Of the four seats on the Pasco City Council appearing on the November ballot, half failed to draw a single challenger.

We think we know the reason why -- after years of progress, Pasco residents are generally satisfied with the direction the city is headed.

We tend to agree and recommend voters return the two council members who face opponents. Sometimes local government needs a shakeup.

For Pasco, this isn't one of those times.

Yenney v. Johnson

The Pasco City Council's biggest challenge is how to manage the city's growth. Anyone seeking office in Franklin County has to be willing to look at the greater good.

Al Yenney doesn't come across as a trendsetter for the one of the state's fastest growing cities. He's a small-business owner from what used to be a small town. His chatty demeanor is reminiscent of Mayberry.

But, he's doing a good job. He's connected to his constituency and he's open to new ideas.

He's the missing link between where Pasco has come from and where it is headed.

Yenney's opponent, Andrew Johnson, is also a lifelong resident of Pasco. He understands the city's history and complexity.

He also recognizes the potential of our community to serve as a transportation hub.

If elected, he would probably do a good job.

Our recommendation, however, goes to Yenney.

It's easy for elected officials to think they know what's best for their constituents. We don't see that attitude in Yenney.

During his time on the council, he has earned the certificate of municipal leadership from the Association of Washington Cities. The certificate requires more than 30 hours of training in the essentials of municipal service, including law, planning, community relationships and managing funds.

He's thoughtful, prepared and continually learning -- all good qualities that are worth retaining.

Talbott v. Francik

As Spokane's former mayor, John Talbott has a strong rsum, and we're sure he would make a competent member of the Pasco City Council.

He has some good ideas. He sees, for example, the potential to turn downtown Pasco into a Hispanic version of Leavenworth.

That former logging town was saved from extinction after it was turned into a faux-Bavarian tourist attraction. Why not something similar for Pasco?

But nothing in Talbott's background or vision for Pasco's future justifies trading him for incumbent Rebecca Francik.

In her 15 years on the council, Francik has proved to be a hard-working and thoughtful representative for the city's residents.

During her tenure, Pasco experienced remarkable success, more than doubling in population and capitalizing on the Mid-Columbia's agricultural base.

The city's collaboration with the Port of Pasco to create a thriving food processing industry is just the sort of partnership needed at every level of local government.

Now, Pasco's food processing complex is poised for expansion, bringing new jobs to the city. Francik has the leadership experience to help make that happen.

She believes local government can help improve the lives of constituents through careful actions and well-crafted policies. Pasco's recent history supports the claim. Smart investments in public infrastructure have reaped big dividends for the city.

Francik is willing to do the homework required to make the right moves. She listens, studies and learns before acting. Her methodical approach will help lead to wise decisions about Pasco's future.

The Herald editorial board recommends Al Yenney and Rebecca Francik for Pasco City Council.