Election: Pasco City Council candidates answer your questions

I bring over 15 years of hands-on experience working in Pasco and a strong mix of public and private sector knowledge. As a construction services manager in the engineering field, I understand infrastructure, permitting and project delivery from the ground up. On the council, I’ve helped modernize outdated codes, reduce fees that slow development, and pass reforms that improve efficiency and transparency.

I may be direct, but the public will always know where I stand, and I will continue to hold our local government accountable. I’m also a professional who believes in constantly learning and improving, which is why I obtained both the Certificate of Municipal Leadership and the Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities. My approach is results driven, data focused and rooted in accountability to Pasco’s taxpayers.

Based on my skills and the results I’ve been able to accomplish with the help of the council, I’ve earned the trust and endorsements of our Pasco firefighters union, law enforcement professionals, local builders, and organizations like the Tri-City Association of Realtors. We got things done, and the people have noticed.

I oppose both. Families are already stretched thin by high costs. Before asking taxpayers for more, we need to better manage what we have. We also need to ask if we’re doing the projects residents actually want to see. Sylvester Street was a disaster that drew significant public backlash, and we need to learn from that. I want to see us prioritize projects that truly add value to our quality of life.

That’s why we’ve reformed our transportation impact fees, transportation impact analysis process, and other development regulations so we don’t leave money on the table. By making sure growth pays for growth and that our fees are predictable, we’ll enable more development and long term revenue for the city. Pasco’s road issues won’t be solved by more fees or higher taxes. They’ll be solved through smarter priorities, accountability, and stronger financial discipline.

We need structural, not short term, fixes. That means controlling operational growth, freezing unnecessary hires, reviewing contracts and cutting programs that don’t deliver measurable value. It’s not just about smarter planning. It’s about asking where we’re spending taxpayer dollars and whether the community is getting value out of it. The council in 2022 should have never rubber stamped the hiring of hundreds of employees without new, recurring revenue to support it. That’s why I will push for a policy that states we don’t hire or spend any tax funds without a recurring revenue source in place.

This council has already updated our fee structures to better align with neighboring jurisdictions. We were leaving money on the table. From development review fees to water rights charges, those updates directly support responsible growth. For the general fund, the focus should be on increasing sales tax revenue by promoting economic development, not raising taxes. Investments in infrastructure that attract commercial growth, like the Broadmoor TIF and the future Targeted Urban Area, will help flip our tax base. We can’t keep expanding government. It’s our biggest expense.

Yes. The council exists to represent the people’s voice. When residents raise concerns, we have a duty to listen and ensure transparency. Honestly, it’s kind of an odd question to ask if this is something we should address, given that a previous city council in the 1980s approved adding fluoride to the water. If that decision was made decades ago, it’s reasonable for today’s council to review it and hear from the public again.

That’s the problem with the media. They label these topics as controversial, but why can’t we have honest conversations about issues that need to be addressed? That’s why government is often reactive instead of proactive. We shouldn’t shy away from these discussions. We should be running toward them and doing what the people are asking us to do. Decisions should always be guided by facts, data and community input, not political pressure.

Let’s be frank. My opponent has been endorsed by the Franklin County Democrats, and I’ve been endorsed by the Franklin County Republican Party. This position is non partisan in the sense that we don’t put an R or D next to our name, but we all have values and principles that guide our decisions. Mine align with the Republican Party. The people of Pasco spoke in 2023. They wanted a community rooted in family values, fiscal conservatism and government accountability. Those are the values I represent, and that’s how I lead.

I support responsible celebration with common sense rules. Fireworks are a long standing tradition in our community, but safety and respect for neighbors must come first. We need to enforce our laws and look into how we can cite people who break them. I’ve been working on this issue to help our police get a better handle on enforcement. I’m not going to wait for someone’s house to burn down. This is about accountability and focusing our council on quality of life issues that directly impact our residents.

I bring a mix of business experience, housing knowledge and community perspective that fit well with the responsibilities of city council. As a real estate broker, I’ve spent years helping families and small businesses navigate Pasco’s housing market, so I see firsthand how issues like affordability, transportation and infrastructure affect everyday life. That background gives me a practical understanding of how growth happens on the ground — and how city policies can either help or hinder it.

I also bring experience working with local labor and neighborhood groups, which has shaped how I approach problem-solving. I value fairness, clear communication and long-term thinking, especially when it comes to infrastructure and development. My goal is to help Pasco grow in a way that keeps opportunities within reach for working families while maintaining transparency and accountability in how the city makes decisions.

I’m not interested in raising any taxes or fees that are simply a tax by another name, without first having real conversations with the public. People deserve to know exactly what they’re getting, what it will cost, and how it will benefit them. Just as importantly, I want to hear their thoughts before any decision is made. Transparency and community input have to come first.

If, after those conversations, the community agrees that additional funding for road improvements is needed, I would lean toward a small sales tax increase rather than a car tab fee. A sales tax spreads the cost more fairly across everyone who uses our roads—residents, visitors, contractors, and businesses from neighboring cities. It doesn’t single out car owners and creates a steadier, more predictable source of revenue over time. Roads are used by everyone, and the responsibility for maintaining them should be shared.

Before looking for new revenue, I think the city needs to start with a full, transparent review of how dollars are being spent. That means identifying what’s essential, what can be delayed, and where efficiencies can be found without cutting the services people rely on most. I’d also like to see the city improve how it tracks the long-term costs of decisions. Sometimes what looks like a savings today ends up costing more down the road.

On the revenue side, we should focus on growing our economic base instead of leaning on one-time fixes or new taxes. That means supporting responsible development that brings new businesses and housing into Pasco, helping existing local businesses expand, and attracting employers who provide family-wage jobs. As Pasco grows, that growth should help sustain city services through a broader tax base.

Finally, I think the city should explore partnerships, public, private, and regional, to share costs on infrastructure and services that benefit more than just Pasco. Collaboration can stretch our dollars further and reduce the need for deeper cuts while still keeping the city on a solid financial footing.

Yes, I believe the city council is an appropriate place for these kinds of conversations, especially when they involve public health, safety, and infrastructure. Council members are elected to represent the people of Pasco, and that means being willing to engage with difficult or controversial topics openly and respectfully. Avoiding those conversations does not build trust; transparency and dialogue do.

It is also important that these discussions are grounded in credible data and expert guidance. In the case of water fluoridation, the science is clear that it improves public health by reducing tooth decay, particularly for children and families who may not have regular access to dental care. While the topic can be emotional, it is exactly the kind of issue where the council has a duty to listen to the community, weigh the evidence and make a decision based on long-term public benefit.

I believe the city council should remain a nonpartisan body. Our city manager form of government was created that way for a reason, to keep party politics from getting in the way of solving local problems. When we let political labels shape how we see each other, we lose sight of what really matters, which is how our decisions affect the people who live and work here.

One of the biggest problems we face today, not just in Pasco but everywhere, is the “us versus them” mindset. It divides neighbors, stalls progress, and keeps us from having honest conversations about what our community truly needs. Local government should be where we set that thinking aside. We should be focused on fixing roads, supporting local businesses, creating housing people can afford, and making Pasco a great place for all its residents. None of that depends on political affiliation.

I did accept the endorsement of the Franklin County Democratic Party after reaching out to several community groups to listen and exchange ideas. We found common ground on how to strengthen our city, and that alignment led to their support. But my focus remains on community, not party. This campaign is about people, policy, and working together to make Pasco stronger for everyone.

I support keeping our current fireworks laws. Ground-based fireworks that families enjoy are fine with me, but the loud aerial ones that cause safety and disturbance problems are often brought in from outside the area and are illegal here. We need to do a better job enforcing those laws and helping people understand why they exist.

The big, noisy fireworks are banned for good reasons, they pose serious fire risks and can be distressing for veterans, pets, and young children. With better education and consistent enforcement, we can keep celebrations fun and safe without turning this into a bigger issue than it needs to be.

I was born and raised in Pasco, and my family has deep roots in this community. Pasco isn’t just where I live — it’s home. I remember growing up on Road 68 when our house was surrounded by open fields, and the city transit only went as far as the Pasco Kmart. I graduated from Pasco High back when it was the only high school in town, and I’ve had the privilege of witnessing our city’s tremendous growth over the years.

In high school, I participated in DECA and dreamed of competing in Hotel Hospitality. At the time, there were so few hotels in the area that we couldn’t compete — but that dream stayed with me. Today, with more than 20 years of experience in hospitality, event planning, and hotel management, I’ve come full circle. I helped open the first My Place Hotel in the Pacific Northwest and played a role in growing the brand.

Giving back to the community that shaped me has always been a priority. Over the years, I’ve served on several boards and committees, including Pasco Youth Football, the Pasco Chamber of Commerce, the Tri-Cities Legislative Council, the HAPO Advisory Board, Visit Tri-Cities, the Pasco Public Facilities District, and the Tri-Cities Water Follies. Each role has been an opportunity to give back, support our youth, strengthen local businesses, and help Pasco continue to thrive.

While neither option is ideal, it’s important that we find a solution that supports the City’s needs. We are continuing to evaluate both options carefully to determine what will best serve both the City and its residents.

Increasing the sales tax could place an additional burden on citizens and potentially drive more spending to neighboring communities with lower tax rates. Implementing a modest $30 car tab fee, which directly supports road maintenance from those who regularly use them, appears to be a more balanced and practical approach.

The continued development of the Broadmoor area presents a major opportunity to expand Pasco’s economic base through new revenue-generating businesses. Strategic growth in this district can help attract both local and regional consumers, keeping more spending within our community. To remain competitive, Pasco needs to focus on creating a distinctive “wow factor” — something unique that sets us apart from neighboring cities and draws visitors and businesses from Kennewick and Richland to shop, dine, and invest here.

The planned Aquatic Center will also serve as a key attraction, drawing families from across the region to enjoy quality recreation time in Pasco — and potentially encouraging additional shopping and dining while they’re here.

I have taken the time to research and speak with many residents about the topic of fluoride in our water. As a council member, I am looking at this issue very carefully—considering how it will impact not only my district but all citizens of Pasco. I understand that not everyone has regular access to dental care, and for some, the fluoride in our water may be their primary source of dental protection.

This is a sensitive and important issue that I take very seriously. My goal is to ensure that I have all the facts and perspectives before making an informed and balanced decision that best serves our entire community.

I have always believed it’s my responsibility to serve everyone—regardless of political affiliation, religious background, or sexual orientation. My role as a council member is to listen, to understand, and to help address the needs of every resident in our community. When someone from my district or anywhere in Pasco comes to me for help, I approach every situation with kindness, respect, and a genuine desire to serve. I choose to give back because I love this city and the people who make it such a special place to call home.

I want everyone to be able to celebrate the 4th of July freely and with joy—but also with respect for those around them. Many veterans and others in our community live with PTSD, and loud fireworks can be deeply distressing. The same is true for our elderly residents, pets who become frightened, and children with autism who may struggle with sensory overload. If we could all take care to respect the boundaries and ordinances already in place, everyone could enjoy the holiday safely and considerately.

I am running for the District 6 seat on the Pasco City Council. I am a 20-year resident of downtown Pasco and spent my entire career serving at-risk and marginalized communities accessing needed health, translation, legal and employment services. I am currently an Employment Specialist at Sagebrush Employment Services helping vulnerable individuals obtain employment. In this role, I assist Medicaid recipients obtain employment by connecting them with employers and providing information about applying for job openings and the job application process.

Whether it is employment, healthcare, or legal administrative services, I have learned how the legal system works and what it takes to make lasting changes that will improve our community. That knowledge and experience will enable me to work with the council in achieving equitable and better living conditions for the diverse population living in Pasco.

On difficult policy considerations, such as this one, my approach first is to listen to the views expressed by Pasco residents and seek information from city staff. I will not make a hasty decision based on any ideological kneejerk reaction but my decision making process on an issue will focus on finding a consensus policy approach that can unify the council and the general public. I have listened to comments from the public, the city manager and council members during public meetings. I think both options – sales tax or car tab fee – have their advantages and disadvantages. On the whole, my view is that the sales tax option provides a better solution for Pasco residents than does that car tab fee.

First, any policy to fund our city’s transportation infrastructure must be fair to the city’s residents and taxpayers. Utilizing the sales tax option ensures that the greatest number of Pasco residents will contribute to paying for our infrastructure needs. It will also ensure that individuals coming into our city for athletic competitions, conventions and other events will also contribute to paying for the roads and highways they use to access those events. The car tab fee will result in a much smaller number of Pasco residents, those who own and drive a vehicle, will be made responsible for shouldering the burden of paying for our infrastructure. Those not owning a vehicle and those utilizing Pasco’s roads but not city residents will not have to pay for that infrastructure maintenance. The smaller number of residents who would be required to pay the car tab will end up paying more than the larger number of residents who would be paying the .01% sales tax.

Second, there is nothing that prevents the council and city staff from exercising the same level of fiscal responsibility and prudence with the sales tax option than the car tab option. Regardless of the option selected, council will need to provide strict oversight of city staff to ensure that the funds collected are used wisely and responsibly in building and maintaining our transportation infrastructure. I will absolutely exercise my oversight role to make sure every dollar we collect is utilized in an efficient and effective manner on behalf of our taxpayers.

Pasco already has the highest sales tax in the Tri-Cities. There is not much more that the city can do regarding the sales tax if we want to keep it as close as possible with the sales tax rates in Kennewick and Richland. I favor an approach that utilizes the responsible spending of our city’s tax dollars and management of our city’s budget. I support, as a temporary and short-term solution, utilizing our reserves to fill in budget gaps, but the city must reform how it budgets and spends over the medium and long term, so that we live within our means and do not rely on reserve accounts to maintain necessary city services.

One way we can do a better job to live within our means is to do a better job in the planning and implementation of major infrastructure projects. The Lewis Street Overpass project is an example of the need to do better planning, which is necessary to save money and keep our budget balanced. The Lewis Street Overpass was way over budget because of a ridiculous number of change orders and not completed on time.

I struggle to understand why this is an issue the council has decided to use its limited time considering. What is the problem with our City’s drinking water that merits opening a contentious debate over keeping or removing fluoride out of the drinking water? This is a manufactured issue being promoted by individuals with an ideological agenda. As a result, a majority of council has commenced a contentious debate that is dividing our City and wasting council’s time on a so-called “solution” that has no problem.

I oppose removing the fluoride from our City’s drinking water. This has serious health and economic consequences for our City’s residents. Removing the fluoride will directly harm the dental health of our residents and will especially impact the dental health of children the most. Our low income residents will experience not just the oral health consequences of the fluoride being removed but also the potentially devastating financial consequences of high dental healthcare needs. Those without dental insurance will be forced to choose between seeking the oral care they need or paying for rent, groceries or other bills. Dentists are also less likely to take Medicaid to cover dental care, which will also harm low income residents.

Fluoride in the amounts currently in the City’s drinking water is entirely safe. The savings the City will accrue by taking fluoride out of the water will be greatly overshadowed by the high health and financial costs our residents, especially the most vulnerable, will pay.

I would and have accepted endorsements from organizations whose members are our community members, neighbors and fellow voters. They support issues I have focused on in my campaign. These are the issues that voters throughout District 6 have told me they consider important: supporting our small businesses especially in the downtown, public safety and clean streets, good City roads and developing solutions to address homelessness. I believe that having conversations with members of community organizations including local political parties, is part of the process of engaging with voters and earning support that every candidate for public office should do.

That being said, I have not promoted a specific party platform or an specific ideological agenda in my campaign, in my candidate statement or in my campaign literature. I believe that a city council member should be solutions-focused, collaborative and not shy away from finding consensus on issues before the council. Collaboration and consensus seeking will be my approach on the council. The city council should remain non-partisan. I will serve all of the residents of Pasco regardless of their background.

Pasco residents should be able to purchase fireworks if they wish. I support ordinances that include guidelines for public safety and protecting City and private property.