Two mayoral races to be decided

RITZVILLE – In an unusual election twist, voters in both Lind and Ritzville will decide mayoral races on Tuesday, Nov. 2.

In another unusual twist, both races include former two-term mayors, neither of whom currently hold elected office.

The regular election cycle for Lind has the mayoral seat up for election in 2021. But in Ritzville, a two-year unexpired term of former Mayor Gary Cook has Ritzville electing a city leader, as well.

Ritzville will have another mayoral election in 2023.

In Lind, incumbent Paula Bell is challenged by former two-term mayor and challenger Jamie Schmunk.

Bell was appointed to a seat on the Lind Town Council in 2008, and won election for mayor, with her term beginning in 2018.

Bell has lived in Lind since 1976 and is a retired teacher from the Lind School District.

Schmunk served as Lind mayor from 2010-18 and is the current president of the Lind Chamber of Commerce.

Both candidates cite infrastructure improvements as a priority.

Bell says the town has completed $2 million worth of water system improvements in her first term, at no direct expense to Lind residents.

Schmunk says she was able to bring in $6 million worth of infrastructure grants during her two terms as mayor.

In recent months, Bell has come under fire from residents concerned over her handling of a residential water-connection issue and inability to provide documentation of rates.

In Ritzville, interim and former two-term Mayor Linda Kadlec, who left elected office in 2016, is challenged by City Councilman Dennis Chamberlain.

The two are competing for the remaining 2-year unexpired term of Cook.

Kadlec was appointed interim mayor by the City Council on April 1, following the resignation of Mayor Gary Cook, who retired and moved out of town.

Chamberlain also submitted a letter of interest in the interim position, but subsequently withdrew from the process.

Kadlec cites infrastructure improvement projects, economic development and efforts to clean up the city as her priorities.

Chamberlain points to needed street, sewer and water improvements, along with police and fire protection as his priorities.

Ballots were mailed to registered voters Oct. 15, and can be returned by mail, with no postage required.

Adams County Auditor Heidi Hunt said voters should return ballots as early as possible.

Ballots must be postmarked Nov. 2 to be counted.

In lieu of mailing, voters can drop off completed ballots at the following locations:

• Adams County Auditor’s Office, 210 W. Broadway St., Ritzville

• Ritzville City Hall, 216 W. Main Ave., Ritzville

• Lind Town Hall, 116½ W. Second St., Lind

• Washtucna Town Hall, 165 S. Main St., Washtucna