Dear Esteemed Residents of Spokane Valley,

 

I am deeply honored and profoundly grateful for the trust you have placed in me by electing me to the Spokane Valley City Council. This journey has been a remarkable one, and it is with the utmost humility and joy that I accept this responsibility.

 

First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my wife, daughter, and parents. Their unwavering support,

dedication, and love sustained me throughout the campaign, and I could not have done this without them by my side.

 

To the incredible team of individuals who tirelessly worked on my campaign, providing their invaluable input on platforms like Nextdoor and through countless phone calls, I owe you a debt of gratitude. Your collective efforts, too numerous to list here, will forever be etched in my heart. I appreciate each one of you for believing in the vision we share for our city.

 

This journey is not a solo endeavor but a team sport, and it's your support that has humbled me. I am acutely aware of the privilege of working to keep our city a great place to live, and I promise to carry out this mission with dedication and integrity.

 

I'd also like to extend my appreciation to my opponent, Arne Woodard. While our visions may have differed, we must recognize the passion and dedication he has shown in serving our city for over 13 years. This election is a testament to the desire for change, and it's our collective responsibility to work together to ensure that this message is heard by the City Council.

 

As we move forward, I acknowledge that this is just the beginning of our journey. There are challenges ahead, and I am fully committed to meeting them head-on. Your strong voices will be essential in advocating for our city's needs, whether through council meetings, letters, or communication with neighboring municipalities.

 

I cannot do this alone, and I am grateful for your thoughts, prayers, and continued engagement. I am here to serve at your pleasure, so please reach out to me with your ideas and concerns. In the coming months, I will be seeking your input through surveys on Nextdoor and my website to foster honest and transparent conversations about our city's future.

 

I will also revive "Spokane Valley Speaks" to keep you informed about the issues the Council will address. Rest assured, I will always be accessible through Nextdoor, email (al@alforval.com), text, or call (509-315-6416), and I will share official city emails and contact information as it becomes available.

 

This is a journey we embark on together, and I am excited and inspired by the possibilities that lie ahead. With your continued support, we will create the future our city deserves.

 

Thank you, Spokane Valley, for this incredible honor. Let's work together to make our city even greater.

 

Warm regards,

 

Al Merkel