By Compiled by Tri-City Herald staff

Walla Walla: Frederickson

Mike Frederickson has been a Port of Walla Walla commissioner since 2006. During his tenure, the port has received several awards and special recognitions, including "Port of the Year" by the Washington State Public Ports Association. In giving this award the Association cited the port's leadership in developing the Railex produce distribution center, airport wine incubator buildings and the Highway 12 Coalition. The state Department of Health selected the port for it's "Going Above and Beyond Award" for developing a water system for Burbank.

Recently Mike was appointed by Gov. Chris Gregoire to serve on the new Connecting Washington Task Force, which is to develop a 10-year investing and funding plan for the state's transportation system. Only five of the 27 representatives are from Eastern Washington. One of Mike's priorities is to make funding available to widen and realign Highway 12 between Walla Walla and Pasco. Before serving as a Port commissioner he was a member of the Walla Walla County Planning Commission from 1998 to 2006.

I have known Mike and his family for many years and had the opportunity to work with him for a time as a real estate appraiser. Please join me Aug. 16 and vote for Mike Fredrickson so that we can keep his experience on the Port Commission.

WILLIAM HENRY

Walla Walla

West Richland: Benegas

I have always admired those who step up to the plate and run for a local position in their respective communities. It takes time, dedication and passion to be an effective public servant. Many overlook local elections when, for many reasons, they should be held in high importance. It is our local elected officials who make decisions that affect us directly.

This month, I'm happy to see my friend Tony Benegas on the ballot. I met Tony and his wife Lisa through politics, and think the world of them. They are a wonderful couple who are passionate about their community. This passion drove Tony Benegas to run for city council four years ago. As father, husband and businessman, Tony is an asset to the city council, contributing his expertise in the affairs of the city. I highly recommend Tony Benegas.

DIEGO TREJO

Pasco

Richland schools: Serell

In response to Monday's Herald's article on the Richland School Board election, I took a deep breath. I was disturbed by educators/educators' spouses running for office. I commend their willingness to serve and do not wish to judge their motives, because concerned people desire to serve. Having been an educator for over 20 years and parent of three Richland School District graduates, I have never seen anything more stifling for the public educational system or any educational system than for the door to be closed to parent/public input or participation in decision making.

Educators have their own politics. I have observed by working with committees in the district that parents are in the minority on the committees by design. Since the school board has the final say over much of that committee work, it would be prudent to have objective parental oversight, with no educational politics involved, giving oversight to that work. That was the original intent of electing public school boards. We all work together to build trust and a great school district.

Therefore, I am voting for Dave Serell for Richland School Board Position 3. He has put hands and feet to his genuine concern for our schools and young people in the years that I have known him.

JEAN HUGHES

Richland