All Roads Lead to Pullman

March 6, 2026 – I believe it is critical for the people of Pullman to know how their tax dollars are collected and where they are spent. And so, I invited Mayor Francis Benjamin and City Administrator Sean Wells to do a deep dive into the current budget situation and answer your questions.

December 11, 2025 – I recently spoke with Matt Forge, CEO of Pullman Regional Hospital. We talked about growing up in the Lewiston Valley, coming home to the Palouse, and the unique opportunities and challenges of expanding access to healthcare for the entire community.

November 4, 2025 – Early results are in for the general election in Whitman County! Plus, three pieces of advice for the incoming city council members.

October 16, 2025 — Chad Whetzel discusses his journey from farrier to Whitman County Commissioner, including his work on the Planning Commission and his views on local issues. He shares his thoughts on the energy sector, including wind and solar projects, and the need to bridge the divide between the county and the city of Pullman.

October 7, 2025 — I sat down with County Commissioner candidate Cody Finch to discuss his deep local roots and plans to modernize county government. We tackled wind farm zoning, property tax volatility, and the need for greater city-county collaboration. https://www.instagram.com/finch.for.county.commissioner

October 2, 2025 – I sat down with new city administrator Sean Wells to talk about what it really takes to run Pullman. From rebuilding downtown to rebuilding trust, we dig into leadership, community, and the fine art of keeping a small town moving forward without losing what makes it home.

August 21 – I sat down with Pete Chittenden, the new Executive Director of the Pullman Chamber of Commerce, to hear his journey from student to housing professional to community leader—and why he chose to make Pullman home. We dig into his vision for revitalizing downtown, strengthening local businesses, and “bringing back the magic” that first drew him here. Pete believes Pullman is primed for ch...

Eric Fejeran serves as the at-large member of the Pullman City Council. He talks about his path to public service, the challenges of local governance, and his optimistic vision for Pullman's future. He shares insights on rebuilding community trust, addressing budget shortfalls, and the importance of active civic engagement.

July 24 – V. Shea Ortega brings a deep well of experience in activism and resilience to her city council campaign. Her work has spanned from strengthening communities in the Philippines to championing food security at WSU. I spoke with her about her journey, her goals for local government, and how Pullman can become a more inclusive and connected community. Shea's LinkTree – https://linktr.ee/...

July 22 – John-Mark Mahnkey is a man of many talents and strong convictions about Pullman’s future. His deep loyalty extends beyond friendships to the broader community we all share. I sat down with him for a wide-ranging conversation about the state of city staff, saving the trees, and what happened with the downtown project. John-Mark's campaign website – https://votejohnmark.com John-Mark&#...

July 23 – Tawny Szumlas has deep roots in Pullman! She pours generations of love for the community into her downtown business, and wants to bring the same enthusiasm to the city council. I sat down with her to discuss what it was like running a main street business during Project Downtown Pullman, and heard her thoughts on what it looks like to have a productive relationship between local governme...

July 23 – James Pitzer is a hometown kid who wants to make the world a better place. I sat down with him to hear his story of growing up on the Palouse, choosing to stay after college, and the role of local government in building community. James' campaign website – https://www.pitzerforpullman.com James' campaign Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/pitzerforpullman

July 22 – John Cassleman wants everyone to believe in Pullman. Energetic and forward-thinking, he wants to bring a creative approach to tackling local challenges. We sat down for a lively conversation covering real estate, the health of our aquifer, city staffing concerns, and even the debate over fireworks. John's campaign website – https://www.believeinpullman.com

July 22 – Bryan MacDonald has built his career on the Palouse over 30 years at SEL and is now ready to bring his talents to the City of Pullman. I sat down with Bryan for an insightful conversation about the role government is meant to have in the private sector and his belief that asking hard questions can be the solution to pressing city staff issues. Bryan's campaign website – https://www.b...

July 22 – Randy Cross has a fascinating road to Pullman story with a few twists and turns along the way. A retired veteran, he challenges the idea that politics must be all-consuming, instead centering his campaign around family—especially his grandkids. I sat down with Randy for a thoughtful conversation about Pullman’s key issues and the steady, respectful dialogue he believes is essential for p...

July 21 – Karl Olsen was born and raised in Pullman and is now raising a family here while serving as a professor of civil engineering at WSU. I sat down with him to discuss why he is running for city council, how to restore confidence in the community, and his views on issues related to local property owners.

July 24, 2025 – I sat down with Downtown Pullman Association executive director Bobbie Ryder to discuss landscape architecture, the Pullman trail system, and the untapped potential of Main Street. DPA – https://www.downtownpullman.org/ B&O Tax Credit program – https://www.downtownpullman.org/bo-tax-credit-program