07/29/2025
METALINE FALLS MAYORAL RACE 2025 QUESTIONNAIRE: CANDIDATE SHERICE MCANERIN
by Sonya Scauflaire
The Selkirk Sun submitted questions from our staff to the candidates for the 2025 Metaline Falls Mayoral Race to help inform the voters beyond the content of the Voter’s Pamphlet bit.ly/wapamphlet. The candidates’ answers are posted and will be printed as submitted, unedited. The position is a 4-year term. Ballots are due August 5, 2025. They must be postmarked by that day or in the County Ballot Boxes by 8:00 PM that evening. Election Day procedures at the County will be livestreamed at bit.ly/pocwaballots, hours to be announced. For more information or if you have not received your ballot in the mail, call (509) 447-6472 or visit pendoreilleco.org/auditor/page/elections.
1) Are there specific goals you wish to accomplish during your tenure as Mayor?
My focus will be on economic development, infrastructure, community engagement, and cultural preservation. I aim to support local businesses, attract tourism, and pursue partnerships that create new job opportunities. Improving roads, utilities, and public spaces is a top priority, along with ensuring transparent and inclusive communication with residents. I’m also committed to preserving our town’s history and natural beauty while promoting sustainable development. Ultimately, my goal is to strengthen our community and build a resilient, thriving future for Metaline Falls.
2) What are the major challenges the Town will be facing in the next 4 to 6 years?
Over the next 4 to 6 years, the Town will face significant challenges. Our roads, water pipes, and buildings are aging and require expensive repairs. We’re also seeing more extreme weather events, such as storms and heatwaves, which can cause significant damage. Housing is becoming increasingly expensive, making it harder for people to afford a place to live here. Jobs are limited, and local businesses are struggling. As our population ages, seniors require more services, but fewer young families are moving in. Some areas still lack reliable internet, which makes life more challenging for students, workers, and businesses. Online scams and cyber threats are also becoming increasingly significant problems. The Town doesn’t have enough money to fix everything, and not enough people are getting involved in local decisions. All of these issues will take teamwork and planning to fix.
3) Are there local ordinances or mandates you wish to see implemented? If they’ll cost money, how do you respond to concerns over unfunded mandates?
I believe it’s essential to support the ordinances we already have in place, especially the ones that protect the safety, health, and appearance of our Town. These rules help keep our neighborhoods clean, ensure that properties are well-maintained, and ensure that new development is carried out responsibly. Many of these ordinances were established to serve people like you—longtime residents who desire a peaceful and well-maintained community. Rather than adding numerous new rules, I’d focus on enforcing the ones we already have, ensuring they’re applied fairly, and updating them only when truly necessary. This approach helps us stay strong as a community without creating unnecessary costs or confusion.
4) Do you have plans to engage the youth in local government?
There are many enjoyable ways to engage young people in local government. You can create a youth council where teens share their ideas and give feedback on town projects. Let students speak at meetings about topics they care about, such as parks or the environment. Utilize social media to post updates, run polls, and share brief videos that make local issues more engaging. Host fun events, such as youth town halls with music and food, or organize games like scavenger hunts at the Town Hall. Offer internships or “Mayor for a Day” programs so students can see how local government works. Work with schools to give students credit for attending meetings or volunteering. You can also hold casual meetups with snacks where teens can talk to town leaders in a relaxed setting. When young people feel heard and included, they’re more likely to stay involved.
5) What can the Town do to recruit new businesses while supporting existing businesses?
The Town can bring in new businesses by making it easy to open and grow. This means keeping taxes fair, streamlining the permit process, and promoting available spaces. Offering small incentives or help to new businesses can also make a big difference. At the same time, the Town should support the companies already established here by listening to their needs, assisting with marketing, and encouraging people to shop locally. Hosting events or festivals can bring more customers to local shops. By working closely with business owners and making the Town a friendly place to do business, both new and existing businesses can succeed
6) How much influence does the Mayor have over the Town Council or how will you direct the Council?
While the Mayor doesn’t control the Town Council, they play an essential role in bringing people together, setting priorities, and leading with a clear vision. As Mayor, I would work closely with Council members to maintain open communication, focus on shared goals, and find common ground—even when we hold different opinions. I believe in teamwork, respect, and building strong relationships. By creating a positive and focused environment, I can help guide the Council toward decisions that truly benefit our Town and its residents. Together, we can move forward with unity, purpose, and a spirit of cooperation.
7) What do you think the County Commissioners, State Representatives, and Congressional Representatives can do for Metaline Falls?
County Commissioners, State Representatives, and congressional representatives can all help Metaline Falls in significant ways. County Commissioners can support local services, such as road repair, emergency assistance, and community programs. State Representatives can fight for funding to fix roads, improve internet access, and help small towns like ours get better housing, healthcare, and support for local businesses. Congressional Representatives can help bring in federal funding for initiatives such as rural development, tourism, and wildfire prevention. They can also ensure we have access to essential services like healthcare, veteran support, and reliable internet. With their help—and good communication—we can ensure that Metaline Falls receives the support it deserves.
8) Which funding sources do you plan to pursue and for which projects in town? If you are not familiar with the subject matter, how do you plan to educate yourself on this topic?
I plan to go after state and federal grants, as well as rural development programs, to help fund essential projects in Metaline Falls. These could include repairing roads, upgrading water and sewer systems, expanding internet access, and promoting local businesses and tourism. If I’m not familiar with a funding source, I’ll learn by talking to experts, attending training, and asking other towns how they did it. I’m not afraid to ask questions and work hard to find the best opportunities for our community.
9) Are you planning any public outreach events? If so, when and where?
Yes, I plan to hold public events so people can share their ideas and ask questions. I’m still finalizing the dates and locations, but I’m considering venues such as the community center, town park, or local businesses. Once everything is set, I’ll share the details on flyers, social media, and around town. I want everyone to feel welcome—your voice matters.
10) How can voters reach you to ask you questions and get your opinion on issues (outside of outreach events)?
Thanks for the question! Voters can reach me at 1(509)446-1222, [email protected], or through my campaign’s page, Sherice McAnerin. I want to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, or discuss ideas for the town. I’ll also be checking messages regularly and doing my best to respond quickly and honestly. I’ll post my contact info on flyers, community boards, and online so it’s easy to find. Staying connected is essential to me.
11) How long have you lived in Metaline Falls?
I have lived in Metaline Falls for 22 years.
12) How are you involved in the community? Business? Volunteerism? Employment?
I’m actively involved in the community in several ways. I support local businesses, participate in community events, and volunteer with Fire District 2 whenever I can. Whether it’s attending local meetings or lending a hand at fundraisers, I believe in showing up and giving back. I also work closely with people in the area, providing rides to those who need rides to Dr. appointments, which keeps me connected to what matters most to our town. Being part of this community isn’t just something I say—it’s something I live every day.
13) How much and what type of experience do you have as an elected official, volunteer, or paid?
I may not have political experience, but I do have real-life experience—and I believe that matters just as much. I’ve lived and worked in this community, and I listen to people; I care deeply about making things better. I’m not a career politician, and I see that as a strength. I bring a fresh perspective, common sense, and a willingness to learn. I’m here to serve, not to play politics, and I’ll work hard, ask questions, and do what’s right for the people of this town.
14) Is there anything else you would like to share with the voters?
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. I’m running because I care about our town and want to help make it even better. I may not have all the answers, but I’m ready to listen, learn, and work hard. I’ll always be honest and do what’s best for the people of Metaline Falls. I’d be honored to have your support, and I’m here if you ever want to talk or share ideas.
15)Do you attend or have you attended Metaline Falls Town Council meetings or other government meetings?
I’ve been to several Town Council meetings and try to stay plugged in by talking with folks around town and keeping up with local issues. I care a lot about what’s going on here and plan to be even more involved moving forward.
