Kennewick has three competitive city council races on the Nov. 4 ballot. Ward 1 incumbent Mayor Gretl Crawford is not running for reelection. This race will see an incumbent from an at-large seat facing off against an economics professor for the position.
The Tri-City Herald sent each candidate a list of questions from readers and our newsroom. Candidates were asked to answer the same questions as their opponent, or respond to a question relevant to a specific position an incumbent has taken.
Click on each question to show the candidate’s answer.
Frequently Asked Questions 1. Do you believe a new city hall should remain downtown or be relocated to a new site? Please explain your answer.
I am supportive of city hall remaining downtown at or near its current location.
2. From fire impact fees in Southridge to sales tax increases to afford the Three Rivers Convention Center expansion, taxes and fees are on the rise in Kennewick. Do you agree with these increases?
I voted in favor of fire impact fees on the Southridge area for the new fire station that will be built in the Southridge area. This fire station is needed to provide fire and EMS service to the growing population in that area. This should be paid for by the new developments that are creating the need for the fire station. That is what this impact fee does.
I voted in favor of the convention center expansion. For the city to provide the essential services that the community needs we need to promote continued growth of businesses and the economy of Kennewick. The convention center expansion provides for major improvements to investments in our community and increased revenue through conventions, sporting competitions, and other events.
3. What makes you stand apart from your opponent?
I think what makes me stand apart from my opponent is my experience and track record. My career has been in local government, finding fiscally responsible solutions to the challenges in our community. Additionally, my focus on promoting economic growth through smart community investments and working to promote a stronger community feeling through increased community events sets me apart.
4. How should Kennewick go about replacing its 70-year-old pool?
I think that the Kenneth Serier Pool has served our community well during the last 70 years. Any replacement of the pool needs to be completed with a long-term vision in mind. We need to carefully plan for future uses and needs, and then develop a plan for that implementation. One of the biggest challenges to building a new pool is the cost of the pool and how the new pool would be funded. A combination of state, county, city, school district, and private funding is most likely going to be needed to fund a new pool.
5. Are there any services, new or old, that you believe should be expanded or considered by city staff?
I think our city staff provide good service to our community. One area where we could see more investment is in our city parks. Kennewick is a beautiful place to recreate and enjoy the outdoors, and one of my priorities on city council is to transfer ownership of Columbia Park from the federal government to the City of Kennewick, so that we can improve access and use of the riverfront in Kennewick.
Frequently Asked Questions 1. Do you believe a new city hall should remain downtown or be relocated to a new site? Please explain your answer.
I have yet to hear a convincing case that relocating city hall would be worth the significant cost. Building new facilities in a more central location might bring some benefits, but most of those would go to developers and long-term investors, while the people of Kennewick would be left paying off debt for decades. That debt would limit our ability to fund other priorities, especially if sales tax revenues drop in the future.
Alternatively, although renovating city hall where it is may be trickier to design, it would cost much less and keep city funds available for other projects. I believe that responsible growth for Kennewick means focusing on smaller, targeted projects — improving what we already have, strengthening existing neighborhoods like the downtown area around city hall, and making steady, thoughtful change — rather than chasing big developments just because they are shiny and new.
2. From fire impact fees in Southridge to sales tax increases to afford the Three Rivers Convention Center expansion, taxes and fees are on the rise in Kennewick. Do you agree with these increases?
Running a city and providing essential services like fire protection costs money, and residents will always cover these costs through taxes and fees — that’s unavoidable. My understanding is that most fire impact fees in Southridge are paid for by those choosing to build new projects in the area, and the Three Rivers Convention Center expansion is not funded by sales tax increases. If I am mistaken in my understanding of these projects, I welcome more information.
But generally, it makes sense that projects are funded by those who benefit most and can afford it, rather than relying on general taxes that hit lower-income households hardest.
That said, we should always be careful about how aggressively we expand and how much we ask residents to pay. New facilities don’t need to be extravagant. Our goal should be well-designed, functional, and efficient facilities that serve the community without unnecessary cost.
3. What makes you stand apart from your opponent?
Jason and I have a lot in common, and in many ways he’s the kind of person I would welcome on the council alongside me. But I believe there are two things that set me apart. First is my approach to responsible growth that prioritizes residents who tend to be underserved. I believe in finding creative ways to strengthen existing neighborhoods, increase walkability, and support small businesses.
Second, I recognize that recent federal actions are already starting to hurt Kennewick residents, and I am committed to protecting our community as much as possible. Cuts to Medicaid and SNAP benefits, loss of federal jobs, increased actions against immigrants, and dangerous rhetoric that pits us against each other all create real challenges. We need to work together to respond and adapt, to strengthen the safety, stability, and unity of our city.
4. How should Kennewick go about replacing its 70-year-old pool?
I think we should start any project from first principles by first asking what needs the pool is currently serving. For example, if we need access to pools, we could renovate the existing pool or build a new one. Alternatively, we could partner with private clubs to make better use of existing neighborhood pools that are struggling to maintain membership.
If the pool is just a public place to cool off and exercise, we could instead build more splash pads at a lower cost and provide other ways to exercise like nature paths or an indoor fitness center.
Whatever approach we take, we should involve residents in shaping the scope of the facility and how it will be funded. Specifically, I think that the people who are most passionate about a project should have a leading role in its planning and execution. I am open to ideas.
5. Are there any services, new or old, that you believe should be expanded or considered by city staff?
Many cities have a non-driver advisory committee that consists of people in the community who do not drive. They may be elderly, disabled, too young to drive, or they may just choose not to. I think this would be a good idea to implement in Kennewick, to get feedback on how difficult it is to access amenities without a car.
I am also an advocate for increasing partnership with and promotion of organizations that provide education and services for people starting small businesses. We should encourage small business owners to share their tips and tricks with each other, and to buy locally from other small businesses. If one person succeeds in opening a new salon, food truck, or craft shop online, then we all win.
