Lake's City Council candidates

(Editor's Note: Some portions of responses may have been edited for space concerns.)

Tony Harbolt collected 43 percent of the primary vote to edge Don Kennedy with 38 in the closest of the Medical Lake City Council races.

How do you feel about Medical Lake's policing, contracting with the Spokane County Sheriff's Office:

Harbolt: There are many legitimate benefits in having a contract with such a professional and well-trained agency as the Sheriff. The largest of which is having complete access to all of the Sheriffs resources. Whatever decision is ultimately arrived at, it must be based on what's in the best interest of the city and our citizens. I propose the city undergo an in depth analysis of the contract that should weigh the fiscal reality of maintaining the current contract and simply renegotiating its provisions versus reinstating a full time police department.

Kennedy: I believe that the city of Medical Lake has been well served with the Spokane County Sheriff.  The Medical Lake police department was disbanded because qualified officers the city could afford could not be found.  It is difficult to believe that qualified officers would come to Medical Lake over the others that have a higher pay scale.

What about the challenge of growth?

Harbolt: Our growth must be weighed against our existing infrastructure (water, sewer, streets) and the city's ability to reasonably accommodate such growth. The city only has about six water hookups remaining, so I do not support the addition of more residential growth in the form of new apartments or subdivisions. There must be a balance between reasonable growth and with maintaining the unique quality of small town life we enjoy. I'm driven by seeing the addition of attractive new small businesses that compliment our existing businesses and offer citizens more variety. 

Kennedy: Further growth is limited by the statewide Growth Management Act. It is my understanding that Medical Lake is limited to fewer than 20 new water hook ups by the GMA.  In order to grow further, additional water sources would have to be obtained.

What about issues with water on the West Plains?

Harbolt: We know we have clean water. The city has tested our water several times and it is free of PFOS and PFOA contaminants. What we don't know is if we will experience problems in the future and water is not in infinite supply. To support growth is to understand we have limited hook ups. In order to ensure a clean source of water for our citizens, it's imperative that we actively pursue an inter-tie with Spokane, even if only for emergency needs. 

Kennedy: Water sources are needed for growth and Medical Lake has options if an agreement can be made with the city of Spokane whose water main ends a short distance from Medical Lake's Craig Road well.

Pick an issue:

Harbolt:  We can and should be doing more with our parks and lake, offer swimming lessons and rentals. A dog park would add great value for our citizens. A splash pad could be built in Pioneer Park where the old skate park was located. These are just a few ideas, and citizens have many more. We need to tap into and listen to our people. These are not ideas that would break the budget.

Kennedy: I believe that it is important for the city to provide essential services and to do so in a fiscally responsible manner.