2024 Endorsements & Elections

Spokane City Counil

WE ARE PROUD TO ENDORSE:

Zack Zappone

Bio

Born and raised in Spokane to a working class, union family, Zack Zappone graduated from North Central, just like his grandpa, before working at McDonalds to put himself through college. Zack earned a full ride scholarship to study Public Policy and Urban Planning at Princeton. While his peers went off to work on Wall Street, Zack returned home to teach in English and history in our public schools.

After getting elected to the city council in 2021, Zack is running for re-election to keep fighting for Spokane’s working and middle class families by improving public safety, addressing affordability, and building 21st century infrastructure. While raising his family, Zack also teaches social studies part-time at his alma mater North Central High School.

Sarah Dixit

Bio

Sarah was born and raised in Pasadena, California, in an Indian immigrant household, where family was the central pillar for her. She is a firm believer that it takes a village to raise the next generation.

She learned how to work hard as a young kid in her father’s gas station. Barely tall enough to see over the counter, she loved meeting the diverse people of the community she was a part of.

In 2014, Sarah moved to Spokane to attend Whitworth University, where she graduated with a Sociology degree.

At Whitworth, her education was more than the lectures in a classroom—it was centered around being in the city and connecting with the larger community.

Upon graduating she began work as an organizer at the local Planned Parenthood, where she mentored college and high school students, educated folks on healthy relationships, uplifted civic engagement, and advocated for policies that would help people both in and outside of Spokane.

In 2023, Sarah became the Organizing Director at Pro-Choice Washington where she continues the work towards reproductive freedom.

She also serves as the Board President of Asians for Collective Liberation, and is the Chair for the city’s Equity Subcommittee. This work has taught her that everyone’s voice and perspective is important. That we all deserve to have a roof over our heads, food on the table, clean water, and so much more. 

Sarah’s near decade-long career in community organizing has prepared her to build connections, engage in dialogue, and take action.

You’ll often find her riding her bike on the centennial trail, sitting at one of the many beloved coffeeshops around town, supporting our local music and art scene, and more!

You can’t choose where you’re born, but you can choose where you call home. Spokane has been Sarah’s home for the past 11 years and she’s dedicated to making it a place where everyone belongs.

 

kate Telis

Bio

Community involvement, public service, and public safety have been key themes throughout Kate’s entire life. Kate and her family have proudly made their forever home in Spokane (the biggest small town you’ll ever live in.) She is running for Spokane City Council to listen, collaborate, and lead with vision on behalf of everyone in this great city.

Kate’s titles have included prosecutor, community organizer, actress, singer, avid coffee drinker, and explorer of the outdoors. However, it’s the titles of mom, daughter, and community organizer that compel her to promote smart public policy within her community. Smart decisions now will help Spokane to live up to its fullest potential as a safe, welcoming, and thriving city in the short-term and for generations to come. 

Kate believes in a collaborative approach to policy making, one that makes sure all sectors of our society, despite ideologies, have opportunities for meaningful input. Although arguably more time-consuming and arduous, decisions made when each varied perspective—and expertise—is considered ultimately yields better results for all Spokanites.

 Kate envisions a Spokane where:

  • Elected leaders listen to ALL their constituents and act accordingly.

  • Downtown Spokane and the surrounding neighborhoods are thriving and safe.

  • The economy is booming, and business owners feel valued and heard.

  • Seniors continue to benefit from Spokane’s offerings including policies that let seniors age in place with accessibility and proximity to health care. 

  • Pristine rivers, mountains, and fresh air are available for the recreational enjoyment of all. 

  • Career and personal opportunities abound, making Spokane desirable for recent graduates and early-career adults.  

Spokane can be a city where residents prosper and live in safe neighborhoods surrounded by a pristine natural environment. With her experience, and the tenacity required to run up Doomsday Hill on Bloomsday, Kate is stepping up to serve and to make this vision a reality through smart, forward-thinking, and well-balanced policy, and she wants YOU to join her on the campaign trail! Let’s get to work!