SPOKANE, Wash. — Voters in parts of Spokane County will decide between two candidates with contrasting backgrounds and priorities in the race for the County Commissioner District 4 seat.
Rachelle Miller and Suzanne Schmidt are competing for the position that represents areas including Southern Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Spangle and Rockford. The successful candidate will take Mary Brooks’ spot on the Board of County Commissioners and help shape the county’s budget and policies.
Miller, a licensed independent clinical social worker, is making her first run for elected office. She entered the race as a write-in, independent candidate in the primary, driven by concerns about data center development in the county.
Miller worries about what a data center in the county could mean for utility rates and water usage. She doesn’t want any data centers to be built until the county has a full understanding of the possible impacts.
“I would like to see a complete halt until we have definite plans for safety regulations,” Miller said. “At this point, it’s not appropriate for our community.”
Miller argues that her lack of political experience and independence from party politics could be an asset to the county.
“I’m not tied to any political organization,” Miller said. “I am here for the people. And I think the polarization and the fear needs to stop.”
Schmidt brings more political experience to the race. A Republican, she has served two terms as a state representative. She shares Miller’s concerns about data centers and supports the county commissioners’ decision to pause further development until more information becomes available.
However, Schmidt’s primary goal is addressing a more than $20 million hole in the county budget — but without raising taxes on residents.
“When I’m out meeting with people, and I’m door belling, the biggest response that I get from people is property tax and worried about property tax,” Schmidt said.
Instead of increasing property taxes, Schmidt wants to expand the county’s tax base by attracting new businesses to the area.
When it comes to budget issues, Miller said she wants to examine how the county found itself in this position in the first place and work with experts to find a long-term solution.
Meanwhile, Schmidt emphasizes her legislative experience and history of working across the aisle.
“I feel like my record shows that I’m not leaning one way or the other,” Schmidt said. “I’m actually looking at things and always trying to put Spokane County first, and looking at what’s best for the whole county.”
The winner of the race will serve a four-year term.
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