By Kelly Rae Mathews
I met LaVerne Biel for the First time at the NAACP Forum for candidates. Biel strikes me a very sincere person who also has that rare quality seen these days in politics: a reasonable conservative and a non-partisan candidate.
This can be attributed in no small part to her faith, as a Friend — The Society of Quakers here in Spokane. Quakers are known for being the first religious sect in America to allow women to speak on church matters and doctrine in public and have equal footing with men, as well as for the early work the Quakers did with the underground railroad as abolitionists in stopping slavery in America’s early days. Quakers are now known for their peaceful stance when it comes to war, while being good, solid, citizens who serve their communities including in no small part, being known for economy and frugality in budgeting matters.
Biel doesn’t fall far from the Quaker tree when it comes to matters of frugality in the financial planning department and is part of her appeal to conservative voters, given her stance that City Council seeking to pass a Sick Leave Act is really something the state legislature should be concerned with, and is not something Spokane City should be enforcing on businesses, she told me when I met her up by the Scoop on the South Hill.
Mathews: What do you think are ways to develop good leaders?
Biel: Leaders in good, strong, organizations, are driven to excel.
Mathews: What are some of the things that are important to you to accomplish with collaborative leadership?
Biel: It’s about listening to those you are collaborating with and knowing what you feel is the right path. Compromise isn’t necessarily bad. There’s a time to compromise and the wisdom to know when not to.
Mathews: What do you think Spokane looks for when choosing leaders?
Biel: More unilateral goods and services benefit everyone. It levels the playing field for the poor and the rich. But, I think for small employers, owners should decide how much is paid based on the best qualified employees.
Mathews: What do you look for in a leader?
Biel: Good leaders, respected leaders, are respected in their industries and the community. They lead in an ethical manner, and are proven and vetted. This is true at the local and national level. There are checks and balances in place for a reason. Some people, unfortunately, can find their way around them.
Mathews: As a leader, how does your system of faith and values or ethics shape the decisions and choice you make?
Biel: I like to be an individual in my faith. I think that’s what God calls you to do.
Mathews: How does your faith influence how you hold yourself accountable as a leader?
Biel: I am accountable not just to myself, but to my community. We’re supposed to help each other.
Mathews: Is this why community service is so important to you?
Biel: In my faith journey, Quakers have to be convinced of their faith, it’s not a birthright.
Mathews: How do you think we can hold our leaders accountable?
Biel: The Quakers have a process, called threshing. (When there is a disagreement) They go before people they respect and prayerfully consider options and directions and seek that wisdom. Everyone can have their say and feel listened to. It’s a vetting process. It’s humbling to acknowledge there is a higher power.
If you think you’re the only power, self-importance becomes pre-dominant.
I turn to those I know are truthful. Truth can be more important than love at that point.
