Clarkston council hopefuls spar over fire dept.

Oct. 15--When it comes to city business, Clarkston City Councilor John Murray and his opponent, Melyssa Andrews, disagree on one major issue.

He was one of three councilors who voted against adding two full-time firefighters to the roster. She was in the audience, frequently speaking out in support of the additional personnel.

The controversial measure passed last month, but Murray believes the decision to have 12 career firefighters on duty instead of 10 will drain city coffers and ultimately translate into higher sales taxes, property taxes or fees for residents.

"I suspect the fire union is trying to be a power broker in the city of Clarkston," Murray said. "I believe the fire union is more interested in feathering its own nest than the future of Clarkston."

Andrews, who lists union bargaining, lobbyist and activist as part of her political experience, said the Clarkston Fire Department has come to the rescue of her family more than once and is worth any price.

Although a steady stream of revenue to fund the positions has not been identified, Andrews believes grant money should be sought to help cover the costs. She also supports the emergency medical services levy and a proposed bond to improve Clarkston schools.

"The decision to run was based on my daughter," Andrews said. "I'm trying to make things better for her. I have experience working with the elderly and unions. I'm good at mediation. I want to be the person in the middle who finds resolutions for both sides."

The bottom line is important to the incumbent, along with the rights of property owners.

Murray, a former planner for the city of Lewiston, said Clarkston has to get a grip on increasing labor costs and needs to find some creative solutions to its budgetary problems. The addition of two firefighters alone will cost the city about $200,000 to $300,000 more a year, he said.

"We will likely have to consider consolidating fire services with the county in the next five years," Murray said. "We should begin examining contracting out other services, which will lead to reductions in our workforce."

At this point, Clarkston needs another big-box store or boat manufacturer to locate inside city limits, he said. Land is available, and the city is known as an "easy" place to build.

"The current council is creative and active," Murray said. "I have faith that we will find a way to attract development and find a solution to our budget problems, but it will take leadership and knowledge. I hope to continue to bring those qualities to the city council."

Both candidates agree annexing more property into the city is a long shot. Asotin County residents would have to approve the move, and most are not interested in giving up animal rights nor paying higher taxes.

Andrews, who is a horse lover, grew up in New Mexico and graduated from high school at the age of 16. She recently told a gathering that some people say she's smart and others say she's a smart aleck.

"I think I'm both," Andrews said.

She's also ambitious. If Andrews is successful in the general election, she hopes to use the city position as a spring board to possibly becoming a state lawmaker.

"I don't want to work for you," she said at a recent candidate forum. "I want to work with you."

Ballots will go in the mail this week and must be postmarked no later than Nov. 7.

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Sandaine may be contacted at kerris@lmtribune.com or (208) 848-2264. Follow her on Twitter @newsfromkerri.

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