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Spokane CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY Council Position No. 7

 The city council sets the general policies of the city, which are implemented by the city manager and staff. The council s main duties include the adoption of policies and the enactment of the city s annual budget. The council sets fiscal policies and approves all spending, whether for operations or capital items or public facility maintenance and improvements. The council also sets salaries for city employees.

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  • Candidate picture

    Joseph Ghodsee
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Brad Hohn
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Laura Padden
    (NP)

Biographical Information

How do you plan on interacting with the citizens of your city?

What should your city/town’s role be in dealing with environmental issues?

What is your record of public service?

How do you think your city/town should respond to homelessness?

How would you describe your vision for your city?

Town where you live Spokane Valley
Experience (300 characters max) Joseph is a U.S. Air Force veteran with a background in logistics and public service. He’s studied Political Science, Criminal Justice, and Supply Chain Management, and has worked on engineering projects that improve infrastructure and support local families.
Good leadership starts with listening, and I’ve already begun that work by asking thousands of Spokane Valley residents what three things they would change about our city. The responses, across political lines, show that people are more united than we think. I’ll continue building those connections by attending local events, visiting neighborhoods, and staying responsive through phone, email, and social media. I want residents to feel heard and know their concerns aren’t just noted, but acted on. I also support the idea of a public accountability partner, someone from the community who helps track progress and keeps communication open. My goal is to make local government more approachable, more transparent, and more grounded in the everyday realities of Spokane Valley families. That means showing up, staying engaged, and earning the community’s trust through consistent, meaningful action.
Our city must be a responsible steward of the environment while recognizing the needs of our residents and businesses. That includes maintaining clean and safe public spaces, investing in efficient and updated infrastructure, and supporting long-term sustainability efforts that are both practical and affordable. We should protect our land, water, and air in ways that make sense for our community, without overburdening local farmers or small businesses. I believe in finding balance of planting trees, reducing waste, upgrading stormwater systems, and encouraging energy efficiency are all steps we can take. We also need to invest in beautifying key corridors, like Sprague west of City Hall, to create a more welcoming and connected city. By involving local experts and community members, we can create smart, cost-effective solutions that promote environmental responsibility and long-term growth for everyone.
I proudly served in the United States Air Force as a fuels specialist (POL) in the logistics squadron, where I ensured safe, efficient fuel operations under pressure. I also served in the Honor Guard, providing funeral honors to veterans and their families. That experience taught me discipline, sacrifice, and the deep importance of serving with integrity. After my military service, I continued volunteering through education and engineering projects that improve infrastructure and support the public good. My work has focused on solutions that benefit working families and strengthen communities. I have also studied Political Science, Criminal Justice, and now Supply Chain Management at Gonzaga University to better understand public policy, safety, and economic development. My record shows a lifelong commitment to service, accountability, and hands-on leadership. I bring those values into every space I enter and every decision I make.
Homelessness is a complex issue that requires compassion and action. We need to invest in mental health services, addiction treatment, and transitional housing, while also enforcing policies that keep our parks, streets, and public spaces safe. Our police officers should not be expected to serve as social workers. They need to focus on fighting crime, not filling roles they weren’t trained for. I support building partnerships with local nonprofits, churches, and service providers to create wraparound care and job training programs. Our goal should be to meet people where they are while helping them move toward stability and independence. At the same time, we must protect community safety and make sure residents feel secure. With the right approach, we can protect the dignity of those who are struggling and uphold the rights of those who live and work in Spokane Valley.
Spokane Valley is ready for a New Day! One where the cost of living is lower, housing is more accessible, and families can thrive. My vision includes strong public safety, smart infrastructure, and a business environment that supports growth without excessive government interference. Locals deserve a city that lives within its means, prioritizes transparency, and empowers its residents to succeed. Spokane Valley should be a place where people feel proud to raise their kids, run a business, or retire with dignity. I will work to lower barriers to housing and small business development while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely. This is a working-class community built by people who care deeply about their neighbors and their future. My job is to make sure our government reflects those values in every decision it makes.
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