Election: Candidates for uncontested Richland council seats answer your questions

Richland thrives because of the wonderful jobs we have both in the scientific and nuclear area, and also in agriculture. Richland is the first city to use the new Targeted Urban Area program, but other cities will probably follow. Tax incentives have long been used to encourage businesses to come to an area and were used for companies like Boeing and Microsoft. I support programs that encourage jobs for Richland, particularly modular nuclear reactors.

However, I don’t support subsidizing new business in new areas that just compete with the central city and contribute to deteriorating conditions there.

There will be lots of things that people request, but we must be careful to maintain the core purpose of the city. Richland already has a beautiful library that we need to support, plus much material is available online, so I would not support a new library in south Richland.

I will do all I can to keep Richland beautiful and thriving. Graffiti and litter destroy a city. Although these activities carry up to 364 days in jail and up to a $5,000 fine, my first step would be to talk to the Richland police to find out if we are catching and charging offenders. Citizens can help by reporting graffiti to code enforcement and support volunteer efforts to do city cleanups. Our highways need more litter control. Personally, I pick up litter whenever I walk.

I was recently in Tennessee and saw no litter and no graffiti. Seattle is plagued by graffiti and litter, but as soon as one crosses into Bellevue, you seen none. Graffiti is a choice a city makes. Let’s keep our public restrooms open rather than see closures due to vandalism.

Code enforcement is critical to a city whether it be excessive animals or hording. One cannot negatively impact neighbors. I support effective code enforcement. One’s individual rights stop when others are negatively affected.

Fireworks such as sky rockets, or missile-type rockets, firecrackers, salutes, or chasers, are already prohibited by state law. Indian Reservations sell fireworks that are illegal by state law, but legal by Indian law. Many of these are sold in West Richland, which makes illegal fireworks more accessible to Richland. The answer does not seem to be to change the law, but to understand enforcement. I would talk to the police to see why the law is not enforced and what limits can be reasonably enforced. I would also like to know how much damage is caused by fireworks.

It is critical to protect the central city as it is a walkable community, close to the best parks and the river, has a milder climate, and is close to many desirable jobs. I have lived in this section for over 50 years and have no intentions of moving. I would look to codes that unnecessarily add to the cost of remodeling older homes. I support new development of city property near city hall for businesses and condominiums. I would investigate ownership of the Uptown and the old Albertsons building to try to develop that property without infringing on private property rights. I would look at adding amenities like pickle ball courts to unused parks in the central area rather than along the river. I would work for bike and walking safety so that we can continue to have a walkable community.