Many of the candidates running for office this year are well prepared and ready to serve. We have been impressed by the crop of challengers and the reserve of incumbents.

We're glad to see qualified people putting their name on the ballot. On the downside, it makes choosing who to recommend very difficult.

Madsen v. Kent

First appointed from a competitive field, then re-elected to a bob-tailed term, Sandra Kent is now running for her first full term on the Richland City Council.

She brings youth, insight, expertise and drive to the position, and we'd like to see Richland voters retain her on the council. She served two years on the planning commission before being appointed to the council.

Even though her job as an attorney at Hanford could be terminated in the next round of cuts, the editorial board was struck by her poise and attention to the details.

Her opponent Kent Madsen also has served on the Richland Planning Commission, for the past three years as chairman. His interest in Richland's future is one of deep commitment. He was born in Richland in the 1940s.

He believes Hanford is "well-poised" for industrial and nuclear development in the future.

He also believes that expansion of Kadlec Regional Medical Center and a "designated Medical District" are key to redevelopment of Richland's city center.

Sandra Kent has lived in the Tri-Cities since 1999. She is originally from Kansas City and graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City with a bachelor's in urban planning and has a law degree from the University of Kansas.

Her educational and career choices and her volunteer experiences in Richland give her a profound insight into the specific problems the community faces.

Her winning demeanor, coolness and sharp intelligence, plus her experience on the city council, ideally suit her for the tasks ahead.

Anderson v. Revell

For the Richland City Council, Brad Anderson fits into the category of earnest and knowledgeable challengers. We believe he would be a good representative for the community.

In this case, however, we are giving the nod to his opponent, Ed Revell.

It's a tough call.

Both men have been generous to the community, volunteering their time and energy.

Anderson ran against Jerome Delvin last year and we were impressed with his integrity then and now.

Revell has been on the council for five years and has served as mayor pro tem for the last three.

He also serves as chairman of Hanford Communities, an association of local government entities that monitors cleanup at Hanford and sits on the Energy Communities Alliance, a Washington, D.C.-based organization that follows the cleanup activities of the Department of Energy.

Each of the cities in our community has its own challenges, but the biggest long-term concern for Richland is the post-Hanford economy.

Revell has a good grasp on making cleanup a priority today and diversifying the economy for the future. He's making a difference behind the scenes.

The Herald editorial board recommends Ed Revell and Sandra Kent for Richland City Council.