#4ThePeople: New County Commissioner District 1 candidates discuss public safety, homelessness

October 24, 2022 6:14 PM

Rania Kaur,

Posted: October 24, 2022 6:14 PM

Updated: November 7, 2022 11:44 AM

by Rania Kaur

SPOKANE, Wash. — For the first time in the general election, Spokane County voters will only be voting for one county commissioner in the district, much like the primary election. Spokane County residents will not see all candidates on their ballots.

This time, two brand new districts and two brand new county commissioners are joining the table and the City of Spokane is now divided into District 1 and District 2.

Wanting your vote in District 1 are two brand new candidates — Democrat Chris Jordan and Republican Kim Plese. Jordan is an attorney who worked in the Attorney General’s Office for the past six years. Plese is a former business owner with over 30 years of experience.

Public safety is at the forefront of both of their campaigns.

“I think that our money is better spent targeting root causes, particularly it’s about having the right people in jail,” Jordan said. “Particularly when there’s data showing that a large portion of the crime is caused by a small number of people, let’s target those folks.”

Kim Plese wants further collaboration with the Spokane County’s Sheriff Office.

“There’s always new and dangerous situations that come up,” she said. “I think the most important thing is supporting them and giving them adequate training and tools that they need.”

In early October, the County Commissioners, in support of Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich, approved a lawsuit to clear Camp Hope.

Plese supports the Sheriff’s decision and the county’s current solution to homelessness.

“I think that having the Trent Shelter there, and I still believe that there are beds available there, and those that want help should move into the shelter,” Plese said. “It’s a safe situation, and I don’t understand why more people aren’t moving and transitioning there.”

Jordan disagrees with how it was handled.

“The latest great idea from Spokane County to solve homelessness is to sue the state,” Jordan said. I think voters expect people to work together who are in office, to collaborate, to problem solve, and that would be my approach… that’s been my experience.”

To learn more about Kim Plese, click HERE.

To learn more about Chris Jordan, click HERE.