Shawn Poole isn't a career politician. In fact, he calls himself a "working class, knuckle-dragging firefighter," who has spent his entire life as a public servant.
"Civil servitude is about giving back to the community," said Poole. "And my entire adult life I've been a servant."
Poole is running for mayor of Spokane. The 54-year-old believes voters will relate to his working class attitude.
"If I get elected I owe it to the people to do what is right for them," said Poole. "City government has got to the point where they're going to do what's best for City Hall and everybody else out there - your voice doesn't matter."
Poole graduated from Shadle Park High School in 1982. Upon graduation, he attended the University of Montana. There, Poole played football and participated in R.O.T.C. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology/Criminal Justice in 1987, he entered active duty with the United States Army.