5 named to replace Richland councilman who died. These 24 applied
The Richland City Council will interview five candidates to fill the seat won by a candidate who died unexpectedly during the election cycle last fall.
Two dozen Richland residents applied to fill the late Donald Landsman’s Position 4 seat until an election is held this fall.
The council narrowed the field of 24 to five during a closed-door executive session at its Jan. 20 meeting.
The finalists include a successful real estate developer, a retired chemist and several people who already volunteer on the city’s boards and commissions.
Donald Landsman won election to the seven-member city council in November after he died unexpectedly a few months earlier.
The Benton County GOP and Landsman’s family encouraged voters to elect him to the nonpartisan seat anyway, saying it would give the council an opportunity to respect voters wishes when they appointed his replacement.
The council will interview its five finalists on Jan. 27, at Richland City Hall, 655 Swift Blvd.
The session will be held in public, but it will not be broadcast on the city’s video channels.
After the public interviews, the council will meet in executive session to discuss the candidates qualifications, but it must vote in a public session.
That person will be sworn into office at the council’s Feb. 3 meeting.
To know more the applicants, see their more-detailed applications at richlandwa.gov under “Current Vacancies/View Submitted Applications.”
Five finalists
Britton “Britt” Creer. Creer is a Tri-Cities real estate developer and Richland High School graduate, as well as member of the Richland Housing Authority.
Operating as Ranchland Homes LLC, he has developed numerous projects, including his current one, Urban Range, a large-scale development in western Kennewick.
“I am interested in escalating my service level as I get older and have more time,” he said in his application.
Samantha Mason. Mason is a Richland High School graduate and dietitian. She has served on the city’s parks and recreation commission.
“Public service is beyond personal opinions and objectives, it is ensuring that decisions are made equitably and in line with the city’s values,” she wrote.
Andrew Rice. Rice is a retired chemist who worked at the Hanford site and later Energy Northwest’s Columbia Generating Station.
He said his priorities include infrastructure, financial stability, quality of life and community representation.
Todd Samuel. Samuel is a Richland High School graduate He is a research manager at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in the building systems group. He is on the city’s planning commission and code enforcement board.
“I am passionate about supporting efforts that enable Richland to continue to thrive as a safe, affordable, attractive and inviting place to live, work, and do business.”
Kyle Palmer. Palmer is a real estate executive and a third-generation Richland resident who has served two terms on the city’s planning commission, including as its chair.
“I have a long-term connection to the city and a personal interest in seeing Richland remain a well-run, welcoming place for families and businesses.”
Other applicants
Christyanna VanDyle. VanDyke is the daughter of Landsman, whose seat is being filled. She served in the U.S. Army for eight years and is pursuing a degree in health science.
“I am committed to public service and improving the community I call home.”
Pete Rogalsky. Rogalsky served as Richland’s public works director for 20 years, until l he retired in 2024. He serves on the city’s economic development committee.
“My experience living and working in the community can provide valuable insight to continue that pattern of sound management.”
Kyle Saltz. Saltz ran unsuccessfully to unseat Councilman Kurt Maier in the 2025 election. He is a military veteran and member of the tactical response team on the Hanford Patrol after serving as a counterintelligence agency for the U.S. Army.
“I wish to honor my friend, my mentor and the wishes of Donald (Landsman) by stepping forward and fulfilling this post.”
Colin Michael. Michael, an engineer, unsuccessfully challenged Councilman Ryan Whitten for his seat, losing in the 2025 general election.
“We have the resources, the land and the location to be one of the most attractive and economically vibrant cities in the region, but we lack a clear long-term vision in key areas, particularly downtown development and residential and business land use.”
Roy Keck. Keck is a lifelong Richland resident and Columbia (later Richland) High School graduate who worked in nuclear energy before retiring. He served on the Port of Benton commission for 18 years before he was unseated in 2025.
“I am a dedicated public servant and would appreciate the opportunity to continuing serving my community as a council member.”
Leisa Moore. Moore brings a background in legal advocacy, administrative work and real estate to the role.
“I care deeply about Richland’s long-term safety, stability, and responsible growth.”
Anna Tadlock. Tadlock is a community volunteer with experience as a PTA president, neighborhood events coordinator and church leader.
“I care deeply about the safety, stability, and long-term well-being of our community and the families who live here.”
Colleen Lane. Lane is a real estate executive and manager of The Lane Real Estate Team.
“I see every day how development choices affect traffic, services, and our neighborhoods.”
Michael Shane Thorson. Thorson is a military veterans advocate.
“I care deeply about Richland’s quality of life and long-term stability.”
Anthony Sharpe Sharpe is a Columbia (later Richland) High School graduate and retired owner of Danna Insurance Agency.
He said he wants to serve to “continue the vision that Donald Landsman would have brought to the Council.”
Heidi Mortensen. Mortensen has lived in Richland most of her life and an emergency room nurse and real estate agent.
She is interested in serving on the council “to help ensure that Richland continues to be governed in a way that is balanced, deliberate, and focused on the overall public good.”
Devin Sutherland. Sutherland is a U.S. postal worker and grew up in Richland.
He said “it is time for me to come to the table and be part of the team of decision makers that represent our community.”
Ragan Faylor. Faylor is a certified real estate appraiser with previous experience in code enforcement and animal control.
“My experience as serving on the Code Enforcement board and being an animal control officer for Tri-Cities Animal services brings real life knowledge of some of the challenges of the city of Richland.”
Nathaniel C. Davis. Davis is a business owner, as well as an active volunteer for numerous organizations, including his church.
“I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country,” he said, quoting Nathaniel Hale. “I feel this quote deep in my soul.”
Nathan Miller. Miller is a dispatcher with Ben Franklin Transit. “Effective local government plays a critical role in maintaining quality of life, supporting responsible growth, and ensuring that city services operate efficiently and fairly for residents.”
Edward Munoz. Munoz is a telecommunications technician for Energy Northwest, a professional disc golfer and founder of the Judge James Lawless Memorial Disc Golf tournament.
“As a council member, I feel that I can advocate for those that feel that they do not have a voice and bring their voice to the council and make a difference.”
Eileen Herbertson. Herbertson is president of the Early Learning Co-operative and a community volunteer with an agriculture background.
She said she is “humbled by the idea of being able to repay the good this city has done for my family.”
Kurt Schweiger. Schweiger is active military with almost 27 years with the Army National Guard in Washington and California.
“State and national politics and the status quo don’t change from the top down, they are changed from the bottom up, starting in our very own communities.”
Mary Lipton. Lipton is a scientist and a 30-year Richland resident has worked at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, as an adjunct professor at Washington State University and owned a small business.
“Serving on the council would allow me to give back, work collaboratively, contribute my skills and judgment and play a meaningful role in shaping a future for Richland.
This story was originally published January 21, 2026 at 12:23 PM.