Richland and Pasco are losing council members. Here’s how to apply
Richland and Pasco started the process to find people to fill empty seats on their councils.
Richland started accepting applications to replace longtime Councilman Phil Lemley, who resigned after 12 years because he’s moving back to Arkansas.
Pasco’s discussion on the process to appoint someone to serve the remaining year of Nikki Torres’ term will begin at the next public meeting on Monday, June 6.
Torres, a first-term city councilwoman, is leaving her spot after she moved to an address outside of the city limits about a month ago.
The change in address places her in Legislative District 15, where she’s running unopposed to succeed Sen. Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside, who’s retiring.
The replacements will serve until November 2023 when they’ll need to run tor . The position pays $1,115 a month in Pasco, and $1,231 a month in Richland.
Pasco City Council
State law requires Pasco’s council to fill the vacancy within 90 days or the decision would be in the hands of the county commissioners.
The city code doesn’t spell out the process for replacing council members who leave before the end of their term.
When it has happened before, the city council accepts applications from qualified applicants looking to serve in the seat. Eligible applicants must be registered to vote and live in District 3.
The district covers much of northeastern Pasco. It is bordered by Dietrich Road in the east, and Road 68 and Convention Drive in the west. It’s southern border includes Superior, Salt Lake and Sheppard Streets, Interstate 182 and Argent Place.
After reviewing applications, the council will set a date and time to interview candidates in an open session during a regular or special meeting.
Ruben Alvarado was the last elected official to leave the Pasco City Council. He left at the end of 2021 to take a new job in Walla Walla, and the council later appointed Joseph Campos to serve out the remainder of his term.
Richland City Council
Richland’s city charter calls for the council to pick someone to replace the council member within 60 days. Otherwise the mayor can fill the spot.
The city’s charter details the process that new council members are picked. Applicants need to have lived in the city for at least two years, be at least 18 and a registered voter.
They also can’t hold any other public office other than the National Guard, organized reserves or as a notary. They also can’t work for the city.
People interested in the spot need to submit a completed application and resume to the City Clerk’s Office at city hall, 625 Swift Blvd. in Richland. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on June 13.
More details are available at the city’s website, ci.richland.wa.us.
