The Deer Park Gazette posed five questions to city council & mayoral candidates in the upcoming election, including those running unopposed. These questions delve into candidates’ priorities, views, perspectives, approaches, and how personal beliefs have shaped their direction.

This year, six candidates are campaigning for four council positions and the mayor’s seat. We sent our questions to every candidate, regardless of whether they are running in an opposed position. We believe that even unopposed candidates should be asked to share their views—doing so holds them accountable, helps the community understand their priorities, and gives voters insight into how they plan to represent the city. It also promotes transparency and keeps residents engaged in local government.

Mayor Timothy Verzal, Council Member Jason Upchurch, Council Member Ellen Standen, and Council Member Chase Vining are all running unopposed. This will be the first election for Standen and Vining, as both were initially appointed by the City Council through an interview process rather than elected by voters. Since the last election, Deer Park has added two new council positions as required by state law due to population growth. David Aufdencamp and Tony Bailey are competing for Council Position No. 6.

The Gazette’s questions focus on each candidate’s priorities, views on creating a city police department, perspectives on growth, approach to potential land sales involving the school district, and reflections on how a change in belief has shaped their direction.

Questions were sent to all six candidates; all candidates responded except for Jason Upchurch.  Thank you to all the candidates who responded to our questions. 

For Mayor – Incumbent Timothy Verzal
Timothy Verzal
Unopposed

For Council Position 1 – Incumbent Jason Upchurch
Jason Upchurch
Unopposed

For Council Position 3 – Incumbent Appointed Ellen Standen
Ellen Standen
Unopposed

For Council Position 6 – Incumbent Appointed Tom Gaines
David Aufdencamp
Tony Bailey

For Council Position 7 – Incumbent Appointed Chase Vining
Chase Vining
Unopposed

What is the most important issue to you, and what changes do you want to make?

Tim Verzal for Mayor
Public safety is my most important issue, I will be adding a fourth deputy

Ellen Standen for Council Position 3
Since my appointment to the city council last year, I have participated in both the Downtown Revitalization group and the Park Taskforce. My aim is to maintain the traditions, values, and character associated with Deer Park. My focus includes strategic planning, supporting local businesses, and encouraging resident involvement. By focusing on community participation and heritage preservation, Deer Park can achieve sustainable development while maintaining its distinct identity.

David Aufdencamp for Position 6
An important issue is the rapid residential growth in Deer Park.  While we shouldn’t limit growth, we must grow in a responsible and sustainable manner.  As part of the city’s comprehensive plan, we need to ensure support. I would like to see a critical review as part of the comprehensive plan with possible revisions of so they include amble green space and beatification for the city. I believe that growth in the city is good and we should grow in a manner that we can be proud of as we look back to the 2020’s decades from now.

Tony Bailey for Position 6
Managing growth in a structured, uniform and consistent manner.  Deer Park is nearing the maximum developable land that includes necessary utilities.  Strategic planning should involve housing with walkable services, parks and proper road network providing additional arterials through town.  Now is the time to review ingress and egress planning for both the south and north sides of Deer Park.  For instance, a southern parkway from Hwy 395/Dalton Rd to Crawford via Weber Ln, would keep traffic to a minimum in the neighborhoods. A similar exercise for the north side of town.

Chase Vining for Position 7
Public safety is my top priority. A strong city starts with safe neighborhoods, and that means supporting our first responders, investing in crime prevention, and ensuring accountability at every level. I will work with the rest of the council to create policies that keep our residents safe today and prepare our city for a safer tomorrow with the inevitable growth.

Why do you think Deer Park should or should not have its own police department?

Tim Verzal for Mayor
At this time, Deer Park should not have its own police department. The need for a clear financial comparison: Before ending its contract with Spokane County, Deer Park needs to contract a Comprehensive Financial Analyzer. This would include the cost of creating and maintaining a city police force, including salaries, benefits, equipment and administrative overhead, versus the cost of contracting with the County for those services.

Ellen Standen for Council Position 3
I do not believe that Deer Park should establish its own police department. Creating a city-run department is not simply a matter of hiring officers—it would require building an entire new infrastructure to support its operations. The cost and potential liability to the city would be significant, and I believe these concerns are best addressed by continuing our partnership with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. This collaboration ensures quality law enforcement services while allowing Deer Park to focus resources on other key priorities

David Aufdencamp for Position 6
Our partnership with Spokane County Sheriff is a proven, cost effective, solution for keeping the people of Deer Park safe.  It is in the city’s best interest to continue this partnership as it is fiscally responsible, keeps the city at lower risk, and is effective in keeping us safe and secure.  The costs and impact of this partnership should be continually monitored, with adjustments made as needed, to maintain security in our growing community. This is a valued partnership that should be strengthened in all aspects of public safety. 

Tony Bailey for Position 6
There are several towns in Eastern Washington that have a police force with a significant budget reduction when compared to Deer Park’s current contract with Spokane County. Aside from cost, measuring city liability will take some effort to normalize between the two models of city police vs county sheriffs. Lastly, the city needs to review proper levels of staffing, response timing across city limits and long-term return on owning city assets. Data is imperative! 

Chase Vining for Position 7
I believe that as Deer Park continues to grow, it makes sense to explore the idea of having our own police department in the future. Public safety is my top priority, and a local department could give us more direct control and responsiveness. That said, any decision must make sense with our budget and be sustainable for taxpayers. In the meantime, I have deep respect and appreciation for the Spokane County Sheriff’s deputies, who continue to do an outstanding job serving and protecting our community.

What kind of growth do you think is most beneficial for Deer Park, and what kind of growth should the city be cautious about?

Tim Verzal for Mayor
Businesses, retail in the city and manufacturing jobs in the industrial park. The City should be cautious about residential housing, it is putting a strain on the infrastructure of the City.

Ellen Standen for Council Position 3
Deer Park has recently seen mainly residential growth. Expanding retail and light industrial areas could increase shopping options, support local sales tax revenue, and provide more employment opportunities. Sustainable and balanced development may address population needs while preserving the community’s characteristics. It is important to evaluate existing infrastructure and identify any deficiencies as the area grows.

David Aufdencamp for Position 6
Growth is essential for a city’s prosperity.  Residential and business growth benefit people by increasing tax base and giving options for local employment and retail.  With residential growth, we have a higher likelihood of dining and retail growth in the city. In addition to growth in the retail and service industries, attracting businesses, such as manufacturing, that provide good employment opportunities is essential.  These jobs with a living wage provide opportunities to spend that hard earned dollar locally.  The local city government should help facilitate growth with supporting infrastructure. We should be cautious about growth without proper foundations.

Tony Bailey for Position 6
Sales tax generating businesses will aid in funding infrastructure, school and public safety needs now and into the future.  Focused recruitment on quick service restaurants, fast casual and additional service focused businesses have my advocation for the most beneficial growth areas for Deer Park.

Chase Vining for Position 7
I believe the most beneficial growth for Deer Park is economic growth that supports local businesses and attracts new ones. By being business-friendly, we can create jobs, strengthen our local economy, and keep more resources within our community. We should be cautious, however, of rapid or poorly planned growth that strains our infrastructure or changes the small-town character that makes Deer Park a great place to live.

The Deer Park School District has expressed interest in purchasing city-owned land for potential school or district use. How do you think the City Council should evaluate and handle such land-sale proposals to ensure the best outcome for Deer Park residents?

Tim Verzal for Mayor
Selling City owned land to the Deer Park School District can benefit the City by empowering the overall communities economic and social wellbeing, which in turn boosts the “payback” value of the transaction.

Ellen Standen for Council Position 3
The Deer Park School District has entered into an agreement with the city to acquire, at a reduced price, the last remaining property within city limits for potential future school district expansion. This decision aims to address growth in the area. Supporting our educational institutions ensures they continue to contribute positively to the community which is the best outcome for Deer Park residents.

David Aufdencamp for Position 6
Successful communities have a strong partnership between the city and the local school district.  We must work together in a manner that helps fulfill the mission of both.  We are very fortunate that an opportunity like this land sale exists that can help the school district and the city.  I support the sale of this land given it is not a tax burden to members of the school district and assurance that the school district will use the property to benefit the students and citizens of Deer Park.

Tony Bailey for Position 6
A review of current city owned property would be my first step.  Is any of the currently held property excess or nonessential?  Sell these items and utilize these dollars towards the purchase of school district property.   The remaining funds balance should come from annual budget efficiencies, public levy or city surplus funds.

Chase Vining for Position 7
I strongly support the Deer Park School District, as they are educating the future leaders of our community and nation. At the same time, the City Council must carefully evaluate any land-sale proposals to ensure they make sense for taxpayers and benefit Deer Park as a whole. That means reviewing potential sales thoroughly, considering long-term impacts, and working collaboratively with the district to achieve outcomes that strengthen both our schools and our community.

What is a deeply held belief that you now believe was wrong, and how has that changed your direction?

Tim Verzal for Mayor
No reply

Ellen Standen for Council Position 3
Life events can lead people to reconsider their beliefs, not necessarily because they were wrong, but as an opportunity to reflect and reevaluate. Public service as a city councilperson was never one of my life plans but I am finding it a real growth and learning experience.

David Aufdencamp for Position 6
I used to think we achieve our goals just by working hard. While I still believe that hard work is important, we achieve much more by working together and serving each other.  I now realize that community service is a fundamental value and a value that I hope many hold.  I am fortunate to serve people of Deer Park by volunteering at the Eagles, the Greenhouse Food Bank, the Santa Express through the Kiwanis, and as a member of the Deer Park Parks, Recreation, and Open Space task force.  We must serve each other and be kind to one another.

Tony Bailey for Position 6
I once believed people lowered their fervor for action as they progressed in life.  This thought could not have been more wrong.   Over the last couple of years, I have had countless conversations with citizens of Deer Park.  Many adults want a safe, fun and innovative city.  The vision that I have gleaned from the many  citizens is for Deer Park to be a city where all can “Live, work and play”!

Chase Vining for Position 7
I used to believe that leadership was about giving orders and directing others. I’ve learned that effective leadership is about listening, building trust, and bringing people together to solve problems. This realization has shaped how I approach decisions, ensuring that every choice I make reflects the needs, safety, and best interests of Deer Park residents.