SPOKANE, Wash. — Two candidates for northwest Spokane’s city council seat debated on Thursday, just over a month before Election Day.
Incumbent Zack Zappone faced challenger Christopher Savage in an hour-long debate discussing key issues the City of Spokane is facing.
Both candidates explained why they’re running.
“I am tired of this city going from bad to worse,” Savage said.
“I want everyone to get a fair shot,” Zappone said.
Public safety and homelessness dominated the discussion. Savage said current strategies aren’t working.
“When I’m door-knocking all the doors in my district, I’m hearing constantly complaints about where these shelters are and how they’re being activated,” Savage said.
Zappone pointed to recent progress, including a policy he backed called “H.O.M.E. Starts Here” to boost housing for all income levels.
“This policy about it and support of for is a cohesive, comprehensive, all above strategy to address homelessness,” Zappone said.
Both candidates agree Spokane needs more housing but disagree on how to get there.
Zappone supports tax reform that shifts the burden away from working-class families and onto out-of-town real estate investors.
“To incentivize the under-development of vacant lots that we have all across our city, from downtown, up and down Division to our neighborhoods,” Zappone said.
Savage wants more development and housing options.
“We need to make sure that we also have housing choices and options for everyone, because not everyone wants to live in an apartment,” Savage said.
Savage ended by saying he’s fighting for the city’s future. Zappone highlighted his work on safe streets and affordable housing.
The November election will decide who represents northwest Spokane on city council.
To read more about Zappone go here.
To read more about Savage go here.
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