Schmunk, Bell enter contested race for Town of Lind Mayor: Incumbent - Jamie Schmunk

Incumbent Lind Mayor Jamie Schmunk has dedicated the last eight years to the Town and seeks to do so for a third term.

Schmunk and her husband Greggory have lived in Lind for 12 years. She has been a school bus driver for 28 years, and a certified bus trainer for 24 years.

She has also been the Lind Community Pool manager for 12, lead swim lessons instructor for eight years and is active with the Lind Chamber of Commerce.

She has served on legislative committees, and sits on the Adams County Development Council (ACDC) and the Solid Waste Advisory Committee.

Schmunk said she loves the town and believes there are many thoughtful and good people who live there. She decided to run for a third term because she wants to continue to have a positive effect on the Town’s future.

As Mayor, Schmunk wants to continue to provide for the Town: now and in the years to come.

One of Schmunk’s top priorities in her third term would be to fix the Town’s infrastructure. To accomplish this, she would to continue to research and apply for the grants to help fund improvement projects.

Schmunk said she only applies for major grants where the Town will only have to provide a small amount in matching funds, unless there are time constraints.

During her two terms in office, she has helped to bring in a total of $6 million in grant funding and said she loves to research and learning about the process.

She said she would also continue to establish and maintain relationships with funding agencies and state legislators.

Schmunk said the Town has different plans, including an airport improvement plan, small water and six-year street improvement plan, which will provide her with guidance and a direction to address these issues.

During a third term, Schmunk said she would like to see continued growth and the development of a small manufacturing business come to Lind to employ residents.

As for engaging residents, Schmunk said she would continue to hold public meetings and workshops, and as well as receive input from residents of all ages.

Schmunk said she is available by phone at all hours to speak with residents who have ideas and concerns about the Town.

She acknowledged her opponent Paula Bell’s campaign slogan of bringing the trust back in the community. Schmunk feels the statement is false and is invective of the dedication and work has put in during her two terms as mayor.

She will also continue to support and buy from local businesses, and work with Public Works to maintain the town’s beauty through painting, mowing and trimming trees.

She will also continue to support local groups and service projects. She would also utilize local services to keep residents informed, such as the One Call emergency notification system and information sent out through utility bills.

As Mayor, Schmunk will continue to be a good steward at representing the Town. Whenever she attends a conference, Schmunk would tell the Town’s story and let everyone know about local events, including the Combine Demolition Derby.

In regards to Public Safety, Schmunk said she works with Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner to improve the relationship between the Sheriff’s Office and the Town to help inform him about how residents feel about their safety. She acknowledged the Fire Department is fantastic and works hard to protect the community.

If Schmunk is elected mayor, one of the first tasks would be to find new insurance for the Town. During a recent Town Council meeting, a representative from the Cities Insurance of Washington informed council the organization is considering canceling Lind’s insurance because of past and present councilmembers harassing employees.

Schmunk said she has made contacts and researched prices for new insurance.

For improving efficiency, Schmunk said she would like to have two people in the Town Hall office, one full-time employee and one part-time employee, though two full-time workers would be ideal. She explained the Town has undertaken several improvement projects and having two employees would help disperse office duties.

Having two employees would also allow Schmunk to doublecheck the town’s finances and ensure there are is less oversight when it comes to managing the Town’s finances.

Schmunk said she has faithfully served the town and will continue to do so if voters elect her for a third term.