Kennewick has three competitive city council races on the Nov. 4 ballot.
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.
A new city hall in Kennewick should be built on land the city owns close to the current city hall on 6th Avenue. Building it elsewhere to the south (Southridge) or west (near county government buildings, the jail and county administration building) would be a big loss to downtown Kennewick and the historic area. Such a shift would likely suck the air out of downtown.
Our city hall is in a pedestrian friendly area – a library, city aquatic complex, new high school, an excellent police station, new fire station, with a post office within easy reach of downtown retail and dining businesses. We need to keep city civic services close.
Also, an east side city hall allows public works/engineering city staff based at the Dan Frost Municipal Building so workers are not far away for meetings at city hall. A new city hall south or west would not be as convenient.
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?
Impact fees for fire stations, new parks/recreation facilities, potential metro parks district and a transportation benefit district are the downside of growth (especially since past city leaders long ago did not anticipate the magnitude of coming growth). My greater concern is that these fees, while currently limited to certain designated areas of Kennewick, could with a council majority become citywide. If that happens the income from those citywide fees could go for accommodating new growth before addressing important issues in older parts of Kennewick.
I believe costs of new growth should be shouldered, as much as possible, by the new growth. Growth in Kennewick must be “smart growth,” which protects our best lifestyle assets and qualities for future generations.
As for raising sales taxes, absolutely not. They are Kennewick’s largest single source of income, more than property taxes. We must protect them. Oregon and Idaho are our neighbors/competitors with their lower taxes.
3. What makes you stand apart from your opponent?
My opponent and I have one large difference — my knowledge, quality and quantity of experience on the job at city hall. I am the longest currently sitting council member whose top priority has been holding government accountable. That includes a tight eye on city spending.
Currently the council is considering a new 10-year franchise agreement with Waste Management. I oppose the proposed agreement because it shows a substantial double-digit increase coupled with a net no-increase in service.
I also have long advocated for “open/ observable labor negotiations” for city employees who use union representatives to hammer out pay and conditions of work. This is done in total secrecy without allowing employees, city council members, or the taxpaying public to simply observe. This is not transparency in government, which is fundamental to having accountability. I seek re-election because holding government accountable falls on those who can. My record shows I have.
4. How should Kennewick go about replacing its 70-year-old pool?
Kennewick needs a new pool, obviously, but where do we get the money? What should “a replacement” be? And where do we put it? It’s either an $8 million question or a $30+ million question. Answers are not easy. Replacement cost with the same size “pool-for-pool” is least costly, but some people envision a pool complex large enough for regional competitions, perhaps even indoors, and perhaps incorporated with a multi-purpose, two-story recreation center. Such a dream project would be very expensive.
I will support what is doable, which should be a replacement pool that can host regional competitions located where the current pool complex is now. I oppose putting a new indoor pool under one roof with a new city hall project — not good planning for the future. There’s always Southridge or perhaps West Kennewick, but I prefer a new pool being near Kennewick High School and the city civic center.
5. Are there any services, new or old, that you believe should be expanded or considered by city staff?
New/old ideas for Kennewick should start with more emphasis on our downtown. It has been short-shirted too long. $50,000 annually isn’t enough. The HDKP deserves more of city hall talent/expertise.
Also, complete a system of safer bicycle paths. Currently, our cyclists are required to pedal arm’s length away from cars, trucks and buses on 35-45 mph roads. At least one fatality on Clearwater Avenue resulted. We also should consider safety during summertime when motorists heading west face blinding afternoon/evening sun and difficulty seeing bicyclists and EV scooters in the bike lane. At the least we need to mark bike lanes on Clearwater and 10th Avenue with reflective marking material.
And, Kennewick is plagued by under-aged, unlicensed, unregistered drivers of gas-powered scooters, mini-bikes, and EV people-movers that too frequently ignore the rules of the road. Kennewick should lobby for appropriate legislation to curtail this activity before serious injury occurs.
Warren Hughs did not respond to the candidate questionnaire.
