Incumbents returned to office in West Richland

West Richland voters decided to stick with incumbents, returning the mayor and four council members to office on Tuesday.

The one race without an incumbent was too close to call based on the votes counted so far.

Mayor Brent Gerry, a long-time West Richland business owner, received 1,369 of the votes cast for mayor, or 65 percent. Former Mayor Jerry Peltier, a retired Hanford manager, received 728 votes, or nearly 35 percent.

Councilman John Smart received 1,145 votes, or 56 percent. His challenger, former Councilman Robert Perkes, received 884 votes, or nearly 44 percent.

For Position 2, Councilman Rich Buel received 1,315 votes, or 64 percent. It was the first time he had faced a challenger since joining the council in 2002. His challenger, Merle N. Johnson received 737 votes, or about 36 percent.

For Position 3, 20-year Councilwoman Gail Brown received 1,255 votes, or nearly 62 percent. Her challenger, Michelle Marcum, owner of the West Richland Golf Course received 777 votes or 38 percent.

Richard Bloom was running unopposed and received 1,618 votes.

In the final race, Fred Brink received just 32 votes more than Kate Moran for Position 6.

Brink had 1,052 votes, or close to 51 percent, to Moran’s 1,020, or 49 percent. Benton County will count more ballots on Wednesday.

Much of the West Richland election came down to a split between those who believed “If we build it, they will come” and those who wanted to wait to expand West Richland amenities until the town grows more.

Gerry said building new city facilities to anchor the Belmont Business District will help attract badly needed retail business and increase retail sales tax going to West Richland.

Smart, a senior research engineer, said he will fight to maintain West Richland’s small-town character.

Buel, who is retaining his seat, said moving the city services to a new building on Belmont Boulevard is part of a bigger picture for West Richland’s future.

Brown supported moving city services to one location for efficiency and supported development of the Yakima River Gateway to increase safety and provide more access for people who want to float the river.

Brink wanted to bring a law enforcement background to the council, with 24 years of service in the FBI. Moran, a Hanford training specialist, campaigned on improving communication between the council and the public.

This story was originally published November 7, 2017 at 9:22 PM with the headline "Incumbents returned to office in West Richland."