Hello, Liberty Lake!
My name is Wendy Van Orman, and I am running to be a Liberty Lake City Council member in position seven.
A little bit about me
I grew up in Spokane and have been proud to call Liberty Lake my home since 1994. I am dedicated to making Liberty Lake an even better place to live, work, and raise a family. I am committed to strong family values and service to my community.
I have been happily married to my husband Darren for over 40 years, and together we have three wonderful children and ten precious grandchildren.
As the Chief Financial Officer of Quality Hardwood Floors, a family business, I understand the value of hard work, fiscal responsibility, and the importance of supporting local businesses to strengthen our economy and sustainability as a community.
Further, beyond Liberty Lake, like you, I am a citizen of the greater Spokane-Coeur d’Alene area, Washington, US, Earth, and I want to see my local community thrive. I am committed to building connections, creating dialogue, and advocating on broader issues – with input from and on behalf of the people of our city.
My Experience
Active Community Engagement and Transformative Leadership
Throughout the years, I have actively engaged in various community organizations, all with the aim of making Liberty Lake thrive. I am a proud member of the Liberty Lake Lion’s Club, where I have worked alongside fellow community members to make a positive impact through service projects and charitable initiatives.
In 1999, I co-founded the Liberty Lake SCOPE (Sheriff’s Community Oriented Policing Effort) along with Karen Pagliaro, a program dedicated to enhancing public safety and building strong relationships between law enforcement and our community. Serving on the Governance Study Group, I had the opportunity to contribute to shaping the future governance and chose to become a city.
Contributing to Future Governance and City Incorporation
As a member of the Governance Study Group, I actively participated in shaping the future governance of our community. In this role, we thoroughly researched all five options for governance, conducted community surveys, and performed a feasibility study to assess our revenue capacity for supporting essential services.
In the early 2000s, I proudly served as a spokesperson for Liberty Lake 2000, advocating for the incorporation of our city. Witnessing the birth of Liberty Lake as an incorporated city was an incredible milestone, and it ignited my passion for public service. Served as chair of the county/city services transition team.
Chairing the County/City Services Transition Team
As the Chair of the county/city services transition team, I led efforts to research and plan essential services for our community, including Public Safety, roads, and animal control. Our comprehensive blueprints provided invaluable guidance to the incoming Mayor and Council, enabling a smooth setup of necessary infrastructure and services from scratch. Together, we ensured a seamless transition and efficient governance for our residents.
As a member of the Liberty Lake City Council from 2001 to 2007 in position #1, I played a pivotal role in advancing our community. During my tenure, I contributed to the creation of essential frameworks such as Tree City USA, trail systems, SAP for River District, Trutina, Rocky Hill, Stonehill, TIF/LIFT, public safety, and the comprehensive plan.
Enhancing Parks and Open Spaces, Underground Utilities, and Community Beautification
With a focus on thoughtful planning, our community has prioritized the allocation of 30 acres of parks and open spaces for every 1,000 acres of land. This commitment ensures that residents have ample access to green areas where they can relax, play, and connect with nature.
Additionally, we have invested in underground utilities, minimizing visual clutter and preserving the natural beauty of our surroundings. By concealing utility lines, we maintain a clean and unobstructed landscape, allowing our community to flourish aesthetically.
Furthermore, our dedication to signage standards and beautification aesthetics throughout the community creates a cohesive and visually appealing environment. We understand the importance of consistent signage and attractive aesthetics, which enhance the overall experience for residents and visitors alike.
Through these initiatives, we strive to create a harmonious blend of functional infrastructure and visual appeal, ensuring that Liberty Lake remains a vibrant and beautiful place to call home.
These initiatives were carefully crafted to promote growth, sustainability, and a high quality of life for all residents. With unwavering dedication, I represented our community’s interests and made informed decisions to shape the future of Liberty Lake.
Building Character, Empowering Youth: PACE and Community Values
Partners Advancing Character Education (PACE) was established in 2009 in a quaint building adjacent to Liberty Lake City Hall. Alongside former Superintendent Ben Small, I played a key role in championing Character Education and collaborated with board members to establish our own Non-Profit 501c3 organization. Serving as treasurer until 2022, I have been actively involved in PACE’s mission to promote strong values and character development among youth across 72 schools in the Greater Spokane Valley, Tekoa, Freeman, and West Plains areas. Working in partnership with businesses, government, education, faith-based organizations, and families, PACE illuminates the importance of character traits in our community.
“Bringing good character to light“
Partners Advancing Character Education (PACE)
Leadership for a Vibrant and Inclusive Liberty Lake
I had the honor of serving as the Mayor of Liberty Lake from 2008 to 2011. As Mayor, I focused on fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment, listening to the concerns and aspirations of our residents, and working tirelessly to make Liberty Lake an even more vibrant and thriving city.
Achievements for Our Community
Purchase of Trailhead Golf Course & Renovation
Investing into our very first purchase of what is now Trailhead Golf Course, prevented the property from becoming multi-family housing.
After 21 years, it has now been rebuilt with the community’s needs in mind.
A Community Space to hold larger functions with the deck space able to open with breathtaking views, Pro Golf Shop and Restaurant.
Purchase of Library/Public Safety Building: Ensuring Access to Knowledge and Safety
Investing in our community’s infrastructure is essential for its growth and prosperity. During my tenure as Mayor, I made the successful purchase of the Library/Public Safety Building. A building renovated and paid in full to support two main services. We then sought to supply this space with a bit of ingenuity, furniture on Craigslist.
This important investment has allowed us to enhance our library services while also improving public safety.
By providing a modern and secure facility for both library resources and our dedicated public safety personnel, we have prioritized the well-being of our residents.
Skate Park: Promoting Recreation and Youth Engagement
Recognizing the need for recreational spaces that cater to the diverse interests of our community, I championed the development of a state-of-the-art skate park.
This exciting project provides a safe and enjoyable environment for our youth to engage in physical activity, foster creativity, and build a sense of community.
By investing in recreational opportunities, we promote healthy lifestyles and support the growth and development of our younger generation.
Rocky Hill Park: Preserving Natural Beauty and Green Spaces
Our city is blessed with natural beauty, and it is our responsibility to protect and preserve these valuable resources. As mayor, I led the efforts to establish Rocky Hill Park, a serene oasis that offers residents a peaceful retreat and a connection to nature.
Adding community gardens to this space and seeking grants for a 15 acre Park.
By creating and maintaining green spaces, we enhance the quality of life in our community, promote outdoor activities, and protect our environment for future generations to enjoy.
Fiscal Responsibility during Economic Downturn: Navigating Challenges with Care and Prudence
The economic downturn of 2010 posed significant challenges for our community. However, through prudent financial management and careful decision-making, we successfully steered Liberty Lake towards stability. I prioritized sound fiscal policies to ensure that our city remained financially secure while delivering essential services and maintaining a high standard of living for our residents. By making tough but necessary choices, we safeguarded our community’s well-being and positioned it for a resilient recovery.
These accomplishments reflect my commitment to serving the best interests of Liberty Lake and its residents. By investing in vital infrastructure, recreational spaces, and maintaining fiscal responsibility, I have strived to make our community a better place for everyone.
Dedicated Representation and Collaborative Leadership
Since 2022, I have served in Position #7, bringing experience and passion to serve you. With a deep commitment to our community, I am eager to listen, advocate for your needs, and ensure your voice is heard. I believe in transparent and accountable governance, responsible fiscal management, and strategic planning to ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for our city.
Through active community engagement, open dialogue, and a commitment to listening to your concerns, I will be your voice on the City Council. Together, we can address the challenges and build a better Liberty Lake for generations to come.
I humbly ask for your support and vote in the upcoming election. Let’s work hand in hand to create a stronger, safer, and more vibrant Liberty Lake. Together, we can make a difference!
Thank you,
Wendy Van Orman