Richland councilman launches bid for Benton County commissioner job

A new candidate has entered what is turning into a crowded race for Benton County commissioner.

Richland City Councilman Michael Alvarez is joining Richland businessman Donald Landsman in challenging incumbent Jerome Delvin. All three are Republicans.

Official filing for the November election starts next week with the Benton County Auditor’s Office.

The co-owner of Vision Mortgage, Alvarez is in his first term on the Richland City Council. He wants to use his background in finance to help make sure taxpayer money is spent wisely, he said.

In particular, Alvarez wants an accounting of the county’s Public Safety Sales Tax fund.

The three-tenths of a percent public safety sales tax was approved by voters in 2014. It became the focus of public scrutiny after city officials grew concerned about a $16 million reserve fund in the budget in 2017. The commissioners have since spent some of the reserve.

Alvarez also the area needs a mental health facility to help people with substance abuse disorders, as well.

“We need to plan for the future,” he said. “I know how important affordable housing is to our young generation, families and to our low-income households. This will take teamwork between the Benton County officials working with the cities within the county, as well as working with our state Legislature to make this happen.”

Alvarez said in his announcement that he’s been endorsed by former state Rep. Larry Haler, R-Richland. The letter touts Alvarez’s ability to listen to both sides of an issue.

This story was originally published May 7, 2020 at 6:15 PM.