Open state House seat attracts several Mid-Columbia candidates

The fight for a state House seat representing voters in Benton, Franklin and Walla Walla counties has drawn a large candidate pool, with incumbent Republican Maureen Walsh not seeking re-election.

Five people — four Republicans and one Democrat — are vying to represent the 16th Legislative District in the upcoming August primary election.

They are Walla Walla Mayor Allen Pomraning, Prosser Councilwoman Mary Ruth Edwards, Pasco Councilwoman Rebecca Francik, Prosser School Board President William “Bill” Jenkin and Walla Walla businessman Skyler Rude.

Each said they believe they are the right person to take the torch from Walsh and champion the needs and interests of the region, while also guiding the state to better governance.

Ballots have already been mailed for the primary. They are due back to a voter’s county auditor or in an official ballot dropbox by 8 p.m. Aug. 2.

Walsh, of Walla Walla, is pursuing a seat in the state Senate held by Republican Mike Hewitt, also of Walla Walla. Hewitt is stepping down when his term ends.

Edwards, an elementary school teacher, has run against Walsh for the seat in the past. She told the Herald she is a true social conservative seeking to provide jobs and improve public safety, and her background qualifies to help the state address its shortcomings in education funding.

The state needs to better define what it is willing to pay for schools, Edwards said.

“As a teacher, I’m on the front lines,” she said.

Francik, the lone Democrat in the race, was re-elected to Pasco’s City Council just last fall. She had no plans to seek state office until several people in the community urged her to run, she said.

Francik also works as a teacher and librarian. Her skill set would go far in getting the region’s issues heard, she said.

“It’s important to have a Democrat representing our area,” she said. “We have no voice in the House majority caucus.”

Jenkin, who works as a financial adviser and co-owns a winery with his wife, said he has accomplished a lot in his role with the school board and community organizations, such as the Prosser Boys & Girls Club and Rotary.

Jenkin wants to help farmers secure access to water, but also address the state’s education issues without raising taxes, he said.

“I really want to bring what I’ve gained for this community to the whole district,” he said.

Rude was born and raised in Walla Walla, where he works in insurance and telecommunications. He has never been elected to office, but is a Republican precinct committee officer and was Walsh’s legislative assistant.

He told the Herald his top priority, as for any legislator, should be addressing K-12 funding. Raising taxes should be a last resort, he said, with closing exemptions or increasing public lands revenue being the first he’d want to consider.

“I’m the only one with legislative experience,” he said of the other candidates, noting that would give him an advantage over other freshman lawmakers.

Pomraning, a retired engineer and project manager, is running on a platform including economic development, affordable housing and mental health services, according to the voter’s pamphlet.

He wants to properly fund K-12 education by swapping out levy funds with state tax dollars and is opposed to raising the state’s income tax. He did not respond to a request for comment.

“Our Legislature needs experienced leadership, transparent honesty, teamwork, vision and community passion,” Pomraning said in his pamphlet statement. “I bring that experience.”

This story was originally published July 22, 2016 at 8:56 PM with the headline "Open state House seat attracts several Mid-Columbia candidates."