2nd Latino appointed to Pasco council

Chi Flores won’t have to change his Monday night routine much. The frequent fixture at the Pasco City Council is the city’s new councilman.

He was appointed Monday night to fill the unexpired term formerly held by late Councilman Mike Garrison.

Flores, who moved to Pasco three years ago, was unanimously selected by the rest of the council.

Garrison, 72, died July 27 after a short battle with leukemia. He served on the council for more than 28 years.

Flores will represent District 4, which covers a large portion of northwest Pasco.

The council fielded 11 applications for the job and interviewed five finalists a week ago.

Flores will be the council’s second Latino member, joining Saul Martinez.

Martinez praised Flores’ performance in the interviews.

“He’s very interested in our community,” he said.

Flores is an assistant manager for the Lowe’s home improvement store in Kennewick. He said his professional experience offers valuable insight into monitoring budgets, resolving conflicts and promoting a positive team atmosphere.

The council agreed it had a difficult choice narrowing the field from five to one. Councilman Bob Hoffmann ribbed the council’s newest member for giving long answers during the interview.

Hoffmann said he hopes Flores “will learn to give concise answers to questions.”

Flores will be sworn in at the council’s next regular meeting Nov. 7.

He will have to face election in 2017.

This story was originally published October 24, 2016 at 7:52 PM with the headline "2nd Latino appointed to Pasco council."