PRORSSER -- A retired Superior Court judge plans to file a petition with Benton County on Monday asking voters to decide whether the county seat should be moved to Kennewick.
Fred Staples, who's been collecting signatures from registered voters for nearly four years, plans to have his petition delivered to the county commissioners during their 9 a.m. meeting at the courthouse in Prosser, the Benton County seat.
This year's election turnout was certified Tuesday and showed 41,050 people cast ballots.
Staples needed a third of that, or 13,684 signatures from registered voters, to file his petition and get the issue on the 2010 ballot. The retired judge told the Herald on Tuesday that he has 20,408 signatures.
Staples believes Kennewick should be the county seat because, he has said, the majority of county employees work in Kennewick.
The issue was voted on in 1984, when Staples began his first campaign to move the county seat, but failed to get the 60 percent super-majority vote.
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Fred Staples' dedication
to justice a worthy legacy
Fred Staples' dedication
to justice a worthy legacy
It's easy to conjure up an image of retired Superior Court Judge Fred Staples.
Bearded and with a cigar in hand most of the time, he cut a swath as a character the likes of which we aren't likely to see again.
We are saddened that he is no longer with us. Staples died Monday at age 77.
Dozen seats available on Mid-Columbia irrigation boards
Dozen seats available on Mid-Columbia irrigation boards
Irrigation districts throughout the Tri-Cities and the Mid-Columbia will have a dozen board positions up for election in December.
People interested in filing for the positions have until Nov. 7 to present nomination petitions to irrigation district offices. Only districts with more than one candidate in a race will have elections Dec. 13.
State law requires each nomination petition have at least 10 signatures of qualified voters, and prospective candidates must live or own property in the irrigation district where they want to be elected.
Retired judge Staples found dead at Richland home
Retired judge Staples found dead at Richland home
A retired judge who was known for his "tough and gruff" demeanor in the courtroom and passion for the law was found dead Monday at his Richland home.
Fred Staples, 77, was the longest-standing judge on the Benton-Franklin Superior Court bench when he retired in September 1994.
Staples -- who usually had a cigar clenched in the teeth of his bearded face -- led numerous efforts, all unsuccessful, to relocate the Benton County seat from Prosser to Kennewick.
Joy, tears for retired Judge Staples at funeral
Joy, tears for retired Judge Staples at funeral
KENNEWICK -- There was almost as much laughter as there were tears at retired Judge Fred Staples' funeral service Monday as friends and family shared memories.
He was remembered for his sharp legal mind, his tenacious pursuit of causes and interests, and his gruff exterior that hid a love for his family.
Staples, who died Sept. 19 at the age of 77, retired from the Benton-Franklin Superior Court bench in 1994 as its longest-serving judge.
Santorum files for Indiana ballot despite dispute
Santorum files for Indiana ballot despite dispute
Republican presidential contender Rick Santorum filed Wednesday to get on Indiana's primary ballot even though he has not been certified by local election officials.
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