The Candidates Debate!

Elijah White
As a proud Chamber Ambassador for several years, I’ve been deeply involved in the Chehalis business community—showing up, volunteering, and helping support local businesses.

I’m running for Chehalis City Council and my priorities are simple: keep taxes low, invest in infrastructure, and ensure City Hall works for the people it serves—including our small business owners.

We’re facing serious issues right now—the loss of the Dairygold tax revenue, new questions about property assessments, and the UGA annexation. This will impact every business and homeowner in Chehalis. You deserve a representative who isn’t just going to shift the burden onto your shoulders.

My roots run deep here. My grandfather, my father, my wife, my son, and my baby daughter—we all call Chehalis home. I’m fighting for my family, and if you have a family here, I’m fighting for yours too.

From Chehalis. For Chehalis.

Council Position #2
Incumbent Kevin Carns
As your Chehalis City Councilmember in the District 2 At-Large seat, I have stood firmly for fiscal responsibility and community safety.

I was the only councilmember to vote no on double-digit utility tax increases that burden working families and small businesses. I also opposed a half-million-dollar study the city simply cannot afford, choosing instead to prioritize critical infrastructure and essential services.

I will continue to treat every dollar we spend like it came from a hard-working taxpayer, because it did. I strongly oppose allowing vehicle camping in neighborhoods or near schools, recognizing the importance of protecting our children and preserving the character of our community.

I am committed to responsible government, lower taxes, and safe neighborhoods. I grew up in Chehalis, served our country as a United States Army Paratrooper and attended W.F. West, Centralia College, The Yale School of Management, and the University of Oxford.

All three legislators from the 20th District support me, and I collaborate with them to improve our community. I am honored to serve the citizens of my hometown and pledge to continue to be the voice of reason on your city council.

Jack-Allen Snodgrass
Hello, my name is Jack-Allen Snodgrass and I’m currently running for Chehalis city council position number 2 at large.

Living in Chehalis for the last four years, I have grown to love and become a part of this beautiful community we share. We are a rapidly growing community with all the opportunities and challenges that that entails.

Small business and new job opportunities are essential to helping foster that continued expansion and successful, sustainable growth. Our small business community is one of the things that sets us apart from many, and is a huge part of the character of our town.

From industry to small cafés, we should strive to create an environment that allows new business opportunities to succeed, and continue to support the businesses we all know and love.

City Council should be a conduit for the concerns of our constituents, and a way to foster a dialogue between residents and local government. I look forward to having those dialogues and supporting our community to the fullest capability.

We stand presented with an incredible opportunity to build a thriving city we can all be proud to call home. Let’s do it together.

Council Position #3
Incumbent Bob Spahr
As a native Chehalis Resident, I attended local schools and Centralia College. I married my wife, Jackie, in 1963 and we raised our three children here. My career spanned both self-employment and management roles, primarily in the credit/financial industry and real estate.

I’ve been active in numerous organizations, including, but not limited to, Jaycees, Sertoma, Lewis County Alliance and Miss Lewis County Scholarship Pageant. For the past eight years, I have volunteered as an assistant coach for the W.F. West Girls Bowling Team.

I’ve proudly served on the Chehalis City Council for 36 years, including several years as Mayor. With my 36 years experience on the City Council, I bring valuable knowledge about our city’s history, the council’s operations, and a deep love for our community.

The Council’s collective makeup is especially important as we face critical decisions in the coming years.

One major decision is the annexation of the Industrial Park and residential area around the city boundary. Although studied multiple times, it was never shown to be feasible due to external roadblocks causing excessive costs. Now, the timing may be right. My historical knowledge of this project will be most beneficial seeing it through to the end.

Jessie Carver
As a candidate for Chehalis City Council, I believe in a fresh perspective for our city. I bring an understanding of the current challenges facing working families, older adults, and young professionals.

My platform prioritizes a responsible and fiscally sound city budget, crucial for sustained growth and development. I advocate for reviewing city zoning rules and permitting processes to remove barriers to progress, ensuring Chehalis remains a vibrant place for future generations to thrive.

Addressing homelessness proactively is also key. I propose formalizing collaboration between community providers and the city to evaluate and understand the root causes, fostering effective solutions and program outcomes.

My experience as an attorney in the social services sector, representing hundreds of seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities, has honed my advocacy skills. As a community organizer, I’ve successfully brought diverse stakeholders together, demonstrating my ability to find common ground and achieve results.

I am committed to making Chehalis a city where businesses flourish and families are heard. I ask for your vote on November 4, 2025, to build a stronger Chehalis together.

CITY OF CENTRALIA
District #1
Incumbent Norm Chapman
Elected Experience – Appointed to fill the City Council District 1 seat in September 2024
Other Professional Experience – Retired CWO4 Engineering Warrant Officer US Coast Guard & Reserve 32 yrs. Retired Professor of Automotive Technology and Dean at SPSCC 31 years

Education – BA Degree Industrial Technology Humboldt State University; MA Degree Education with Power & Transportation Emphasis Humboldt State University 1987

Community Service – City of Centralia Planning Commission 2019–2024; City of Centralia representative LAND (Local Action Non-Dam) Flood Steering Committee

Statement – I am not a politician and it was not on my bucket list in retirement. This is a great small city with a lot of charm. Our future depends on well thought decisions on several topics:

• Smart land development and code structure

• Ensuring public safety is a priority

• Economic Development with a whole lot of input by local business leaders and community partners

• Maintaining current infrastructure while expanding the parks and trails system

• Balance of housing for all socio-economic levels

• Sustaining Fiscal Responsibility and living with our means – I repeat living within our means

I would be honored to continue representing Centralia Council District 1 for the next 4 years.

Lisa Striedinger
As a mother, wife, and grandmother, I understand the importance of building a community where families and businesses can thrive together.

With an AA in Chemical Dependency and certifications in behavioral health peer support, I bring both professional expertise and lived experience to problem-solving. For years, I have dedicated myself to helping individuals overcome barriers, while also volunteering countless hours to strengthen our community.

I believe that strong partnerships between local government, families, and business owners are essential to creating opportunity and economic growth. As a city councilmember, I will work to support small businesses, encourage local investment, and create a safe, welcoming community where both people and businesses can succeed.

District #2
Ray Chapman-Wilson
I’ve worked as a cabinet maker, a machinist, a fast food worker, a bus driver, a team manager at a furniture making shop, and a home renovation general contractor. This has given me lots of experience in teamwork, budgeting, responsible spending and transparency, all good skills for a City Councilor.

Prosperity: I know how hard people work for their money. I will review contracts that divert local money away and try to find ways we can keep more of our tax dollars local. Also; we need to find a way to limit tax increases on the working class and seniors.

Safety: At a recent Centralia police Town Hall, Chief Caldwell shared crime statistics. From 2023 to 2024, violent crime is down about 40% while overall crime decreased about 10%. Good policing has been key. Infrastructure funds have also helped. When prosperity increases, crime decreases.

Transparency and accountability: When it comes to how the City Council manages the City, our neighbors deserve to be listened to and to have their questions answered by those that serve them. I will answer questions and be responsive to these requests.

Leah Sisemore
I have called Centralia home for the past 11 years, raising my five children here and investing in this community’s future. I am running for City Council because I believe our city’s strength depends on the success of our local businesses.

My background managing programs, budgets, and contracts equips me to prioritize fiscal accountability and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely on infrastructure, public safety, and growth that benefits the business community.

As a parent, I understand how thriving businesses create jobs and stability that families rely on. My work in community advocacy has strengthened my ability to listen, elevate local voices, and turn concerns into practical solutions.

My personal journey overcoming challenges has shaped me into a problem-solver who doesn’t shy away from hard issues.

On the City Council, I will focus on streamlining permits and licensing, making zoning more business-friendly, and keeping our tax and fee structures fair and predictable. I will advocate for downtown revitalization through improved infrastructure and beautification, strengthen public safety so businesses and customers feel secure, and foster strong partnerships with business owners.

My vision is simple: a Centralia where entrepreneurs thrive, families prosper, and our economy grows stronger for the next generation.

District #3
Kevin Curtis
I was born and raised in Centralia. I have seen it grow and change through my life. There are many new and exciting things happening in Centralia and we are fortunate to have many excellent city employees working to maintain and improve our city every day.

As a city councilor I will listen, study and communicate to make the best possible decisions for all the people of Centralia. My goal is to help in the process of keeping our hometown feel, while providing the opportunity for upcoming generations to live and prosper here.

I look forward to working with the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Alliance of Lewis County, the Centralia Downtown Association, the Port of Centralia, Lewis County Commissioners and others to discuss appropriate plans that will benefit our entire community, now and into the future.

As Centralia nears a population of 20,000, we will need appropriate housing levels, solid infrastructure, strong schools, proper law enforcement, clean streets and a prosperous business environment.

I believe we are up to the task, and I would be honored to serve on the council to help see that through.

PORT OF CENTRALIA
District #2

Incumbent Julie Shaffley
During her time as Port Commissioner, Julie Shaffley has played a vital role in promoting economic development and expanding job opportunities across the Port of Centralia district.

Under her leadership, the Port has welcomed major employers such as the Stihl Northwest, UNFI, Walmart Commerce Center, and the new Cascade Community Healthcare facility. These developments have strengthened our local economy and provided hundreds of new jobs for residents.

Additionally, the completion of the I-5 interchange and the arrival of WinCo Foods have improved access, increased commercial activity, and added valuable retail options for the community.

Julie has been a tireless advocate in Olympia, successfully helping to secure over $9 million in grant funding. These funds have allowed the Port to enhance critical infrastructure while maximizing the value of local tax dollars.

As the owner of Good Health Nutrition Center in Centralia for 35 years, Julie understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses.

Julie remains committed to supporting growth that balances the needs of entrepreneurs, families, and future employers.

With your continued support, Julie will ensure the Port stays focused on job creation, responsible development, and long-term prosperity for all of Lewis County.

Re-elect Julie Shaffley — Experience. Honesty. Integrity.

Ally Pickard
Ally Pickard for Centralia Port Commissioner – Stop Raising Taxes – Start Serving People

The Port of Centralia is one of our community’s most powerful economic tools, driving job creation and expanding our tax base. I fully support its growth and continued success.

But despite decades of expansion, taxpayers are now paying more to the Port than to our public library. That’s not right. The Port was intended to be self-sufficient, yet forty years later it remains dependent on property taxes — and those taxes keep climbing every year.

As a long-time public servant with over 15 years of financial management experience, I know how to turn challenges into opportunities. I’m deeply concerned by the Port’s lack of transparency, lack of strategic planning, and questionable financial priorities.

Families and seniors on fixed incomes cannot keep bearing the burden of rising taxes while the Port grows wealthier.

I believe we must set a clear timeline for the Port to become self-sufficient and accountable to the people who fund it.

My goal is not to slow down success, but to restore pride and trust in an institution that should serve every citizen.

Together, we can create a smarter, stronger future.

Pick Pickard this November!