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VOTE411 Voter Guide

Whitman County Pullman City Council (5) Ward 3

The City Council is the legislative body for the City. The Council adopts local laws (ordinances) to secure the safety and assist the well-being of the city residents, the city s physical environment and amenities, and the city economy. The Council is responsible for approving financial expenditures and adopting the city budget as well as establishing policies and regulations in order to guide the city s future. The elected mayor serves as chief administrative officer for the city.

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    Collin Bannister
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Federico C. Bartolo III
    (NP)

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    John Cassleman
    (NP)

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    Dave Gibney
    (NP)

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    Michele Jandi Utzman
    (NP)

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    Karl Olsen
    (NP)

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    V. Shae Ortega
    (NP)

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    Tawny Szumlas
    (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?

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Phone 9256982686
Town where you live Pullman
Experience (300 characters max) Love the community & want to see the community grow
Door to door and speaking with them one on one to build a genuine connection.
Take action before action is really needed.
New to being a public official.
Homelessness should not be a part of our community.
To keep Pullman where the community is second nature.
Phone 509-432-3432
Email cassleman4council@believeinpullman.com
Town where you live Pullman
Experience (300 characters max) Chair, Board of Trustees, Pullman Community Montessori School (2018-2023) Board of Directors, Palouse Discovery Science Center (2017-2022), Chair (2017-2018) Board of Directors, Schools Out Washington (2015-2017)
I plan to interact with the citizens of Pullman by speaking with them face to face--at parks, events, business places, downtown, and meetings of social groups and associations. I plan to send out regular updates and information on how citizens can speak out and make their voices heard via social media, and where appropriate radio and flyers as well.

Beyond just communicating, I plan to interact by participating in activities, sports leagues, and breaking bread with people. I think a lot can be gained in just experiencing the world alongside people.
In the dealing with environmental issues, the city should serve as a leader, role model, and a supporter of citizens trying to make a positive difference. The city can demonstrate how to be a better steward of the environment (e.g. creating demonstration pollinator or native species gardens, xeriscaping city property, creating opportunity for more multimodal transport, etc.). The city can incentivize people to reduce their environmental impact (e.g. rebates on purchasing low flow toilets and removing lawns). The city can also inform citizens about our impact on the environment by better sharing information on water usage, acreage of green space, number of trees, LEED-certified buildings, etc.
I have served the public as a trustee and board member of non-profit organizations, but I have never held publicly elected office.

Chair, Board of Trustees, Pullman Community Montessori School (2018-2023) Board of Directors, Palouse Discovery Science Center (2017-2022), Chair (2017-2018) Board of Directors, Schools Out Washington (2015-2017)
The city should work first to understand the the issue of homelessness in Pullman by engaging with families and individuals who are experiencing it whether directly or through organizations like the Community Action Center or our faith communities. The city should also strive to connect people with resources and other community members who are best equipped to help them solve the problems they are facing that have led to them being homeless. Shifting more zoning to multi-use is important too; by building more densely and creatively, we can drive down the costs of construction and therefore the cost of rent. Lastly, it’s vital to get people housed—solving other issues like drug addiction, for instance, is far more difficult if people aren’t living in a stable homes.
I envision a Pullman where people are gathering not just downtown, but on their hills and in their neighborhoods, walking, riding bikes, jogging. New trails and new connections for existing trails could help with this, so could more art and signage. I see Pullman being an even bigger hub for sports: well maintained facilities, and even new facilities that attract more tournaments and other events. I see City Council chambers and town halls filled with people, eager to listen and comment, and discuss. I see more of Pullman’s history being shared via art, architecture, storytelling and events (I’m excited for the potential of the Pullman Depot as it grows). No council, mayor, or development director can bring about this vision alone, it’s going to take a concerted effort by the citizens of Pullman, and I intend to generate more civic engagement by clear communication, persistent outreach, and educating folks on how they can be involved and why it matters.
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Phone (509) 987-5275
Email karl4pullman@gmail.com
YouTube Video https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_vOK6sUoddk
Town where you live Pullman
Experience (300 characters max) First time running for political office.
During my campaign I plan to go door to door in my neighborhood and attend local forums to interact with the community. If elected I will hold open discussing events to hear from community members.
It is important to gather comprehensive information and meet with experts in the field regarding environmental issues. Understanding the potential risks and what ability our community has to impact those is important to consider when implementing policy.
I have served as a volunteer coach for my children's sports teams, and served on two engineering projects in the developing world. This is my first attempt at political office.
Homelessness is currently addressed in the city with several non-profits in town focusing on food distribution and housing assistance. To supplement the support that these organizations provide a focus on job training could be encouraged.
My overall vision is to rebuild the community confidence has in our city. I believe that to accomplish this we need to identify
Email v.shaeortega@gmail.com
Town where you live Pullman, WA
Experience (300 characters max) GPSA College Representative, Palouse EDJE Board Member-at-Large, Association for Washington Archaeology Director-at-Large & Diversity Chair, WSU Anthropology Club Treasurer
My plan for citizen interaction emphasizes accessibility, transparency, and proactive engagement. I believe a council member must actively foster an environment where all voices feel heard, not just reactively.

I will continue grassroots work with Indivisible Palouse, Palouse EDJE, and the Intersectional Advocacy Coalition. My elected role as Graduate and Professional Student College Representative at WSU adds by synthesizing student voices.

I'll hold regular 'community office hours' in various wards—like 'Coffee with a Councilmember'—to remove participation barriers. I prioritize engaging our diverse populations: renters, students, and underrepresented communities. My background (formerly unhoused, first-gen immigrant's child, LGBTQ+) offers unique insight.

Transparency is key. I commit to active communication via my website and social media, ensuring residents understand city processes. My actions, guided by the will of the people, require constant, open, reciprocal dialogue.
Pullman's role in integrating environmental health with public well-being and economic stability must lead with proactive, community-based solutions.

Promoting local food systems incentivizes small-scale farming and direct producer-consumer relationships, reduces our footprint and boosts food security, as learned through my AmeriCorps work.

Protecting natural resources by supporting the 'Since Time Immemorial' curriculum fosters care for our land and vital water systems, especially significant in our agricultural region.

Sustainable infrastructure requires investing in accessible public transit, green spaces, and energy efficiency to align with city goals, reducing environmental impact and promoting healthy living.

Strategic collaboration with WSU, local farmers, and groups like Palouse EDJE to ensure science-backed and community-led environmental initiatives. This includes exploring city support for programs like WSDA grants that promote healthy eating, local food and resilience.
My public service record spans nearly three decades, rooted in diverse community and leadership roles. I've actively served in various capacities beyond my elected experience, including:

Associate Director of Indivisible Palouse, organizing rallies and advocating for community needs.

AmeriCorps Coordinator for food security, founding the Cougar Food Pantry and building local mutual aid networks.

Leadership and volunteering in crisis response, education, Indigenous advocacy, medical missions, PTA, library services, youth services, and civic engagement.

My work has consistently focused on uplifting marginalized voices and fighting for stability, equity, and systemic change, driven by my personal understanding of struggle. From advocating against corporate exploitation to ensuring basic human rights, I've consistently demonstrated a commitment to public good. I believe a strong public servant shows up for others, ensuring access, opportunity, and fairness are realities for all.
My personal experience with homelessness, and ongoing engagement with unhoused community members, anchors my belief that Pullman must respond with compassion, dignity, and a pragmatic, multi-faceted approach. This is about seeing our unhoused neighbors as visible individuals deserving of respect. Response should involve addressing root causes via affordable housing, mental health support, and expanding access to living-wage jobs and education. City officials must actively connect with unhoused individuals, listening to their direct experiences and incorporating their insights into solutions. Ensuring access to basic needs—clean water, sanitation, and dignified shelter–means coordinating resources, leveraging mutual aid networks and local organizations to create a coordinated strategy that builds systemic change for stability and equity. Pullman thrives when no one is left behind. We must replace stigma with understanding, and respond with proactive, human-centered policies.
My vision for Pullman is a resilient, just, and thriving community where everyone feels visible, valued, and has opportunities to flourish. It's a city built with intention, prioritizing social and economic cohesion to leave no one behind.

This includes:

Economic Stability & Food Security: Fostering a robust local food economy, incentivizing small-scale farming, benefiting renters with affordable living and fresh produce.

Essential Infrastructure & Services: Improving daily life via accessible public transit, youth programs, and strong local support.

Transparent & Representative Governance: Building trust through open communication, enhancing engagement, and ensuring underrepresented voices are heard.

Cultural Wellness & Deeper Equity: Embracing diversity, strengthening DEI impact, recognizing inclusive flags, and expanding cultural events for long-term social stability.

This is a home worth fighting for; my vision ensures it is a place of resilience, justice, and possibilities.
Phone 5093393439
Email Votetawny@gmail.com
Town where you live Pullman
Experience (300 characters max) I’ve managed Rico’s Pub since 2005, and have proudly owned and operated it since 2015. I also serve on the Pullman Chamber of Commerce Board, supporting local businesses.
Connecting and interacting with the people of Pullman comes naturally to me. As the owner of Rico’s Pub, the city’s longest-running gathering places—I engage with our community every day, both face-to-face and through ongoing outreach and marketing. I invite people to stop by, ask me questions and talk to me about what they are feeling on various topics.
As home to the endangered Palouse Prairie, our city has a responsibility to support its restoration. We should actively partner with groups like the Phoenix Conservancy to replant native prairie species. These plants play a critical role in conserving water, improving soil health, and protecting local biodiversity. Pullman and the City council must work on solutions concerning our water supply and its long term sustainability.
My record of public service includes sitting on the Pullman Chamber of Commerce Board
As the owner of Rico’s I come into contact with people who suffer from mental health illness as well as people suffering from homelessness, and I can say that I believe Pullman can be better on this issue. I believe Pullman needs to create a short to mid term shelter, in which people can gain access to help at places such as the Community Action Center, Boost Mobile and DVR for help in gaining employment and access to long term housing .
My vision for Pullman is that of a town with a vibrant, strong downtown that serves as the heart of our community. A place where local businesses thrive and residents come together. I’m committed to fostering sustainable economic growth that supports a diverse range of businesses and creates opportunities for everyone. I also aim to build a city that attracts and retains residents throughout all 12 months, making Pullman not just a college destination, but a welcoming home for families, workers, and visitors all year long.