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closeTuesday, Oct. 20, 2009
Pasco council removes Larsen from post
By Dalina Castellanos, Herald staff writer
PASCO -- The Pasco City Council voted Monday to replace its representative on the Benton-Franklin Council of Governments after a councilman misrepresented the city at a meeting last week.
Pasco Mayor Joyce Olson said she was "very alarmed" that Tom Larsen represented the city council without properly conveying its position on the Columbia River bridge crossing study, causing confusion and controversy.
"I have serious concerns about the ability of a specific council member on this particular board," she said.
Councilman Tom Larsen attended the Council of Governments meeting Friday, where there was a heated discussion about Pasco's participation in the study.
The study to be conducted by the Benton-Franklin Council of Governments would cost $250,000, and about half would come from the Washington Department of Transportation.
The Council of Governments recommends that Pasco, like Kennewick and Richland, contribute $18,750. Other agencies, including Benton and Franklin counties and four port districts, would share the remaining costs.
The Pasco City Council passed a resolution to participate in the study with conditions dependent on the other two cities' participation, the study's emphasis be on relieving urban traffic congestion and every participating government agency share costs equally.
"The city wants to be a player and we're willing to participate," Olson said.
Larsen had no explanation for the city's position when other Council of Governments representatives asked about Pasco's conditions last week, though the topic had been discussed at multiple city council meetings.
"It's what Crutchfield wants. He runs the city and he runs the council," Larsen said at Friday's Council of Governments meeting.
Pasco residents also were troubled by Larsen's comments.
"My reaction was disappointment ... that a city councilman would undercut the city manager, council and ultimately the city of Pasco," said resident Mike Miller.
"You have a duty and loyalty to the city council and the city. My expectation is that you would fulfill it and I don't believe in this case that you did."
Prior to the discussion at Monday's meeting, Olson asked Larsen about his comments, to which he responded, "What is this, a kangaroo court going on here?" before walking away, she said.
Larsen did not deny the statement but did apologize for his comments about City Manager Gary Crutchfield.
Councilman Matt Watkins said he was surprised Larsen didn't apologize for the way he represented the city at the Council of Governments meeting.
Larsen said he was agreeing with a comment made by Franklin County Commissioner Brad Peck about the bridge being built for economic development, not urban congestion.
"I'm sorry if I offended anyone. I thought that was the job of city council people -- to express an opinion," Larsen said.
As mayor, Olson has the authority to appoint council members to serve as representatives on different groups every two years.
A 5-2 vote replaced Larsen with Olson on the Council of Governments until January, when the next appointments are made. Larsen and Councilman Al Yenney voted against the motion.
* Dalina Castellanos: 509-582-1542; dcastellanos@tricityherald.com
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