AIRWAY HEIGHTS — James “Sonny” Weathers is in the last of his initial four-year term as a city council member, elected in 2017. He’s also now in his first year as mayor, taking over for Kevin Richey, who resigned at the end of 2020. He plans to run for re-election after his term expires.
Weathers, whose main career is a full-time member of the Washington Air National Guard, has been married to his wife, Angela, since 2002. They have three children ages 13, 11 and six. The family enjoys being involved in their local church, watching movies and camping, and moved to the city in 2010 from Spokane.
Weathers recently discussed the city’s outlook in 2021 and what he hopes to bring to the mayor position, which also acts as council chair.
On what he brings to role
Weathers said he enjoys shaping the community and feels his skillset is “well-suited” for the role.
“There’s still plenty of opportunity for me to learn more,” Weathers said. “I look forward to the opportunity.”
On what he hopes to see from the city in 2021
Weathers noted the rapid population growth in the city of the last 10 years and said he hopes the city can reach better engagement with the community.
“We’ve suffered from low engagement for a long time,” Weathers said. “(But) the tide’s been turning that way too. I’m very optimistic. I suppose the joys of an international pandemic can bring us closer to our neighbors and help us be engaged.”
Weathers said he hopes for a large community discussion around Proposition 1, which the city is bringing to voters in February. The proposition, if approved by voters, would make the mayor’s position as council chair and mayor decided by council, instead of through a separate vote. City residents would still be electing all councilmembers, thereby indirectly selecting their mayor also.
Two vacant council positions are open for application, and Weathers said he looks forward to assimilating the choices into council.
He also said he hopes the city can re-open the recreation center soon. A specific date has yet to be decided.
On the ongoing water issue
The city has had a large water problem since the PFOS chemical contamination from Fairchild Air Force Base episode in 2017. Weathers said he hopes this year brings continued progression toward the city reclaiming its own water source, which he said starts by sharing the city’s story and struggle with necessary parties.
“(Let’s) get our federal legislation to be looking at what they can get to us now to help us move in the direction of restoration,” Weathers said. “Same with the state…if we have many voices, we have a better chance of getting heard.”
On local housing and business developments
“What this tells me is how desirable this community is to be a part of,” Weathers said. “That demand has not settled down. The growth and jobs out here is extraordinary, and there’s not a lot of areas that are suited for growth in the residential realm.”
Weathers said he hopes the city can protect its housing affordability rates “as best they can,” knowing that the city has historically been predominantly low income housing.
On rising crime rates
Population growth and the pandemic have combined to bring rising crime rates in the city, especially among thefts and domestic violence. Weathers said the rising rates bring an opportunity for council to engage with its citizens.
“The way local government works best is when citizens know they can reach out to their local government and say, ‘hey, I see this problem. I’m letting you know it exists,’” Weathers said. “The city has the opportunity to respond to that…what we need is for everybody to be engaged. Community policing is the best way to clean up neighborhoods and reduce crime.”
On local businesses receiving COVID-19 protocol violation complaints
A bevy of city businesses have received complaints about violating COVID-19 health protocols; far more businesses have received complaints here than in Cheney, Medical Lake and Four Lakes.
Weathers said the local small businesses are the backbone of the community, and they’ve been hit hard by the pandemic.
“A small business owner is inherently interested in the safety of their customers, because if they don’t provide for that safety, that means their customers aren’t coming back,” Weathers said. “I tend to trust our business owners with the best interests in mind for their customers, because that’s how they survive. We love them doing their business.”
Weathers led his first council meeting as mayor Jan. 4 at council’s initial legislative session in 2021.
Drew Lawson can be reached at [email protected].
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