Jenkins translates involvement into impact as local politician

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By Craig Howard, News Editor
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September 21, 2009 —

"The more we serve our fellowmen, the more substance there is to our souls. The happy and abundant life begins from within and moves outward to other individuals and our communities."

President Spencer W. Kimball

As an avid tennis player, Patrick Jenkins understands the importance of a consistent serve.

As a representative of the Liberty Lake City Council since 2003, he's learned the value of serving consistently.

A member of the Liberty Lake Ward in the Spokane Valley Stake, Patrick Jenkins has served on the Liberty Lake City Council since 2003. Photo by Craig Howard.

Jenkins was appointed to the town's governing board less than two years after Liberty Lake incorporated as Spokane County's newest city in August 2001. Since then, he has emerged victorious in two elections; although Jenkins is quick to point out that he was the only candidate on the ballot both times.

"I wish more people would run (for office)," Jenkins said. "When that doesn't happen, you don't get the best people. It's detrimental to democracy."

Over the years, Jenkins has emerged as a civic leader known for his detailed approach to a wide range of issues, whether he is being opposed in an election or not. While a council position in most city governments constitutes a part-time responsibility with minimal pay, colleagues will tell you that Jenkins takes his job as a municipal leader seriously.

"Patrick always does his homework," said Liberty Lake Mayor Wendy Van Orman. "He's very good at making sure that every question is vetted through."

Jenkins has served on a number of committees during his tenure in Liberty Lake including boards that review topics concerning community development and finance. The city of around 7,000 has one of the best ratios of citizens to park space in Washington state as well as an extensive trail system - launched originally by a grassroots effort of citizens - that has been preserved and supplemented over the years.

"I think the two things that really set Liberty Lake apart are the volunteers and paths," Jenkins said. "There is really an emphasis on the outdoors, community and exercise here."

The road to politics began with a bumpy start for Jenkins when he ran for City Council as a 22-year-old resident of River Heights, Utah in 1994. When the final ballot was counted, he had lost the bid by a single vote.

"It was very disappointing," said Jenkins, who had recently returned from a two-year mission to Louisiana.

A few months later, city leaders asked Jenkins to serve as chairman of a committee organizing a parade to celebrate Utah's centennial. Jenkins jumped at the opportunity without regard for status - or previous election results.

"I saw it as an expression of my commitment," he said.

The parade was a success with over 100 entries. The next year, Jenkins signed on to work with the office of Utah Senator Bob Bennett, spending six months in Washington, D.C. as part of an internship. While in the nation's capital, he learned the importance of investing time and effort in the research of complex topics that would find their way to the floor of Congress.

Jenkins has earned a reputation for his detailed approach to municipal topics such as community development, allocation of greenspace and tax increment financing. Photo by Craig Howard.

Years later, as the newest member of the Liberty Lake City Council, Jenkins employed the same work ethic to tackle a steep learning curve.

"You have to bring a breadth of knowledge to the table, everything from learning how roads are constructed to how schools are funded," Jenkins said.

After earning a degree in political science from Utah State, Patrick moved to Spokane with his wife Cynthia in 1998 to enroll at Gonzaga University. He emerged with an MBA in December of 1999 and latched on with Telect, where he would later work as a product manager. Jenkins currently works for Demars Financial as a financial advisor.

Cynthia first met Patrick when both were students at Utah State. The two were in a political science class together and, initially, sat far apart.

"Patrick always sat up front and made a lot of comments," Cynthia said. "He was funny and pretty original."

The couple now has four children with a fifth on the way. The family has lived in Liberty Lake since 2000 and resides in the Liberty Lake Ward of the Spokane Valley Stake. Jenkins said his involvement with the City Council is part of his commitment to provide an enriching quality of life for his wife and children.

"Hopefully, everything I do blesses my family," he said.

From lobbying for bike helmets to opposing tax breaks for a restaurant that featured gambling, Jenkins said he has seen how standing up for a cause can change the texture of a community. Fellow Council Member Ryan Romney described Jenkins as a "fair-minded and goal-oriented" legislator.

"Patrick genuinely cares about what happens here and how it will impact the city," Romney said. "He's assertive without being rude - he's able to deliver his message quickly and effectively."

Van Orman said Jenkins has been integral in leading several service projects involving LDS volunteers including a clean-up effort on the Centennial Trail.

"Patrick has always been very involved in this community," Van Orman said.

Jenkins plans to run for re-election on the City Council in 2011 and has pondered the possibility of campaigning for a position in Olympia as a state senator or representative. He expressed hope that civic participation - and an awareness of its worthwhile results - will gain increased emphasis among the LDS population.

"There is so much talent in our church that could make a difference," Jenkins said. "It's frustrating and unfortunate when you have people who editorialize but don't get directly involved. Every time someone stands up, it has an impact."

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