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OUR MISSION
To encourage member participation in local elections and support candidates for elected office
who best represent the pro-growth and pro-business values of our Association.
THIS GUIDE
Below you will find information about candidates endorsed by the Spokane Home Builders Association.
These individuals represented here have been vetted by our members, understand the issues facing our industry,
and will fight for home builders when in office.
LEARN MORE
If you have any questions about Spokane Home Builders Association advocacy efforts, have industry-related issues,
or would like to join our Government Affairs or Political Action Committees, please contact Isaiah Paine at
isaiahp@shba.com or 509-532-4990.
FIND A CANDIDATE
Jonathan Bingle, District 1, Pos. 2
Experience: Small business owner, former pastor.
Education: Graduated from Rodgers High School and studied at Spokane Community College.
Website: jonathanbingle.com
Why We Support:
Jonathan is a member of SHBA as the owner of a remodeling company. Jonathan not only understands the needs of our industry and will fight to ease regulatory burdens that keep families from attainable housing, but he also knows Northeast Spokane well as a longtime resident of the City.
Mike Lish, District 3, Pos. 2
Experience: Small business owner of D’Lish Hamburgers
Education: Graduated from Liberty High School and Colorado School of Trades.
Website: mikelishforspokane.com
Why We Support:
Mike understands what it takes to operate a business and provide jobs for those in our community. That experience makes him the ideal candidate to represent small businesses and ensure fair and efficient housing policies.
Betsy Wilkerson, District 2, Pos. 2
Experience: Current City Council member. Small business owner, on the board of the Carl Maxey Center.
Education: Graduated from Lewis and Clark High School, Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas.
Website: electwilkerson.com
Why We Support:
Betsy places a high value on homeownership. As a businessowner, she knows how crucial good housing policy is to ensuring as many people as possible are able to experience the benefits of owning their own home and building generational wealth.
Ben Wick, Mayor Pos. 4
Experience: Serving his second term on City Council, currently serving as Spokane Valley mayor. Owner of local newspapers: Spokane Valley Current and Liberty Lake Splash.
Education: East Valley High School graduate. Graduated from Eastern Washington University summa cum laude with a degree in computer science.
Website: reelectbenwick.org
Why We Support:
As Mayor, Ben has continued to move Spokane Valley forward as a leader in our region. Ben not only continues to push for the limited-government approach of a contract city, Ben also has a keen awareness of how the Growth Management Act affects not only Spokane Valley, but our region as a whole.
Rod Higgins, Council Pos. 1
Experience: Was appointed to Spokane Valley City Council in 2013. Elected to the seat in 2013 and 2017. Served as mayor from 2016 to 2020. Was the Executive Director of the Nevada Mining Association.
Education: Graduated from the University of Idaho
Website: reelectrodhiggins.us
Why We Support:
Rod has been supported by the SHBA for many years as a staunch advocate for individual liberties and good housing policy. His experience will prove valuable as the city council continues on its path of smart growth.
Pamela Haley, Council Pos. 5
Experience: Current Spokane Valley City Council member. Campaigned for Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley. Owns Rainbow Connection daycare in downtown Spokane and is part owner of two other childcare facilities. Part owner of Paint and Pints, also in downtown Spokane.
Education: Graduated from Central Valley High School in 1975. Obtained a master’s degree in business administration from Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa, in 2000. Earned master’s degree in education from Capella online university, in 2010.
Website: votepamhaley.com
Why We Support:
Pam has a strong history of supporting SHBA members and the housing industry. Her principled approach has been a benefit to the City of Spokane Valley and will be for the next four years.
Laura Padden, Council Pos. 7
Experience: Web and Application Developer/Integrator for the Community Colleges of Spokane. Married Mike Padden, current 4th District State Senator.
Education: Graduated high school from Holy Names Academy in Spokane. Earned a B.S. in Police Science and Administration from Washington State University, and a B.S. in Computer Science from Eastern Washington University.
Website: paddenforcouncil.com
Why We Support:
Laura Padden may be a newcomer to the ballot, but she brings a wealth of knowledge to the position. Her strong principles and fresh perspective will be a welcome addition to the city council.
Dustin Swartz, Council Pos. 2
Experience: Chair of the Grant County Home Builders Association, small business owner in the construction industry.
Education: Moses Lake High School, Bellevue College and Central Washington University.
Mark Fancher, Council Pos. 4
Experience: President of Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce, on the Board of Directors of the Grant County Economic Development Council. Relator. Member of Grant County Home Builders Association.
Education: Moses Lake High School
Why We Support:
Moses Lake is at a crossroads and needs leaders who understand the housing industry and what policies are needed to move forward. As members of the Association, Dustin and Mark both know how our members are impacted by the decisions of local government and will bring much needed perspective.
Steve Peterson, Mayor Pos. 7
Experience: First elected mayor of Liberty Lake in 2001 and served until 2007. Re-elected as mayor in 2011 and served until 2020.
Education: Graduated from Mount Rainier High School in Des Moines, Washington, in 1968. Graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1973.
Website: Mayorstevepeterson.com
Chris Cargill, Council Pos. 2
Experience: Eastern Washington Director for Washington Policy Center (WPC).
Education: Graduated from Central Valley High School, and Gonzaga University with a B.A. in Broadcasting and Political Science.
Website: Cargillforcouncil.com
Jamie Baird, Council Pos. 4
Experience: Member of the Liberty Lake Planning Commission.
Education: B.A. Political Science and History from the University of North Carolina–Greensboro and M.A. American Government, Law and Public Policy from Regent University
Hazel McGillivray, Mayor
Experience: Served in the United States Air Force, does home renovations.
Education: Graduated from Antioch (California) High School.
Website: votehazel.com
Jason Upchurch, Council Pos. 1
Experience: Serves on the Deer Park Planning Commission. Pastor, former home remodeler
Education: Graduated from Hanford High School in Richland and earned an associate degree in general studies from Columbia Basin College. He holds a bachelor's degree in theology from The Master's University in Santa Clarita, California, and attended graduate school at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kentucky.
Website: voteforjasonupchurch.com
Richard Schut, Council Pos. 3
Experience: Has served 4 years on Deer Park City Council. Owns a small business specializing in marketing and IT.
Education: Earned his GED
Why We Support:
As the North South Freeway nears completion, Deer Park has grown swiftly in the last several years. This trend will continue and it is important that city leaders are elected who will champion smart growth policies to best serve Deer Park and the community as a whole. These candidates represent that leadership.
Terri Cooper, Mayor
Experience: Served 23 years in municipal government experience as the appointed Municipal Court Administrator. Founding member of the Washington State Association of Youth Courts and the Eastern Washington Court Managers.
Education: Medical Lake High School, Eastern Washington University and WGU.
Website: terricooperformayor.com
