I write in support of the effort to move the Benton County seat to Kennewick. In order to ensure that our court system runs as smoothly as possible, it is imperative that official court functions are consolidated in Kennewick. The upfront costs are an important consideration, and may be minimal - as low as $6,000 in the first year. The savings projected in the first year alone far exceed the expense.

As a practicing attorney, I know that my clients - and the clients of other attorneys - have paid more for legal services due to the location of county offices in Prosser than they would have otherwise. The added expense for any given client is likely not substantial. But, when the added expense impacts hundreds, if not thousands, of local citizens and small businesses each year, it becomes an important issue. While this isn't a tax per se, it is an unnecessary expense that our neighbors and local businesses should not be forced to pay any longer.

I urge all to vote in favor of moving the Benton County seat to Kennewick. It is the right decision in the long run. Now is the time for action.

Shea C. Meehan, West Richland