SPOKANE, Wash. — Two candidates vying for Spokane City Council District 2 debated Thursday over how to handle a controversial camping ban that highlighted their different approaches to public safety.
Alejandro Barrientos and Kate Telis are going head-to-head in the race to represent the southern part of Spokane. The race is one of three city council seats up for grabs this election season.
Barrientos is a businessman and has focused much of his campaign on public safety.
“My top priority is public safety, which should be the top priority of our local government,” he said.
Telis is a former prosecutor who has said her focus is on making everyone’s voice heard.
“I just want to see an environment that’s doing well,” she said. “I want to see people that are thriving in a downtown that is thriving.”
While both candidates agreed on many priorities, they diverged on Proposition One, the camping ban overwhelmingly approved by Spokane voters in 2023. The measure prohibits illegal camping within 1,000 feet of daycare centers, schools, and parks.
The Washington Supreme Court shut down Prop One. This left the decision on if the legislation should be enforced up to city leaders.
Barrientos argued the city should fully reinstate and enforce the voter-approved measure.
“We need to enact the will of the people, which was Proposition One,” Barrientos said during the debate. “We need to work with what the people ask for. And that’s my goal when I get to the City Council.”
Telis took a different stance, arguing the legislation was fundamentally flawed from the start.
“Prop One didn’t work,” Telis said. “We don’t have room in the jails. It’s only going to bring people up further into our neighborhoods. But it also didn’t provide services.”
Despite their party affiliation, both candidates emphasized their willingness to work across party lines if elected to the council.
“What I want to bring to the city council is somebody who can sit at the table with anybody from across party lines and really find solutions,” Barrientos said.
Telis echoed the sentiment, saying she values collaboration.
“I appreciate bringing people together to collaborate and have meaningful discussions. Regardless of what party you’re from,” Telis said.
Voters have until November 4, Election Day, to cast their votes and return their ballots.
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