LIBERTY LAKE, Wash. – Liberty Lake Mayor Cris Kaminskas has appointed two new members to the Library Board of Trustees, a decision that faced resistance from some city council members.
The appointments come after the Liberty Lake City Council voted 4-3 against reappointing board member Kim Girard. A council member referred to Girard as a “competitor.”
The community is still reacting to the removal of Girard, who was an outspoken critic after the council took over final say on library board policies. One community member expressed frustration, saying, “You say you want transparency in our local government, yet you do not walk your talk.”
The focus of the meeting shifted from the new appointments to the theme of broken trust due to Girard’s sudden removal two weeks ago. Another community member questioned the need for change, stating, “Fresh blood? There are already two open positions, how much of a transfusion is needed.”
Michael Bota was appointed for Position 4.
Anna Voloshin was appointed for Position 5. She expressed enthusiasm for her new role, stating, “I’m excited to be a part of the trustees and be able to make decisions for our growing community and it is growing it’s beautiful to see.”
Both appointments were confirmed with a 6-1 vote after the candidates showcased their backgrounds and addressed the board’s recent controversies. Voloshin emphasized the importance of transparency, saying, “being able to have all the information and point things not being censored.” Bota pledged, “I think the dialogue is important and I will make that pledge to talk to each of you in this room regular basis.”
Council member Mike Kennedy cast the opposing vote, citing concerns over redacted information in the candidates’ documents, such as home addresses and references. Kennedy stated, “idea that I cannot be trusted with your address or phone number for the people are who are recommending you is not right.”
While some see filling the two empty positions as progress, others hope the city council will repair its relationship with the Library Board of Trustees. A community member remarked, “However you have serious work to do here. The damage is done, and trust once lost is not easily regained.”
There is still one position left unfilled, and current board members hope the city council will consider returning it to Girard.
